How Can I Approach My Energy Levels Differently In Burnout?

It can be a relieving moment to realize everything we do in life, we have a choice about it. The way we do things, the amount of time we spend doing things, and the emotions we have towards doing things, we have a choice. While we may have obligations we have to uphold in our daily lives, that is one thing, but realizing we can do the same things we have been doing at different levels is an option. 

If you look at your energy levels as a spectrum, it can help to make sure you’re not over extending yourself into a place of burnout. Life is full of demands, but we can learn to move accordingly based on our energy levels. 

For example, right now things I have agreed to are a long commute, a new job, a long distance relationship, getting back into therapy, putting in work at the gym, and making sure I’m committing to writing each week. Now, these are things that make up my life and I need and want to do them to keep going. 

However, for each thing I listed and for each thing that’s on your list there’s a spectrum to which you can adjust your energy levels if you’re feeling lower. It’s easy to feel like you should be on and at 100% at all times, but that’s unrealistic. 

For example, when I’m in burnout I still have to do all the things I listed above and tend to them, but I can do it in a way that still gets it all done just in a different way. 

For my long commute, in a burnout I plan ahead and get gas so I don’t have to think about it, I get snacks and water in my car for the long drive to give me more energy, and I find music or podcasts ahead of time so I can just put it on in the car and not think. I also just sit in silence on my long drives in burnout and the lack of overstimulation is actually really nice and calming. 

For my long distance relationship in a burnout, I communicate. I let her know I’m feeling low and may not be as quick to respond to texts, I may need more down time and rest when I get home, I may want to do less activities, and may need more help this week. 

For the gym, this one usually frustrates me. If I’m in a burnout I typically am able to lift less weight, or I surprise myself and lift heavier than ever. Going to the gym helps me move through whatever is keeping me exhausted, it gives me the endorphins I need, it reminds me how strong I am, and it’s nice to feel a little rejuvenation afterwards. 

With my writing, I make sure to have a few writing pieces already written in case I need a week off. By doing this, I’m still meeting my goals but am able to rest. 

These are just examples of how I can move my energy levels around but still do what I need to do. Burnouts require rest, but that doesn’t have to mean neglecting yourself. There will still be times when even this is too much and you have to do a complete stop and that’s okay. 

For me, my burnouts happen quite often and I can feel them coming on by the way I feel, speak to myself, and take in the world so doing these things helps me hold off on a full stop burn out as long as possible. Planning, resting, and knowing when you need a little more down time is the key to managing your energy levels in a burnout.