How do you know when you feel burned out?

As we finish out the week, I’ve really begun to think about how we can tune into our bodies to know when we are beginning to feel burned out. Perhaps like some of you, I started out the week rested, at peace and excited for the week ahead. Now, despite doing work I love that has deep meaning for me, I found myself today exhausted, tired and spent. I have two parts of my back that act up when I’m starting to feel the strain. Despite sleep, exercise and healthy food, I had little down time the last few days and I could feel it. Not only in my neck but also in my energy and attitude toward everyone around me. I was not my best self these last few days.

What is your sign that you need to take a break or a rest? How do you tune into your body, mind and heart, to know when you need to give yourself some grace?

I spend much of my week working with physicians struggling with burnout and overwhelm. And even though I am absorbed in this work, day in and day out, and even though I am deeply passionate about helping all of us to set healthy boundaries, I still struggle and fall short doing the same for myself. I’m human, just like you, and just like all of us.

When you sense your own sign to slow down and take care of your body on the simplest level, stop. Do it now. You have the power. You can make this happen. You have more control and agency than you think you do. Allow yourself to rest.

Take care dear friends this weekend. I will be allowing myself to rest, as I hope you will, too. We have to so that we can recharge, and be the best version of ourselves that we can be.

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