“Burnout is nature’s way of telling you you’ve been going through the motions but your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administering stimulants to an exhausted nervous system.”
~ Sam Keen
Every day you struggle to get out of bed.
Even the little things on your to-do list feel like huge chores.
You feel emotionally and spiritually stuck.
You may be on the verge of burnout.
In the age of hyper-busyness and over-stimulation, the experience burnout has become commonplace.
So many of us live like the walking dead. We are not intentional about what we want in life. We’re unaware of what we truly need to feel alive. We don’t know how to listen to our bodies when it’s crying out for rest. We live in survival mode from hour to hour.
We’ve bought into the myth that any activity that seems to be a time waster has no place in our fast-paced lives. But it’s making us sick, even killing us.
Here are thirteen “time wasters” to help prevent burnout:
1. Take naps
This doesn’t have to be an hour-long commitment. All you need is about 20 minutes to feel rebooted for the rest of the day.
2. Talk to strangers
We’re taught from a young age never to talk to strangers. Most of us never grow out of this mindset. At best, it’s a waste of time. At worst, it feels dangerous. And with our devices to distract us, we may not feel the need to engage others. But exchanging a few pleasantries with a stranger can make you feel more connected to the wider world. You won’t feel as alone or isolated – which is a hallmark of burnout.
3. Go for walks
We often walk to get from point A to point B. But walking can be very therapeutic. Go for a walk in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the afternoon. If you live near a park or nature trail, go there.
4. Journal
Journaling or writing regularly helps you process your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. It’s a good way to discharge negativity before it can do any harm.
5. Create stuff
Write a song or poem, create a painting, build something. Whatever you can make, just start working at it and offer it to the world. Don’t worry about making something perfect. The act of making give your mind the rest it needs to be rejuvenated over time.
6. Listen to music
Sit, close your eyes, and enjoy, or throw an impromptu dance party if that’s more your style.
7. Play with the kids
No parent will readily admit that playing with their kid can feel like a time waster. But playing with them and letting them set the pace will do wonders for your spirit – and your relationships with some very important people.
8. Linger
Notice something in your environment that catches your eye? A flower? A painting? A beautiful building? Linger with it for a while. Resist rushing off to the next thing.
9. Learn something new
This helps mix up regular routines that cause our minds to stay in autopilot. Learn a new language, game, instrument, or skill, such as public speaking or throwing a frisbee. Push yourself out of your comfort zone.
10. Laugh
Serious-looking people seem more productive while laughing people can tend to look lazy. But laughing regularly is wonderful medicine for the soul.
11. Read a book
Only reading three books a year? Try to double that rate this year.
12. Eat slowly
It’s good for digestion and you might even end up eating less.
13. Take a different route
If you drive the same roads on your daily commute, try switching things up every so often. It may take a little longer to get to where you’re going, but you’ll begin to notice the world outside your head again.
The urgent vs the important
If you spend your days pursuing only what’s urgent, you’ll eventually burn out.
Schedule time every day to do one or more things on this list.
Because they are not urgent, they will feel like time wasters.
But they’ll be most consequential to your well-being.
Lovely list – thank you, Cylon.
Playing with children can be the last thing we want to do when we are feeling precious and that our ‘stuff’ is so important. And that is the exact time and reason when we should play with children.
Thank you (from your little, zombie friend).
Totally agree. I often have to say to my self, “I need this now more than ever!”