Mindset Archives - LAYLO yoga and wellness

BUSTING BURNOUT MYTHS

Unmasking Burnout: Debunking Common Myths

Burnout is an increasingly recognized issue in our fast-paced world, but it’s also widely misunderstood.

Many people attribute burnout to simple dissatisfaction with one’s job or believe it’s solely a job-related issue.

These misconceptions can hinder effective prevention and recovery. Let’s delve into what burnout truly is, what it is not, and debunk some prevalent myths.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. It is often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work or personal life, as well as a sense of reduced accomplishment. It was first recognized in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger, who observed it in professions with high stress levels.

Today, burnout is considered a legitimate occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines it specifically in the context of work. However, understanding it requires recognizing that it extends beyond just job-related issues.

Myth 1: You Don’t Like What You Do

One of the most pervasive myths is that burnout only happens because you don’t like your job. While job dissatisfaction can contribute to it, it is far from the whole story. Many people who love their jobs still experience burnout.

Passionate individuals often push themselves harder, set higher expectations, and may neglect self-care in pursuit of their goals. This is a recipe for burnout. Enjoying your work doesn’t make you immune to the pressures and stresses that cause burnout.

Myth 2: Burnout is Only Job-Related

Another common myth is that this situation is exclusively a job-related issue. While work stress is a significant factor, these feelings can also stem from other areas of life. This might include caregiving responsibilities, personal relationships, or even relentless personal pursuits.

The key elements — exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inefficacy—can emerge from any prolonged and intense stress, not just job-related stress.

What It Is

Chronic Stress Response: Burnout is a response to prolonged stress, leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and a feeling of reduced professional efficacy. It’s the result of a constant demand on your resources without adequate time for recovery.
Emotional and Physical Exhaustion: It often manifests as a deep fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. This exhaustion impacts both emotional and physical well-being, making it hard to find motivation or energy.
Cynicism and Detachment: People experiencing burnout often become cynical about their work and feel detached from their tasks and colleagues. This can lead to a decline in performance and satisfaction. The same can be true of feelings toward family obligations.
Sense of Inefficacy: It includes a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. Even when tasks are completed, you have a pervasive feeling that nothing is truly achieved.

What It Is Not

Simple Dislike for Work: Disliking your job can cause stress, but burnout is a deeper, more chronic issue. It that goes beyond simple dissatisfaction. It’s an erosion of the soul caused by an imbalance between demands and resources.
A Sign of Weakness: Experiencing burnout doesn’t mean you are weak or incapable. It’s a signal that the environment you’re in, or the way you’re managing stress, is unsustainable. It’s a call to reassess and adjust, not a reflection of personal failure.
A Professional Issue: Burnout isn’t confined to the workplace. Stay-at-home parents, caregivers, students, and anyone facing continuous stress without adequate support can experience burnout.

Addressing Burnout

To effectively combat burnout, it’s crucial to:

Recognize the Signs Early: Understanding the symptoms—chronic fatigue, detachment, and feelings of inefficacy—can help in seeking help sooner.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Ensuring adequate rest, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can help mitigate burnout.
Seek Support: Professional help, whether from a mental health professional or a supportive network, can provide strategies and relief.
Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices are vital in maintaining overall well-being and resilience against burnout.

Burnout is a complex, multifaceted issue that cannot be reduced to simple dislike for a job or confined to the workplace alone. By debunking these myths and understanding the true nature of it. We can better address it and foster healthier, more sustainable environments both at work and at home.

What Can I Do About It?

We will be talking more about this over the next few posts! Learn to recognize it early, avoid or combat it, and if you are already knee deep, how to overcome it. Stay tuned!

Isn’t it time to leave burnout behind and lead a life that makes YOU a priority? Consider rebooting your mind and body with one of our wellness retreats! Designed specifically to immerse you in an environment that takes you out of your daily grind, you will be able to focus on crafting your life in a way that honors your family and career while carving out time to pursue interests that excite you so you can feel balanced, fulfilled, and calm. Get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

BATTLING BURNOUT: NAVIGATING MODERN LIFE

By Laura Boundaries, Mindset, Yoga

Burnout – the struggle is real!

We are talking about burnout because it’s as real as that third cup of coffee you’re eyeing right now.

It’s that feeling of being utterly drained, mentally fried, and emotionally wrung out. If you’re nodding along, feeling like your life is a constant game of juggling balls made of glass, then you’re not alone.

So, what exactly is burnout? Well, it’s like trying to run a marathon with lead weights strapped to your ankles. It’s that overwhelming sensation of being pulled in a million different directions, with every task feeling like it’s due yesterday and will be due again tomorrow. Sound familiar?

Picture this: you’re juggling a demanding job, maybe climbing the corporate ladder or running your own business.

Now, add in the pressures of dealing with adult kids who still haven’t quite figured out this whole “adulting” thing. You know the drill: they need advice, financial support, emotional reassurance, and maybe grandkid babysitting while they’re at it. And let’s not forget about the job that’s demanding more from you than ever before. Deadlines, meetings, projects – it’s a never-ending cycle.

Another ball to juggle? Taking care of Mom and/or Dad. Doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, making sure they’re comfortable and cared for while trying to navigate the murky waters of healthcare, finances, and emotional support. It’s a whole other level of responsibility.

How does burnout affect us?

Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is! Burnout doesn’t discriminate; it can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It can wreak havoc on both our personal and professional lives faster than you can say “take a breather.” From sleepless nights to snapping at loved ones, the signs are all there.

But for us, seasoned women who’ve seen our fair share of battles, the stakes can feel even higher. We’ve spent decades honing our multitasking skills, balancing countless responsibilities, and putting everyone else’s needs before our own. The harsh truth, however, is that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

There is good news though! There are ways to combat burnout and reclaim your sanity. Here are a few tips to help you kick burnout to the curb:

6 tips to battle burnout

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without feeling guilty – both at work and at home. You don’t have to be superwoman, and it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being.
Delegate Like a Boss: You don’t have to do it all yourself. Whether it’s at work or within your family, learn to delegate tasks and share the load.

3. Prioritize Self-Care: I cannot stress this enough. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether it’s a bubble bath, a walk in nature, taking a yoga class, or losing yourself in a good book. And don’t skimp on sleep – your body and mind will thank you for it. Prioritize self-care like it’s your job.

4. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or even professional support if you need it. You’re not in this alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. This could look like hiring a cleaning service, delegating tasks at work, or enlisting your siblings to pitch in with or hire help for caregiving duties for your parents.

5. Find Balance: Balance is key to avoiding burnout. Take a step back and assess your priorities. Are you spreading yourself too thin? Are there areas of your life that need more attention?

6. Practice Mindfulness: In a world that’s constantly pulling us in a million different directions, mindfulness is like a life raft in a stormy sea. Take a few minutes each day to breathe, center yourself, and tune out the noise. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or simply savoring a cup of tea (or glass of wine!), find what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Burnout is NOT a badge of honor. It’s okay to take a step back, reassess, and reprioritize. Your mental and emotional well-being should always come first. So, take a deep breath, put down those juggling balls for a moment, and give yourself the grace to recharge.

You’ve got this! 💪🏼

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

“NO” IS A SUPERPOWER

By Laura Boundaries, Mindset

You may have heard that “no” is a complete sentence.

Honestly, though, it is more than that: it is a superpower!

NO is all about boundaries

Yep, those little lines we draw to keep ourselves sane amidst the chaos. Whether you’re juggling career, family, aging parents, or all of the above, setting boundaries is like slapping a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so you can actually catch a breath.

Picture this: You’re knee-deep in work, trying to meet deadlines and climb that career ladder. But then your phone pings with messages from your kiddos needing help with college issues/grandkids/money troubles, and your mom’s calling about dad’s doctor’s appointment. Sound familiar? Welcome to the life of the modern-day Wonder Woman, where multitasking isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

But here’s the thing – without boundaries, we’re like rubber bands stretched to the breaking point. Sure, we might bend and flex to meet everyone’s needs, but eventually, something’s gotta give. That’s where setting boundaries comes in.

Think of boundaries as your personal force field. They’re not about shutting people out; they’re about protecting your own well-being so you can show up as the best version of yourself. It’s like stabilizing your own footing before helping others climb; you gotta take care of yourself first.

Your boundaries are also not a prison wall – keeping everyone and everything out while sequestering you inside. Healthy boundaries allow for extenuating circumstances, temporary situations, and allowances when needed. The trick is knowing when to allow that flexibility.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the constant tug-of-war between work, family, and everything else life throws our way. We’re the ultimate multitaskers, juggling a million things at once while trying to keep our heads above water. Your secret to staying sane is boundaries. They are the key to finding balance in the chaos.

Let’s break it down:

First off, saying “no” isn’t a bad word

It’s a superpower. Seriously, learning to say no – whether it’s to extra work projects, social obligations, or anything else that doesn’t align with your priorities – is like reclaiming control over your own time and energy.

No doesn’t always mean never, either. It may just mean no for now, until some of your bandwidth opens up.

And trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Now get assertive

That means speaking up for yourself and setting clear expectations with those around you. Whether it’s letting your boss know you won’t be available after hours or telling your family you need some alone time to recharge, assertive communication is key to establishing healthy boundaries.

And let’s not forget about self-care

I know, I know – it sounds like a buzzword these days, but it’s seriously important. Whether it’s carving out time for a bubble bath, hitting the gym, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritizing self-care is like hitting the reset button on your sanity.

Enter yoga

Since yoga is an exploration of self – your physical and mental limits – it is the perfect support system when exploring boundary setting.

You start with setting boundaries for yourself. What kind of energy will you allow in your space, coming from outside of you or from within? What will you allow in? How will you hold strong?

Yoga gives you a vehicle to practice healthy boundaries while building your mental muscles to deal with external noise. What might that look like?

Let’s say you are in a class and your teacher tells to you to hold a position in a way that doesn’t feel right for your body. Will you force yourself into it? What might happen if you do? Will you honor your body and take another option? How will you determine if that position is truly out of alignment with your body or is just challenging because you have never done it before? When will you say no to it and when will you stretch your comfort zone and give something tough a try?

As you begin to leverage what you learn on the mat into your practice, you gain strength to integrate those learnings into your life off the mat.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it

We’re all in this together, and there’s no shame in leaning on your support network when things get tough. Whether it’s delegating tasks to your partner, hiring a house cleaner for a much-needed break, or reaching out to friends for emotional support, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone.

So there you have it – boundaries are the secret sauce to finding balance in a hectic world. By learning to say no, communicating assertively, prioritizing self-care, and asking for help when you need it, you can reclaim control over your own life and show up as the badass Wonder Woman you were always meant to be.

P.S. Let’s get to know each other better!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

Category: Mindset