Burnout is a big problem for a lot of people right now. If you’re feeling so stressed you could scream, you’re not alone. We’ve been there. Millions of people have been there, and it’s been quite bad in the last few years as employers and families juggle the whole concept of remote and hybrid work. You might be one of the many who really needs to get out of the house on a regular basis. Or maybe your manager is one of those who became a remote work micro-manager.
When your autonomy is taken away, so is your ability to seek joy or even take care of yourself when you need to unwind. It’s no surprise that you’re burning out if you can’t decide when to take your breaks at work or when it’s time for a glass of wine and a long bubble bath at home. If you can’t choose how you manage your own time or make little improvements to your environment, you’ve lost your inalienable right to pursue your own happiness.
Let’s talk about how lack of autonomy can cause that burnout that’s been growing like a stress ball in your brain – and what to do about it.
Happy and Free are Synonyms
One of the best things about being an adult is the ability to make improvements to your life every day. Tripping over the ottoman? Rearrange the living room. Inefficient work performance? Rearrange your schedule or improve your afternoon snack. Those with family matters thrive when they are free to schedule around at-home needs. Those with medical conditions thrive when they are free to get creative with accommodation ideas. As an adult, anything that bothers you, you should have the freedom to at least try making it better, which leads to personal growth and happiness.
Except when you don’t, and it doesn’t. If you don’t have the freedom to control your time, change your environment, adapt your routine, or take care of yourself privately, frustration is just the beginning of your worries. That micro-managing boss who doesn’t let you flow can turn a fun job into a painful grind. A home life that overtakes your personal care or doesn’t consider your needs can be just as restrictive and toxic to your mental health.
Sound familiar? If we’re speaking your language, it’s time to really see the situation and take steps to take care of yourself.
Take A Realistic Look At Your Life with Journaling
The first step to help yourself regain your much-needed autonomy is to start observing your situation from “outside the box”. It’s all too easy to normalise controlling behaviour from others or fall into a confining routine of your own design without realising it. Analysing your situation through a journal can really help you see your situation from a more complete perspective.
You might find yourself channelling emotions you’ve been burying (hello, burnout source), or better able to analyse the motivations of other people after writing down their actions over time. In the process, it wouldn’t be terrible if you started recording your dreams, writing down your daydreams, and doodling in the margins.
It’s the Little Things that Count
Making big changes takes time, we know. But you can retake control of little things in your life right away. Eat something new for breakfast. Rediscover your love of drawing, listen to your old favourite music on headphones, or change your appearance. Whatever works, whatever makes you feel good, is a change for the better and will increase your total sense of autonomy.
As you practice on the little things, you will likely also start to feel more empowered, independent, and ready to take on bigger challenges like looking for a non-toxic job or setting boundaries with oppressive people in your life.
Defeating Your Burnout by Reclaiming Your Life
No matter what has been keeping you down, it’s time to reclaim your autonomy and your right to pursue happiness. You can’t live your best life when you can’t make your own decisions. Journaling can help you discover your own perspective and reveal the real situation around you. Small steps can build your independence and reclaim your autonomy on that really important personal level. From there, you can build your independence and find that perfect level of autonomy for a happy and self-improving life.
Need someone to listen? Need someone to tell you that you deserve to be happy and give tips on how to live your best life? Looking for inspiration from women who’ve been where you are and made the journey to freedom? Reach out today, we’re here for you.
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