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"Doing Nothing" Won’t Fix Burnout: Here’s What You Should Do Instead
Whilst it’s normal to feel anxious and stressed at times, if you’ve spotted the signs of burnout, it’s time to make a change…. But what, exactly?
Contrary to popular belief, the solution isn’t to have a day in bed or even a week off. ‘Doing nothing’ isn't going to help you recover from burnout. It might even make things worse. In this article, we'll explore why simply taking a break isn't an effective solution for overcoming burnout. We'll share 3 mindset shifts that work in the long run and practical suggestions to help you reset and refresh your mind. If burnout has been weighing you down and you're ready to make a change, this article is for you. Let's dive into the real path to recovery.
Doing nothing, aka resting, is undoubtedly important.
But if your body is resting whilst your brain is going one hundred miles an hour, full of all the things you have to do, and making you feel guilty for taking time off, you’re not going to feel much better. That’s why the solution to burnout isn’t so much about doing nothing but rather doing the things that truly nourish and energize you. That way, you’re changing your perspective and building strategies that help you feel renewed, restored, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you in the long run.
What makes you feel alive?
That is, what things do you do that fill you with a sense of purpose and fulfilment and make you feel energized rather than overwhelmed? Known as ‘autotelic experiences’, the things that make us feel truly rejuvenated are things we do for the joy of the activity itself, not the reward.
It’s unlikely to be lounging, scrolling, or sleeping, but something that requires intention and curiosity. Engaging in these activities opens us up to seeing a world that doesn’t revolve around the next thing on the to-do list.
Try:
One of the keys to recovering from burnout – whilst still getting the necessary things done - is achieving a state of flow. Flow is a state of optimal experience where you are fully absorbed and deeply focused on a task. It is characterized by a sense of effortlessness, timelessness, and enjoyment.
To get into the flow state, you need to find an activity with the perfect balance of middle effort and ease. In other words, it needs to challenge you just enough to keep you engaged (goodbye boredom), but not too much it becomes overwhelming (hello burnout). This sweet spot is where you reap its benefits.
Try:
While it's crucial to engage in activities that promote flow and rejuvenation, it's equally important to actively reflect on your thoughts and emotions.
Burnout often stems from deeper issues such as work-related stress, an imbalanced lifestyle, or unresolved personal problems. If you’re constantly in an environment where the work is never done, for example, you’re bound to feel bad about yourself when you can’t reach the unattainable goal.
Take time to reflect on what might be causing your burnout. Are there any patterns or habits that contribute to your exhaustion? Are there any changes you can make in your life to promote better work-life balance and self-care?
Actively addressing these underlying issues can help you recover more effectively and prevent burnout from recurring in the future.
Try:
In summary, when it comes to recovering from burnout, doing nothing is not the solution. You can’t ‘sleep it off’, a holiday won’t make your problems go away, and a bubble bath isn’t going to fix anything (although we hope our aromatherapy bath products help).
While rest is important, it's equally crucial to engage in activities that promote rejuvenation and address the underlying causes of burnout. Incorporate autotelic experiences into your daily life to reconnect with your passions and purpose. Seek out activities that induce flow and immerse yourself in the present moment. Actively reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle choices to identify and address the root causes of burnout.
Recovering from burnout is a journey, and it requires a holistic approach that combines rest, rejuvenation, and self-reflection. We hope with these tips, you can start to overcome burnout and create a more balanced life.
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Contrary to popular belief, the solution isn’t to have a day in bed or even a week off. ‘Doing nothing’ isn't going to help you recover from burnout. It might even make things worse. In this article, we'll explore why simply taking a break isn't an effective solution for overcoming burnout. We'll share 3 mindset shifts that work in the long run and practical suggestions to help you reset and refresh your mind. If burnout has been weighing you down and you're ready to make a change, this article is for you. Let's dive into the real path to recovery.
Why ‘‘doing nothing’’ won’t help you recover from burnout
Doing nothing, aka resting, is undoubtedly important.
But if your body is resting whilst your brain is going one hundred miles an hour, full of all the things you have to do, and making you feel guilty for taking time off, you’re not going to feel much better. That’s why the solution to burnout isn’t so much about doing nothing but rather doing the things that truly nourish and energize you. That way, you’re changing your perspective and building strategies that help you feel renewed, restored, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you in the long run.
3 strategies that will help you recover from burnout
- Autotelic experiences: Do the things that make you feel alive
What makes you feel alive?
That is, what things do you do that fill you with a sense of purpose and fulfilment and make you feel energized rather than overwhelmed? Known as ‘autotelic experiences’, the things that make us feel truly rejuvenated are things we do for the joy of the activity itself, not the reward.
It’s unlikely to be lounging, scrolling, or sleeping, but something that requires intention and curiosity. Engaging in these activities opens us up to seeing a world that doesn’t revolve around the next thing on the to-do list.
Try:
- Family time
- Ecstatic dance
- Rock climbing
- Abstract art
- Flow state: get into the ‘zone’
One of the keys to recovering from burnout – whilst still getting the necessary things done - is achieving a state of flow. Flow is a state of optimal experience where you are fully absorbed and deeply focused on a task. It is characterized by a sense of effortlessness, timelessness, and enjoyment.
To get into the flow state, you need to find an activity with the perfect balance of middle effort and ease. In other words, it needs to challenge you just enough to keep you engaged (goodbye boredom), but not too much it becomes overwhelming (hello burnout). This sweet spot is where you reap its benefits.
Try:
- Eliminating distractions
- White noise
- Running
- Monotasking
- Active reflection: Be kind to your mind
While it's crucial to engage in activities that promote flow and rejuvenation, it's equally important to actively reflect on your thoughts and emotions.
Burnout often stems from deeper issues such as work-related stress, an imbalanced lifestyle, or unresolved personal problems. If you’re constantly in an environment where the work is never done, for example, you’re bound to feel bad about yourself when you can’t reach the unattainable goal.
Take time to reflect on what might be causing your burnout. Are there any patterns or habits that contribute to your exhaustion? Are there any changes you can make in your life to promote better work-life balance and self-care?
Actively addressing these underlying issues can help you recover more effectively and prevent burnout from recurring in the future.
Try:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Journaling
- Daily gratitude
Key takeaway: Rest vs. rejuvenation
In summary, when it comes to recovering from burnout, doing nothing is not the solution. You can’t ‘sleep it off’, a holiday won’t make your problems go away, and a bubble bath isn’t going to fix anything (although we hope our aromatherapy bath products help).
While rest is important, it's equally crucial to engage in activities that promote rejuvenation and address the underlying causes of burnout. Incorporate autotelic experiences into your daily life to reconnect with your passions and purpose. Seek out activities that induce flow and immerse yourself in the present moment. Actively reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle choices to identify and address the root causes of burnout.
Recovering from burnout is a journey, and it requires a holistic approach that combines rest, rejuvenation, and self-reflection. We hope with these tips, you can start to overcome burnout and create a more balanced life.
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