Feeling Burned out? Do More of What Makes You Feel Alive
“It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal” (St. Pope John Paul II).
These days, burnout seems to be the main topic of conversations with co-workers and friends who are overwhelmed by tasks, exhausted, and experiencing decreased efficiency and increased cynicism … and it’s all amplified by a year’s worth of job and boundary confusion brought on by the new work styles of the pandemic. There are many ways to deal with and identify burnout, deal with stress, and help reestablish boundaries to establish a better work and lifestyle.
But sometimes, alleviation doesn’t come from working less or communicating more. It grows from doing more of what makes you feel alive — things that matter to you.
My natural tendency when I feel overworked is to numb. When the time to go offline comes, it’s easy to scroll through my phone or watch TV (or, admittedly, do both simultaneously). Zoned out, yet mentally stimulated, I don’t rest. This behavior is the normal route I take, and I watch as my necessary tasks — everything from calling my mom as I walk around the neighborhood to putting away laundry or journaling or drawing — are put on the backburner.
The cycle is common, but it isn’t a dead end.
When I get into this cycle, I feel defeated. Being less productive at work and unmotivated once I’m home, I end up feeling more tired, cynical, and stuck. To break from this pattern, I’ve found it helpful to redirect my after-hours time intentionally on things that matter to me. Whether it’s a social event, a necessary chore, or additional work (freelance work and online classes), having something to look forward to or feel accomplished about that emphasizes my long-term goals provides the fuel I need to unshackle myself from burnout.
Based on my own experience, here are three steps you can use to break free from burnout:
1. Name Your Desires
Instead of adding more to your plate, focus your free time on things that will bring you life and energy. It is helpful to start by naming what you value (e.g., relationships, learning, beauty, or financial independence) and what you enjoy doing (e.g., hiking, painting, or concerts). It might help to think about things you enjoyed doing as a kid and write them down.
Write all your ideas in a list, and then circle or put a star by your top five values and top five activities. Remember: This exercise is about what makes you feel alive (so if chores or talking to your roommate sucks the life out of you, it shouldn’t be on the list … even if it’s something you need to do).
2. Be Creative
Now that you have the list and your top choices, be creative, and expand on what you could do with those ideas. Start a cocktail Bible study? Yes! Bust out your dusty camera? Can’t wait! Decorate that empty corner? Let’s go! Brainstorm branding ideas for legacy companies? I see you!
3. Start Small
If you aren’t doing enough of the things that matter to you, adding an activity, project, or event into your weekly schedule should help reenergize and infuse new purpose into your life. But start small. Some days you may need a nap and just a nap. That’s OK. The goal of thinking about how to do more of what makes you alive is to avoid a cycle of sloth and emphasize that what makes you feel energized does have a purpose.
God has created you for a mission that only you can accomplish. Intentionally discerning and planning how to invest your free time is vital for doing so. God cares about every detail of your life. He cares about your dreams. He knows what will ultimately bring you the most joy, purpose, and satisfaction.
Often, when you feel burned out and stressed, the last thing you want to do is add to your plate — let alone make a list and think of all things you aren’t doing. Yet, God designed us as creatures who would work (yes, even before the fall!). Therefore, work is good for us. It allows us to participate with God as co-creators. We all need to rest, but we also need to dream. Do not let stress and burnout trap you from who you were created to be.
Marissa Vonesh works as the lead graphic designer for Moment magazine in Washington, D.C. A native to Northern Arizona and adventure junkie, she is no stranger to hiking, spontaneous road trips, and midnight adoration sessions. Visit her work at marissavonesh.com, or connect with her on Instagram.