Lately, every free moment has been filled with all the details related to moving Asheville Family Counseling’s offices into our new “forever home.” It’s an exciting transition, but also a demanding one, with countless tasks and logistics to manage. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s been easy to let the stress pile up and to lose sight of the need to recharge.
The Weekend Recharge Struggle
How many times have you set the intention of using the weekend to recharge only to end up feeling even more drained by Sunday evening? We often let our minds slip away from us because of busy schedules, forfeiting valuable downtime to reset and recover. Before you know it, it’s Monday morning, and the cycle starts again. It’s no wonder more and more people are facing increasing levels of burnout.
Check In with Yourself
Rather than allowing yourself to continue running on empty, I invite you to use this moment to simply check in with yourself. You can try focusing on your breath or even performing a mini body scan, bringing awareness to all the sensations you might be feeling in this moment. I’m a huge advocate for doing a body scan in the morning and even while winding down at night. This gives us the opportunity to notice what’s going on inside without reacting to the thoughts and emotions that may otherwise overwhelm us.
Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout
I also think creating and maintaining strong boundaries—the things you have 100% control over—is key to managing stress and preventing burnout. Start by setting clear work hours and sticking to them. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and family, making sure everyone understands when work time ends. When it does, shut down your computer and disconnect from work.
Scheduling Downtime
Scheduling downtime is another crucial step. You can block out time in your calendar to do activities that truly recharge you. Treat these appointments with the same importance as work meetings. Learning to say no is also vital. It’s okay to decline additional work or social commitments that you don’t have the bandwidth for. You will be prioritizing your own well-being by not overcommitting yourself. Establishing morning and evening routines that promote relaxation and mindfulness can also make a big difference. This could include meditation, stretching, or reading a book.
Practicing Present Moment Awareness
Checking in with ourselves also gives us the chance to practice being present, something that can escape us in our busy work-a-day lives. As you’re experiencing this present moment awareness, I encourage you to carry it into a mindful activity—anything that brings a sense of calm and joy.
Embrace Joy with Small Treats
As Iris Murdoch beautifully said, “A happy life is filled with continuous small treats.” Incorporating small pleasures into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Enjoying a favorite snack, taking a nature walk, reading a chapter of a book, listening to music, or connecting with a loved one—these small treats can create pockets of joy that help combat stress and enhance your happiness.
Creating a Buffer Against Burnout
By incorporating these small practices into your daily routine, establishing strong boundaries, and embracing small treats, you can create a buffer against burnout and nurture your well-being. Take this as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care and reclaim your weekends for the rest and rejuvenation you deserve.
Taking My Own Advice
As for me, I’m taking my own advice. I’m sending this newsletter to my assistant to schedule, and I’m taking off the rest of the day to spend at the pool, engaged in one of my all-time joyful, refueling, and stress-busting activities—swimming!
Reach Out for Support
If you struggle to create good boundaries that honor your time and vital life energy, please consider reaching out to friends, family, or a counselor. Sharing your feelings can lighten the load and provide new perspectives.
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