Strategies for Burnout Recovery
It can feel really overwhelming when you're stuck in a completely burnt out state. You know you want to do things to get better, but you don't want to push so hard you collapse even further.
Reflecting on how I recently pulled myself out of a few years of pandemic stress, I thought I would share with you my step-by-step process. So, here are some strategies for burnout recovery.
I am assuming you are already doing the basics of eating well, drinking enough water and getting sunlight!
Become aware of your nervous system and how it responds
We are all individual, and you are allowed to have different experiences of the same event, compared to those around you.
Rest serves a purpose
If you’re too tired to move your body in a HIIT calls (even though Tik Tok says HIIT cures burnout) - then it’s simple. Don’t do it
Add something purely for joy
Stop focusing on the things that you should avoid/stop doing.
Start ADDING JOY into your days. The things of lowest priority will being to naturally fall away, and you’ll have more joy!
Slowly push the limits of your capacity
Try a 5 minute walk. Or 5 minutes of Pilates.
Push to the limits of your capacity. BUT it’s okay if it’s only 5 minutes.
It’s okay if you can’t keep up with others. If you feel worse after? Go back a step.
Don’t forget regulating tools
Feeling anxious about whether your current choices will burn you out further? Use regulating tools to ground yourself, and follow your gut. My Vagus Nerve Library can help here.
Follow these steps to gently guide yourself out of burn out
You can do this while honouring your nervous system, and building your resilience back up. Remember - there is no race.
The Return to Movement Protocol
Get moving again, attuned to your nervous system! If you need some support to return to movement, my new protocol will guide you every step of the way!
This four step program for returning to movement and exercise will teach you how to work with your nervous system, build your endurance to daily activities, and then begin to build your fitness.
“This protocol helps you to understand where you are in your movement journey, what to do next as well as support for if you can feel symptoms rising. There are clear guidelines to help you determine your readiness for movement and when you are ready to add in more. Amazing for stopping the backwards and forwards of progress that flare ups bring. This is the most clear, informative and supportive course I have found on chronic illness and movement, I wish I had found it sooner!” ~ Jodie Belton
