Over the past few months, we have talked about growth and enjoying the opportunities that come with the changing of the seasons. As we move towards the tail end of summer, with fewer daylight hours, now is a good time to reflect upon effective coping mechanisms and how to implement them in our lives.
As with anything meaningful in the mindfulness space, it is important to take things slowly, beginning with one action or thought and continuing to add another thought or action in a purposeful manner, one at a time.
In that spirit, I am resharing my Five Focus Points for Dealing with and Overcoming Burnout/Stress and discussing the first two focus points (Rediscover the
joy and Ask yourself what has changed) this month, but I will save the remaining three focus points (Take inventory, Don't believe everything you think, and Take action) for next month’s newsletter.
This allows us to reflect, give ourselves a little time to implement the steps, and fold each one into our routine. In addition to these steps, I am also sharing some of my own experiences from my personal journey to illustrate these points.
Much like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's model for the Five Stages of Grief, my five focal points for dealing with burnout and stress do not move in a linear fashion. Indeed, moving through the steps in order doesn't happen for most of us and is not required to realize the benefits to combat stress and burnout. However, the order I have laid out these steps is a good way to think about the overall picture and sets the
stage for positive stress management.
Number 1: Rediscover the joy – When you started your career, you were drawn to the work for a reason; there was joy and
excitement. What was that ‘thing’ that motivated you every day when you woke up and couldn’t wait to do at the office? Take a few moments each day to recall those thoughts and feelings. Can you still feel them?
When I started practicing law, my first project was financing a hospital addition on the southside of Chicago. I was thrilled to see a tangible reward of my efforts when the new wing was completed. I was learning new things and couldn’t wait to learn more.
What was your first spark? What can you recall to reignite the flame?
Number 2: Ask yourself what has changed – Reflect on what
is different now than in the past. Is it the workload, a lack of resources or support, an increased frustration level, a sense of being overwhelmed, or something else?
After a few years of practice, I worked on multiple financings simultaneously. This was an outgrowth of my hard work and dedication but it was also a major stressor and a strain on me - mentally, physically, and spiritually. I was willing to work long hours even while I was in the midst of raising a family of four children. My workload and environment led to unhealthy coping techniques - drinking more and sleeping less. I delegated less to others,
worked 6+ days a week and went years without taking a vacation. This was not sustainable and, predictably, it squelched much of the joy of the work which also affected me negatively outside of work.
Recognizing patterns of behavior that disconnect you from the initial joy of your career (or other parts of your life) helps you to see the choices you made along the career path in a different light. It is an opportunity to review, reassess and, hopefully, recalibrate.
Thank you for staying on this journey with me; just like you, I am always trying to find new ways to manage stress and grow in mind, body, and spirit. My mindfulness practice brings so much positivity into each day—I
hope it is useful and positive for you as well!
Thank you!
