In this episode of the Recovery Rebirth Podcast, we discuss overwhelm which often leads to burnout. We all experience episodes or seasons of life where the deluge of stressors is too much for us. In these times, we could really benefit from self-care, but are also most likely to neglect ourselves because our reserves are depleted. 

Jillian reflects on her experiences with overwhelm, including her first panic attack. She also talks about the overwhelm she felt while in a relationship with an active alcoholic and acting like an “emotional drunk” prior to recovery. 

Dom shares about the anxiety he’s experienced since he was a child, including panic attacks. Being self-employed and running three businesses can cause him overwhelm and concerns of impending burnout. Being a perfectionist and having incredibly high expectations of ourselves, amplifies anxiety. 

A sign of burnout can be lack of enthusiasm for activities you typically love to do. Some of the self-care options we discuss are deep breathing exercises, taking a break/walking away from your desk at work), and walks in nature. When you’re in a calmer frame of mind, writing down affirmations we can revisit when our anxiety/stress flares up again.

If life feels overwhelming, pause, see how you’re feeling, take a break and see if you can identify the source of the overwhelm. We hope this episode can offer some insights and resources that will help when you find yourself overwhelmed and approaching burnout. While we are proponents of living One Day at a Time, in times of extreme overwhelm, sometimes we need to focus on one moment at a time. You are not alone in this recovery journey!  We’re rooting for you!  

Resources

Self-Care/Self-Compassion

https://self-compassion.org/

Breathing Techniques

https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/breathing-exercises-for-anxiety

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/breathing-exercises-anxiety/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417#:~:text=The%204%2D7%2D8%20breathing,the%20practice%20of%20breath%20regulation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uQXDkxEtM

Recovery Rebirth Episodes 

Recovery from Unworthiness

https://www.vivacityventures.com/recovery-from-unworthiness/