Exhaustion is our the way our body is telling us that we are doing too much. We can become fatigued when we give out more of ourselves than we put back in. I want you to consider what "fills your well?" In other words, what allows you to be recharged and rejuvenated so that you are conscious and aware for what may come ahead?
I am still finding this out myself. I have struggled with feeling underproductive when I am supposed to rest and on the verge of being overwhelmed in the midst of my busy schedule. Realizing that we are ONLY human and not supposed to be "on" all of the time can be very refreshing thought.
As a medical student, I have high expectations of myself to succeed and end up putting stress on myself that is very counterproductive. Unfortunately this is the ugly side of things that come out when I am on the verge of exhaustion.
So... to recharge, I am involved in activities that remind me of my purpose. I volunteer in efforts that make me feel like I am making a difference in someone's life. I read a book with a friend. I go on walks with my dog. These are simple and tangible things that you can fit into your schedule. I promise you that if you are overwhelmed, taking time to focus on yourself will help.
One reference that I often use when talking to others about chronic stress and medical ailments is like when you are hearing the safety briefing on an airplane. (This Airplane reference is for my husband because he nerds out about this stuff.) Anyways, it is like when the flight attendant pulls out that yellow mask and tells you to put on your mask before putting on that of someone else, i.e. a child. This is because you are not able to care for another well when you are incapacitated yourself. So how can I care for patients or expect patients to be caring for themselves when I am not a good example? When I myself am struggling with chronic stress that leads to my own medical ailments, I am not able to function well to be a good friend, a loving wife, and a competent Physician.
Friends, please take care of yourself, practice stress managements techniques, do things you enjoy because we only get this life. I want you to have health not just money from a job that is drowning you. I want you to have joy not just glory from your successes. Invest in yourself and you may be surprised.
Some suggestions if you are just realizing that you need to try this out:
Exercise
Get a massage
Spending time in nature and realizing how small you are in this life
Seek meaningful relationships
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