I have been working long, crazy hours lately while simultaneously balancing all of my other commitments and extra-curriculars. It’s challenging. Finding a balance is almost a full-time job in itself. In a world that is constantly go-go-go, it’s so important to take a step back and breathe.
As millennials we’ve been conditioned that “burn-out” or working too hard is something to strive for, that it’s something that should be praised. The idea that skipping a meal, sleeping for 3-4 hours a night, or drinking 4 cups of coffee signifies that you’re succeeding is wrong. Collectively, we can do better. We can stop praising unhealthy habits and exhaustion among our peers and in the workplace. As an actor, I do pull extremely long hours on the regular and I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be pulling those hours – but it needs to be done in a healthy way.
It’s important to find stillness for a minute and take care of yourself. This does not equal taking a step back, if anything it will help you succeed in the future. We have to take care of ourselves so that we can offer our best selves up to the world. We cannot be of service to others if we’re doing it at our own expense. It’s important to remember that. Eat breakfast. Have snacks on hand. Food is fuel. Exercise. Drink water. Sleep. Breathe.
I know it’s not always easy to take care of ourselves but just imagine how much easier everything else will be if you’re feeling good.
My favourite ways to fight burn-out & take care of myself:
- Yoga
- Running
- Sleep
- Get a Massage
- Read
- Hiking
- Get Outside
- Swim in the Ocean
- Netflix
- Writing
- Cooking
- Face Masks
- Spotify Playlists
- Mani/Pedi
- Try Something New
I’m in no way trying to say I have it all figured out because I absolutely don’t. I have to work on taking care of myself. It can be really challenging for me to do that and take time for myself. The above ideas are things that I’ve found help me. Remember stressful times don’t last forever. I’m so grateful to the friends who check in on me and genuinely ask how I’m doing. Find your people and spread the love. What helps you through stressful times? How do you take a break?
Lots of love.
xoxo,
linds
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