Burning Out

[JumpyTheFrog]

It's February and I've been fighting off burnout all month. I listened to SWB's audio talk on Burnout already. In two weeks DS2 and I will be going on a trip by ourselves that I planned a few weeks ago when I could feel the burnout getting worse. I hope that it helps.

Does anyone have an encouraging stories to share?

[mommyoffive]

I hope the trip helps.  I am in pandemic burnout currently.  I am thinking of planning a trip for summer and hoping that helps. 

[Happy Camper]

No encouraging stories, because I'm right there with you! This is the time of the year I typically struggle (SAD related), but it's much worse with Covid isolation. I just try to recognize when I'm close to "the edge" (e.g., lose my temper quicker, etc.) and try to make time for myself, which usually helps a bit, at least temporarily. That is another thing that's harder under Covid because in the past, I would have had a girls night out, but that's not really an option at the moment. So doing little things, like making time to read for pleasure, doing my nails or watching a favorite movie have had to do. I admit, it's not as effective. I also do better when I have a consistent quiet time in the morning, and exercise more regularly. 

I hope you get through your burnout. Just know that you're not alone! 

[Arcadia]

1 hour ago, JumpyTheFrog said:

Does anyone have an encouraging stories to share?

I have had two serious burn outs as a child and probably two serious burn outs as a parent. What help was having some wants, to be a little “selfish” (do some self care). 

For this pandemic, what helped was going on car rides.  I like the convenience of living in a metropolitan area but it’s nice to drive through more rural areas and see cows and horses “suntanning”. When my husband needs to go back to office, I just tag along and enjoy the landscaping at the office complex since the outdoor areas usually has very few people around if any.

Academic wise, my kids are both high school age. My kids and I are taking classes at the same community college and my GPA is higher than theirs 😉 I do feel a little stressed about my DS16 not having a college list yet (he doesn’t want to stay in dorms) but he can always go the transfer route. 

[PeterPan]

2 hours ago, JumpyTheFrog said:

Does anyone have an encouraging stories to share?

I hope your trip fixes it! A trip to somewhere sunny and warm in the winter does it for me. How are your D levels? 

At least you're being really rational about it and know it's the winter time blahs getting you. Where's your trip to? This month has been LONG. I think I need a 2nd one, lol. 

[athena1277]

When I start to burn out this time of year, I just really need a break from doing schoolwork with my kids and something to look forward to.  A field trip usually does wonders for all of us.  Even if it’s just a picnic and short hike or playing at a playground.  Sometimes it’s fun to plan a surprise field trip.  Sometimes it’s a surprise because I don’t want to listen to them ask “can we do x and y instead?”

[cintinative]

aaack. Posted on wrong thread. Sorry everyone.

Edited February 22, 2023 by cintinative