Are You Burned Out? Here's How to Get Your Healthy Bounce Back
It’s Monday morning. As you roll over to punch the snooze button on the screeching alarm clock again you grab the pillow to hide your head. You find yourself burned out and what’s worse you could care less about even getting out of bed. If you are anything like I used to be you are more exhausted now than six hours ago when you fell into bed.
Finally, it’s time to choose whether or not you are going to get up or call in sick, again. You just can’t face another Monday at the office. It isn’t that you don’t like your job; it’s that you just don’t care anymore. After getting breakfast for the kids and getting them off to school, getting you to work and plastering on the fake smile…it is just overwhelming at times. I know, I’ve been there many times, too.
Have you ever wondered why you are burned out? I remember my mother-in-law telling me once that if I didn’t slow down I was going to crash and burn. Of course, being much younger than she I told her it wasn’t a problem, I could do it.
Looking back in retrospect boy did I wish I had listened to the wise words coming from the aging woman who had gone before me!
How did I burn out?
As far back as I can remember working has been in my blood, my very DNA. Lack of energy had never been an issue so it was never anything I gave much thought to. Growing up our family ate simple, well balanced meals unlike many today that prepare prepackaged meals for convenience and to save time.
As a working woman my life changed drastically after the kids came along. My responsibilities multiplied and taking care of my health came after the well-being of my husband and children. Do you find that to be true in your case, too?
I’m not sure where this “Wonder Woman” gene comes from but somehow we all seem to think we can do it all. We can take care of our husbands, give birth to children and care for them, work a stressful career and bring home the bacon all without burning out!
Even Wonder Woman slept
What we haven’t taken into consideration is this; we are only human, there are only so many hours in a day and we need down time. We need to unwind, take care of our health to be able to care for our families in the fashion we want to, not haphazardly.
I thought about this only after I had hit rock bottom. Deathly ill, doctors telling me it was all in my head, no support on the home front…I wanted to die. Why wasn’t anyone listening to me? I found my answer on a flight to Los Angeles…yes, on an airplane.
Pre-Flight Safety Check eliminates burn out
This story has always stuck with me. Stay with me here because at the end you’ll understand why and I promise it will stick with you, too.
Buckling into my seat the flight attendant asked us to grab the instruction sheet out of the seat pocket in front of us. Since I chose to sit in the emergency exit seat I was to pay particularly close attention to her instructions.
If you have flown before you know what came next, if you have not flown and heard these safety instructions pay attention now.
“Mothers with small children, if we should lose cabin pressure the oxygen masks above will fall in front of you. You must put your own mask on first before fitting your children or any other adult with their masks”.
Did you catch that very specific and important, life-saving instruction? In case you didn’t catch it let me repeat “you MUST put your own mask on first before helping anyone else”.
The lesson I learned changed my life, my health and my outlook on putting me first. We can not help anyone else if we “die” first. I know that sounds harsh, but I am a stubborn, hard-headed woman and sometimes I simply don’t get it unless you beat me over the head with a two by four.
Every time I start relapsing and doing too much for others without putting my health, my well-being first…that flight attendant’s voice rings in my ears and I stop.
So, if you find you are burned out, not wanting to do anything, your attitude is in the tank and you just want to hide your head under that pillow; stop, do something for you today.
Take time to have coffee with a girlfriend. Stroll down the aisles of your favorite store and just browse without being on a mission. Invite a friend to join you for a few lines of bowling, a quiet visit with no kids or simply take a bubble bath with the doors locked. (my favorite…bring a book and a glass of wine and enjoy).
Once we’ve recognized that as working women we tend to ignore our health and well-being; then we can make the necessary adjustments to increase energy levels and regain the lost life we thought was gone forever. It’s time for you to get your healthy bounce back.
If this helped you recognize why you are burned out, share this with a friend. Maybe they want to know why they are fatigued all the time and how they can get the bounce back in their step, too.
Carla Gardiner is known as “THE Fiery Grandma” because she found new energy, endurance and youth. Her passion and purpose lies with baby boomer trends, the people she works with daily; aging men, women, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas who want to feel better, have more energy and have fun like they did when they were twenty-something. Join her for more energy, fun and profits.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
So true. So, so true. There is nothing more to say because it’s all there.
Thank you Eva for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the article about getting your healthy bounce back.
Love this post Carla. We all must remember that if don’t take care of ourselves we won’t be able to care for others.
Thank you Kim. This is the one time we must be selfish..take care of ourselves before we can care for anyone else. It only makes sense if you think about it.
This is a great reminder not just for all “Wonder Woman” but also for all “Superman” out there! Good health should always come first and it should start with taking good care of our body. Your suggestion to unwind and do some fun stuffs are absolutely brilliant – not only to renew the energy but to release all the tension in the body.
Thank you Lorii you are so right. Good health is for men as well as women. In today’s economy men and women are finding themselves stressed out, burned out and looking for help. The first step is to stop, relax and do something fun…then, start protecting themselves so their bodies will be able to deal effectively with today’s stresses.
Each of us deserves breaks and the opportunity to enjoy some down time. Harder than it may sound, but so important =)
It is important Edmund because like me if you don’t make time to rest and relax you’ll crash and burn, too.
You are so right Carla about having down time. I have had to force myself to get off of the electronics several hours before bed otherwise it is hard to unwind! Thanks for this!
I know Lori, I’m the same way. But, thankfully we all have each other to help guide us ever so gently back on track. Thanks for stopping by.
So true! We all need some time out. Thank you for sharing.
Every 5 minutes we take for ourselves, Vicky allows us to give ten times more to others. Thank you for stopping by, we appreciate your precious minutes of time.
Definitely something most of us moms struggle with. We continue to compare ourselves to June Cleaver but we have also taken on jobs, and much greater responsibilities besides the ‘mother’ role alone. It is not selfish but selfless to care for ourselves first.
Isn’t that the truth Suzanne. Funny how it takes us most of our adult life to figure these things out, huh?
Isn’t life funny sometimes, Anita. Breaking your ankle forced you to stop, analyze your life and make the necessary adjustments. Glad you are on the mend now, though.
You know I was burned out. 2012 turned out to be one heck of a year! Breaking my ankle was a good thing! It forced me to sit down and take care of me!
We all need a little downtime! Thanks Carla!
Sure do Holly and I hope you get some this weekend.
So true. Have to take care of yourself first or you can’t help anyone all drained of energy. I eat healthy, organics mainly as vegan plus exercise about 6 days a week at the gym. Somes 2 hours at a time. Thanks Carla sharing this wisdom.
Thanks for stopping by Carol. Your article on organic foods was really informative. You are an inspiration and an example we all should follow.
Well you know I got my energy back…thanks to the Fiery Grandma’s amazing advice!!
Watching you return to helping your granddaughter’s volleyball team shows that your energy has returned. It is amazing at the difference Protandim has made in your life, Denny!
Hi Carla,
When I trained in Basic Combat Medicine for the Army, the instructor repeated over and over “Never, never, NEVER attempt to treat a fellow soldier until you are both out of danger! If he won’t make it until then, let him die. 1 soldier dead from a wound is better than 2 dead from selfless stupidity.” At first I thought those were harsh words, but now I realize it’s one of the best lessons I have ever learned.
If we don’t take care of ourselves, we cannot help others. “We cannot give that which we do not have.”
Thank you for sharing your wisdom,
Trent
Thank you Trent for a look into a man’s perspective. I appreciate you sharing that story with us, it means a lot.