How do you keep from burning out?

doodle-v

I try not to dwell on this too much, and for the most part im in pretty good spirits. At times though I feel like I can't catch up. Whatever it is that I'm doing whether it's laundry, and house chores, yard work, kids, office work (my job is pretty demanding and nearly every week I have to drive back to the office and work to meet deadlines and work weekends).

Don't get me wrong, life is good ,its just I wish at times I could have a maid and a nanny. (anyone know of one that will work for free? ) And I just recently started working out again (*whew*) And of course the hubby and I try to get out by ourselves every now and then . I know I'm rambling but what do y'all do to keep from burning out?

-Doodle-V of the "running on empty" class

Dan-O

I prioritize, and focus on one thing at a time.. Nothing else matters at that moment. It's the only thing that keeps me from feeling overwhelmed.

NeonMadman

At times though I feel like I can't catch up.

Isn't that called, "life"? It's always like that...

ozziepost

I don't really hold for this prioritising stuff. It's typically masculine and doesn't address the problem of "running on empty". It's like the WTS says, you know, "Keep your life simple" but they still expected you to do everything they demanded.

It might sound trite, but you need to have some quiet time that's your own personal space doing what you want to do or interests you. Mrs Ozzie has always done it that way. It may or may not include visiting JWD.

Cheers, Ozzie

Dan-O

It might sound trite, but you need to have some quiet time that's your own personal space doing what you want to do or interests you.

Sometimes that's my #1 priority. And nothing else matters at that moment.

bebu

I discovered a lot of feeling burned out is related to my expectations... especially if they are unreasonable.

Just like glamour mags have made women feel like they must meet beauty standards to feel good about themselves, the same can be said (I think) for home and garden mags. Type A personalities can have unreasonable expectations nearly by default!

OTOH, if I waste the hours here at JWD and my expectations for home are reasonable, I'll have to surgically remove myself from the computer. The internet, like the TV, is a time stealer, and it hurts to admit that we might be being negligent.

My situation seems to be somewhere between these two. So, I must keep insisting to myself that life is not measured by keeping up with the Jones's, in housekeeping, lifestyle, or activities. (This is always a challenge--I have a sister whose family schedule is scary, and can't understand how I can't--or won't--do half of what she is driven to do.) It takes determination. The other is to DISCIPLINE myself to stay away from the computer until my jobs are done!! That also takes determination.

I'm still working on this last point... better get up and make dinner now...

bebu

determined class

doodle-v

good advice guys!

Just like glamour mags have made women feel like they must meet beauty standards to feel good about themselves, the same can be said (I think) for home and garden mags. Type A personalities can have unreasonable expectations nearly by default!

Exactly, when I look in magazines like Architectual Digest or Northwest Remodel and I think, "Jesus, where do these people get the time???"

Winston Smith :>D

How do you keep from burning out?

I've found that I've gained large chunks of time by...

...cutting out meetings and field service

Actually, I just force myself to set aside some time to relax, have a good meal and drinks with friends.

Come to think of it, exercise helps too.

I always feel more focused and in better spirirts after martial arts class.

Nothing like getting the hell beat out of you, and then bowing and thanking someone for doing it, to get one in better spirits

Princess

The other is to DISCIPLINE myself to stay away from the computer until my jobs are done!! That also takes determination.

Sometimes I have to just turn it off. Too much trouble to boot it up and I get a lot more done.

I know just how you feel V. I get overwhelmed with everything and years ago I would have just lost it. Now I just have to breathe in...breathe out...breathe in...breathe out...and acknowledge that while yes, the house needed vacuuming two days ago, it will get done tomorrow and by Friday I will be able to get a few more chores done. It all gets done eventually. Of course by the time it's all done, the laundry has piled up and the floor needs washing and then the vacuuming again...shrug.

Satanus

If i need a break, i will turn off the phone ringer, and not answer it, or not check the messages until later. I might not answer the door, also. I might go bike riding or walking, after smoking a j (or maybe without it).

SS

How do you keep from burning out?

Share this