“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.” -Dalai Lama
If you are feeling drained, feeling as if you have nothing more to give, it is time to take a step back and make some changes.
I can tell you I was right there with you…starting a business, being a mom, the list goes on! However I knew that in order to help my patients and to be present with my family I had to take a good hard look at my actions and choices.
In Chinese Medicine, where there is pain or imbalance in the body there is stagnate energy or just lack of flow of energy. Not only does our physical activity affect our energy flow but more importantly our mental and emotional states can alter or stagnate the flow of energy.
The foundation of Acupuncture is to move and nourish energy, building you up when you feel you have have become depleted. Hopefully you aren’t at that point and this post will help guide you to prevent that burnout phase but if you are there today, that’s okay. We just ask you take the time and make yourself a priority; for yourself but more importantly for your loved ones an the people you serve.
Here are some things to consider in order to preserve your overall energy:
Are there activities/commitments you have told yourself you “have to” do? “I have to do this in order to be this.”
If they are draining and not fulfilling your energy emotionally or physically then it needs to be considered as something to decrease or even eliminate! These decisions may feel selfish but they are worth it in the end.
When things simply are unable to be decreased or eliminated can we shift the perspective?
Instead of saying “I have to” do this maybe start saying “I get to.” We promise this will make a huge difference. You will feel grateful instead of judgmental towards that specific task.
For example, I started to resent diaper changing…yeah I know such a big task! However it’s true, and so I started saying to myself, “well Autumn actually there are millions of women who would give anything to change a diaper and to have that opportunity.” You could see how that would shift things quite a bit!
Are there people in your life that are emotionally draining?
Is it possible to limit your interaction with them, even just for a few days while you reset?
Are you saying no?
It really is okay to say no…we promise! I used to fill each minute of my day with many things that actually were just to please others. Although I do love to make others happy, sometimes you really have to do what is best for you.
Are you breathing?
Did you know where breath goes energy follows? When we are stressed it is our naturally tendency to hold our breath. So I challenge you…next time you are in traffic (which in Columbus is mostly everyday!) take time to breath. Breath in for 3, hold it for 3, then breath out for 6. Visualize and feel your body relax. If you suffer from headaches this breathing exercise is huge for you!
Are you getting the proper movement in your life?
Some people thrive off of high intensity workouts, some do them because they feel like that’s what they are supposed to do in order to be fit and happy. We encourage our patients to find exercise or movement that their body craves or feels good with. Maybe just for a short time, take a break and do some nourishing then get back to the more intense movement.
This process isn’t easy but it sure is worth it.
YOU are worth it.
Today, we hope this encourages you.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can restore and preserve your energy contact us today!
Ultimately our goal is to look at where you have been and where you are wanting to go.
Take care of yourself today. We are rooting for you!
-Autumn
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