I constantly felt burnt out & hopeless until I adopted these 7 habits

There’s a huge difference between feeling utterly depleted and thriving with resilience.

For the longest time, I was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of exhaustion and despair, my energy reserves constantly on empty. The sense of hopelessness was overwhelming.

But then I discovered a set of habits that turned everything around. These habits weren’t magic – they required conscious effort and consistency.

However, they helped me reclaim my energy and renew my sense of hope.

In adopting these seven habits, I managed to move from feeling perpetually burnt out to feeling consistently invigorated and optimistic.

And in this fast-paced, digitally driven world, that’s a game-changer.

Let me share with you these habits that can help you reignite your spark and transform your life, just as they did mine.

1) Embracing technology breaks

In this modern age, it’s almost impossible to escape technology. It’s everywhere, and while it certainly has its benefits, it can also be utterly draining.

I found myself constantly connected, my mind in a constant state of information overload. The incessant emails, messages and notifications were taking a toll on my mental health.

It was then I realized the importance of taking technology breaks.

Unplugging from the digital world for set periods throughout the day gave me much-needed space to breathe.

It allowed me to declutter my mind, regain focus and feel less overwhelmed.

In essence, stepping away from the screen became my secret weapon against burnout.

It allowed me to recharge both mentally and physically, and it made a significant difference in my overall well-being.

So, if you’re feeling burnt out, consider scheduling technology breaks into your daily routine. It may seem challenging at first, but trust me, the impact is worth it.

2) I adopted mindful mornings

Once upon a time, my mornings were chaotic. I’d wake up, immediately reach for my phone, check emails, social media, and dive headfirst into the day’s tasks.

The result? By noon, I’d already feel drained and overwhelmed.

Everything changed when I decided to adopt mindful mornings.

Instead of starting my day in a flurry of digital activity, I began to dedicate the first hour after waking up to myself.

No screens, no work, just me. I’d meditate, do some light stretching or take a peaceful walk.

This personal time allowed me to center myself and prepare for the day ahead with calm and clarity. It provided a sense of control and peace that stayed with me throughout the day.

My stress levels decreased dramatically and I found myself better equipped to handle the challenges that came my way.

This simple shift in my morning routine was instrumental in overcoming burnout and regaining hope.

I invite you to try creating your own mindful morning ritual. It might just be the game changer you need.

3) Prioritizing sleep became non-negotiable

Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice in our busy schedules.

But did you know that chronic lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues, including depression, anxiety and burnout?

In my quest to combat burnout, I made sleep a priority. It was no longer something I could compromise on.

I established a regular sleep schedule and stuck to it, ensuring I got at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

The effect was astonishing. Not only did I wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, but my productivity and focus during the day significantly improved.

My mood lightened, and feelings of hopelessness began to fade away.

Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

If you’re struggling with burnout, reevaluating your sleep habits could be a crucial step towards recovery.

4) I learned to say no

We often feel obligated to say yes to every request or task that comes our way.

Whether it’s a new project at work, a social event, or an extra favor for a friend, we fear the consequences of saying no.

But in my journey to overcome burnout, I learned the power of saying no.

I realized that my time and energy are finite resources, and I need to allocate them wisely.

Saying no allowed me to protect my boundaries and prioritize my well-being above all else.

It gave me the power to choose what truly matters to me, and let go of the rest.

This shift in attitude wasn’t easy, but it was liberating. It allowed me to regain control over my life and significantly reduced feelings of stress and overwhelm.

So remember, it’s okay to say no. Your well-being matters, and protecting it is not just your right but your responsibility.

5) I embraced my failures

There was a time when I viewed every failure as a personal shortcoming. Every mistake, every misstep would send me spiraling into a pit of self-doubt and despair.

The constant internal criticism was exhausting and left me feeling perpetually burnt out.

Then, I decided to change my mindset.

I began to see failures not as catastrophes, but as opportunities for growth. Each mistake became a lesson, each setback a stepping stone towards improvement.

I started to give myself permission to fail, to make mistakes. And in doing so, I found that the weight of perfectionism lifted off my shoulders.

This new mindset brought a newfound sense of hope and resilience.

It helped me develop a healthier attitude towards myself and my work, and played a crucial role in overcoming burnout.

Embracing your failures might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s an incredibly liberating experience.

6) I found value in physical activity

In the throes of burnout, even the simplest tasks can feel daunting. Physical activity was the last thing on my mind.

But when I finally mustered the strength to incorporate it into my routine, things started changing.

I started with simple exercises, like a brisk walk around the block or a short yoga session. Before long, I noticed a change.

My mood was improving, my energy levels were rising, and my stress seemed more manageable.

Physical activity releases endorphins, often called ‘feel-good hormones’, which can significantly reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

In essence, regular physical activity became a key pillar in my fight against burnout.

It helped me regain control over my body and mind, and instilled in me a sense of achievement and positivity.

Incorporating physical activity into your routine may seem challenging, but its impact on your overall well-being is profound.

Take small steps if necessary, but take them. Your body and mind will thank you.

7) I learned the importance of self-compassion

In my journey from burnout to resilience, if there’s one thing that stands above the rest, it’s the practice of self-compassion.

We often judge ourselves harshly, criticize our every mistake and constantly strive for perfection. This relentless self-criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.

When I started treating myself with the same kindness and understanding I would a friend, things began to shift.

I learned to forgive myself for my mistakes, to accept my imperfections and appreciate my efforts.

Self-compassion is not about ignoring your faults, but rather about acknowledging them without judgment.

It’s about recognizing that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay to not be perfect.

Practicing self-compassion can help reduce stress, increase emotional resilience and promote feelings of well-being.

It’s a powerful tool in combating burnout and one that should not be overlooked.

Final reflections: It’s about balance

The journey from burnout to resilience is deeply personal and undoubtedly challenging. But at the heart of it all, it’s about achieving a state of balance.

Each of these habits – embracing technology breaks, adopting mindful mornings, prioritizing sleep, learning to say no, embracing failures, finding value in physical activity and practicing self-compassion – they all contribute towards creating a healthier balance in our lives.

This balance is not about tipping the scales in favor of relentless productivity or constant relaxation.

Instead, it’s about creating harmony between our need for accomplishment and our need for rest.

So as you reflect on these seven habits, remember that they are not quick fixes or magic solutions.

They are conscious choices that require commitment, consistency and above all, self-compassion.

The journey to overcoming burnout and feeling hopeful again may be tough, but with these habits as your guide, it is indeed possible.

After all, as the ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates said, “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” And perhaps adopting these habits could provide just the opportunity you need.