I may have overcommitted myself just a little this semester and it did not take long for me to realize that. But it took much longer for me to do something about it.
One week into the semester I was overwhelmed and exhausted, but I told myself it was fine. I was doing what I had to this semester. Next semester when I had less responsibilities it would be better. Three weeks later and I hit a wall. My anxiety was through the roof, and when I get extremely anxious my stomach freaks out. Nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. DOesn't that sound like a combination that really sets someone up for success to fulfill responsibilities? Lots of things got left undone this week. Now would this have happened if I had better prioritized my well being in the weeks leading up to this, more than likely no.
While I really can't "quit" any of my responsibilities right now I can go about fulfilling them in a better way that does not result in burnout and allows for time to pursue emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, all of which are just as important as fulfilling responsibilities. Let me say that again because I know we can trick ourselves into thinking we can sacrifice our wellbeing is the least important thing. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your responsibilities, whatever those may be.
Since I have seen myself put my wellbeing at the end of a long list of responsibilities and paid for it the hard way, I am rewriting my task management and "what can I commit to this week" system. If you find yourself in a similar situation of I can't go another day like this SOS here are some ways to refocus and regroup.
First look at your calendar and see what you added to get the approval of others. Cancel all of those. Okay maybe not all of them but if they are recurring maybe go to them this week and cancel the ones in the future. Seriously. You cannot get the approval of everyone. You simply can't. If you are only doing something because you want people to like you burnout will come all the faster.
Next identify your priorities. If you don't have clear priorities you won't know what needs to be let go of when a busier week happens and you have to say no to something (or somethings).
Finally make a list of things you enjoy doing or that make you feel better. Big or small. FInd pockets of time you can place at least a few of these things in your week. Maybe going to a workout class is important to you. Make time three days a week to get those endorphins flowing. Maybe you have a skincare routine you love that takes five extra minutes at night. Take those extra minutes. For me I know using essential oils improves my mood, my immunity, and my outlook so I make a point to apply them at least once a day and diffuse them every night, no matter how much I just want to crawl in bed. And every time it is worth it. FInd those things and stick to doing them.
I do not want a repeat of this week. And just one day of mindfully looking at my schedule and not overcommitting is showing me how much better it is to not overextend myself. You really don't have to do everything, and you can't. Do what you can while maintaining health and you will be able to serve others in the ways you really want in bigger and better ways.
