So, I haven't been following my own advice lately... Between wrapping up our first year of homeschooling, coaching, trainings, baseball games and practices, and missing my mom, I need some extra rest and I haven't been taking it. The other night when I accepted this and reflected on letting myself get fried, I realized I hadn't written out my evening gratitude list for a few weeks. I love this as a nightly routine because it gets me off the screen, it's a gentle way to reflect on my day, and I always manage to find the joy no matter what... Good news is it was simple for me to begin again. I picked up my journal and made my list. I don't write a novel, it's usually bullet points. The next morning I came across the following quote in a devotional a good friend gave me...

BOOM. I know I may not win some of you over with this next thought but... Getting burnt out is a choice. There I said it. Okay, so it happened. Now what? Here's what helps me rekindle my flame...

2. Go take a nap. You can’t even think straight when you’re tired so stop pretending staying up a little longer to finish that one thing will make your a productive superstar. Not getting the right amount of asleep means you’re elevating the stress hormone, cortisol. This can contribute to weight gain, “foggy brain”, compromising your immune system, and messing with your mood. Hmm, sound about right? Now that I’m a mom, I get why when I went to look for my mom, I started in her bedroom.

3. Sit in the sun. Go outside! Get some fresh air. Your body produces Vitamin D and serotonin when you’re in the sun. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones, and aids in preventing cancer and certain skin conditions. Serotonin helps boost your mood and helps you feel calm and focused. Wow, our bodies are amazing! Celebrate this by stepping outside and appreciating the beauty around you as well as your own.

4. Make an appointment with yourself. I’m a big fan of scheduling self-care, actually writing it down in my planner. I am quick to brush off reading, a foot soak, or even scheduling a dentist appointment because there is always something more productive to do. So, I block time on my calendar to take care of myself. How productive are you really if you’re giving the world what’s left of you? If you can brush yourself off so easily, think of how your family, friends, and co-workers feel when they can tell they’re getting what’s left of you…? Make an appointment with yourself and keep it. Your mind, body, and soul are absolutely worth the investment.

5. Say “no”.  Give yourself permission to s l o w down.
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The next time your flame is a flicker, stop and ask yourself, “are my choices bringing me closer to or further from the life I want to build?” What works for you when you’re burnt out? Share it in the comments and help someone else...

1. Everyday is different. 
Accept that and don't beat yourself up about it. Each day you’ll feel different in your grief. Pick one thing to complete on your to-do list each day and focus on that. Multi-tasking is for computers.

2. Everyone handles grief differently. 
Skip the comparison game. It’s not healthy when you’re not mourning so let’s not even go down that road while you’re grieving. Stay in your lane and put the blinders on.

3. Extra self-care is necessary. 
Schedule it. If you find you need a nap in the afternoon, take it. If you find you need to dial back your usual networking, there’s no shame. You’re better off taking the time now than burning yourself out later.

4. Enforce boundaries.
No is a complete sentence but if you feel the need to elaborate, simply be honest. You don’t have to give all the details but enough so the other person understands you need time and or space.

5. Pray.
Pray for and to your loved one. My faith teaches that we need to pray for the souls of the dead. While there is a debate amongst theologians if these holy souls can also intercede for us, this doesn't stop you from paying. What a gift of giving and receiving, take comfort.