When You’re Just Not Feeling It

5 Things You Can Do When Navigating Burnout, Fatigue, Low Motivation

Apr 21, 2024

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I just don’t feel like doing anything.

I text my friend while walking through my chaotic house, with toys scattered on the floor, laundry baskets brimming with both clean and dirty clothes, a stack of unwashed dishes, and two-year-old twins joyfully racing around, brimming with energy.

I’ve been finding myself in a state of exhaustion and burnout where the simple act of doing anything feels overwhelming. The weight of fatigue bears down on me, intensifying the overwhelming sight of my home, while being a mere display of what’s been going on in my heart.

Sometimes life can feel heavy, especially when circumstances spiral beyond our control. It can be tempting to escape through busyness and productivity or do nothing at all.

As a twin mother to 2.5 year olds, the luxury of doing nothing is rare. But I am learning that I always have the option to find moments of ease amidst the whirlwind of overwhelm, burnout, fatigue, and low motivation.

Five Things You Can Do When You Are Experiencing Burnout, Fatigue, and Low Motivation

1. Release Control

Let go of the urge to control every aspect of your life and workload.

There have been many times that I have skipped a moment of pause because it felt uncomfortable. I kept adding on to the vicious cycles of burnout and exhaustion by continuing to perform from places of guilt and pressure. In this season of my life I am learning that it is okay to release my grip and allow myself to be held. Asking for help, outsourcing, and delegating is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity for rejuvenation and community care.

2. Reach Out

You don’t have to hold it together, Lean into Community.

It can be difficult to open up and share vulnerably with people. But during a very refining time of my life I recognized that my community desires to love me there too. Don’t be afraid to seek support from loved ones or a professional counselor to share your feelings and receive guidance.

Sometimes a “I’m just not feeling it” can lead to “Me too,” “What can I do to help” or “Do you want to talk about it.” Sometimes an “I’m struggling” can lead to the comfort, connection, and support that you need.

3. Rest Up

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes... including you.
-Anne Lamott

There has never been a moment in which I have rested and my body has regretted it. In fact most times my body will nudge me to rest even when I’m doing everything in my power to avoid it.

Truth is that sometimes the most healing thing you can do for yourself is rest.

Allow yourself to drop what you’re doing, walk away from the things that feel overwhelming, and rest. Remember that resting isn’t always sleeping, resting is an act of trust. It’s that heart nudge that says, even if things feel overwhelming, ease is still a choice and joy is at my fingertips.

4. Rediscover Joy

Joy promises that this is not the end and that better days will be ahead.
Read Choosing Joy In The Shattering

Through the transformative journey of motherhood, where my children became my purpose, I found myself grappling with the challenge of embracing joy and rediscovering my identity. After two years of twin motherhood, I am on a path of self-exploration, seeking to redefine joy beyond my maternal role. Delving into my interests, passions, and values outside of motherhood, practicing mindful art to be present in overwhelming moments, and honoring my body through gentle activities like yoga and pilates, I am gradually inviting joy back into my life. Embracing both familiar and new experiences, I trust in the promise of better days ahead, acknowledging that joy is a constant companion on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
A Mindful Art Practice for the Moments of Overwhelm

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A post shared by @loveoffering

5. Recover Slowly

Pacing yourself doesn’t take away from your value.

Recovery is a gradual journey that doesn't diminish your worth. Embracing a slow pace is essential to avoid burnout. Just as our bodies require time to heal, our souls need nurturing too. For me, recovery entails weekly therapy sessions, daily movement, mindful art journaling, community connections, coffee outings, and working away from home. Taking the time to refuel is crucial, as rushing through or bypassing the process can lead to even greater burnout.

While navigating through burnout may not be easy, I acknowledge its importance for growth, grace, and healing. By surrendering control, seeking support, resting, rediscovering joy, and embracing a slow recovery, we open the door to renewal and reinvention. May you approach this journey with gentleness, grace, and ease.

mindful minute: a time to reflect and respond

Let’s take a moment to breathe deep and exhale together.
Inhale through the nose, and exhale with a deep sigh.

Listen: A song that has been bringing me joy lately
Me Time - Sweet William, Kota the Friend

Reflect: Journal Prompts (Feel free to share in Comments)
- What does rest look like to you?
- How do you approach burnout?

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