Hey Clan! If you’ve been following my recent journey with burnout, you’ll know it’s been a bit like trying to navigate an Orkney storm (read or watch The Outrun to experience the constant wind)—full of ups, downs, and the occasional moment of total chaos. 🌧️ It’s been a year since my diagnosis of anxiety caused by stress and burnout, and let me tell you, recovery isn’t exactly a gentle walk along the beach.
Burnout recovery is an ongoing journey, and one thing I’m learning (sometimes the hard way) is that taking care of yourself isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s a constant, daily practice. So today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about staying committed to self-care and keeping burnout at bay, even when life gets busy.
Recovery Isn’t Linear (And That’s Okay)
Let’s start with the most important thing: recovery is not a straight line. There are days when I feel like I’m getting my energy back, and other days when I want to hide in a corner. And guess what? That’s okay.
If you’re also on the path to recovery, remember that it’s perfectly normal to have setbacks. Progress doesn’t mean every day is perfect—it means you’re moving forward, even when it feels slow. For me, learning to accept this has been huge in preventing the frustration that can often lead to more burnout.
Listening to My Body and Mind: Daily Check-Ins
A big part of my recovery has been learning to listen to my body and mind. I can’t just plough ahead without checking in on how I’m feeling anymore—otherwise, I’ll end up right back where I started.
Now, I make a habit of asking myself a few questions every day:
How’s my energy today?
Am I feeling more anxious or tense than usual?
Have I taken breaks, or have I been in go-mode all day?
These little check-ins help me stay aware of my needs and stop burnout from creeping in unnoticed. It also helps me understand why I am feeling in a certain frame of mind.
Self-Care Rituals that Stick
I’ll admit, I used to be terrible at self-care. I’d tell myself, “I’ll get to it later,” or that it wasn’t that important. But after hitting burnout, I realised self-care isn’t just nice—it’s non-negotiable. And it isn’t all bubble baths and face masks. In fact, I couldn’t think of anything worse than lying in a hot bubble bath.
Here are a few simple self-care rituals I’ve found that actually stick:
Morning routine: No matter how busy things get, I start my day with a drink of cold water, followed by a carefully prepared latte, stand at the back door with the dogs and prepare myself for the day ahead.
Rest and relax: For days when I just don’t feel motivated, I remind myself to rest and relax. That can look like scrolling on TikTok/Instagram, watching a film/TV, taking a nap or just hanging out in the house. Yes, none of these are extremely healthy, but they stop me over thinking and give me distractions that reset my brain.
Get up and ready: There are plenty days that I have my curls in a bun, joggers and a jumper on and no make-up. But when I want to feel good, then I wash my hair, pick out clothes that make me look like a badass business woman and play in the make-up drawer.
Boundaries: Protecting My Energy
Learning to set boundaries has been a real game-changer for me. Before, I’d say "yes" to everything, thinking I could handle it all. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. When ever anyone wanted me to do anything, my phrase was “yes, when suits you”!
Now, I’m much more mindful about what I commit to. I’ve learned to say no, even to things I might want to do, if I know they’ll drain my energy. Protecting my mental health means drawing those lines and sticking to them—even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Power of Community
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a community to lean on. Whether it’s close friends, family, or my wonderful online followers (yes, that’s you!), having people who understand and support me has been crucial in my recovery.
Talking about how I’m feeling, reaching out for help, and being vulnerable isn’t always easy—but it’s necessary. If you’re going through burnout, don’t go through it alone. Your people are there to lift you up, just like mine have been for me. 💚
Progress, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, it’s all about progress, not perfection. There will be days when you feel on top of the world, and others when it’s hard to keep going. What matters is that you keep trying. Recovery from burnout isn’t about getting it right every day; it’s about showing up for yourself, even on the tough days.
So here’s your gentle reminder (and mine, too): take care of yourself. Prioritise your well-being, listen to your body, and don’t forget that you deserve rest, love, and patience—especially from yourself.
Conclusion:
Burnout recovery isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing journey. I’m still learning how to navigate it, and I hope sharing my experience helps remind you to put yourself first too. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making small, mindful choices every day that support your mental and physical health.
If you’re looking for a little extra support or just want to chat, you know where to find me. Let’s continue this journey together, one step at a time. 💙
Thank you for being part of my adventure and for your ongoing support. Together we can overcome burnout and build a healthier, happier future.
Make sure you sign up to my Newsletter on www.curlysunami.com to get the next instalment of this adventure and follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
With love and resilience,
Susan xx
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