As I prepared for a minor medical procedure (I’m fine, by the way), I scrambled to get all my work done ahead of time so I could take a couple of days off to recover. I finally had an “excuse” to take a break from my 24/7 schedule (because there’s client work + my work + household and family care), and I found myself looking forward to the downtime—to rest, to watch chick flicks, to read a book purely for my own pleasure.
What is wrong with me?! Why do I have to have something happen that lays me flat, that forces me to be still, to finally take some time for myself?
I’ve been recognizing this pattern a lot lately and acknowledging that I am Burned Out. Then this article came out, and I think there’s more to it.
“What is High-Functioning Anxiety?” writer Dominique Michelle Astorino asks. It features:
- Overthinking
- People-pleasing
- Inability to slow down
- Fear of failure
- Overplanning
- Poor boundaries
What are the symptoms? They include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Worry
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling depleted
Check check check…. Dangit!
All of this supports and motivates my decision to include some Radical Self-Care in my List of upcoming 52Nudges. In addition to adding some pampering (I can’t even remember the last time I treated myself to nice body lotion), I’ll be adding things like “Reevaluate a long-term friendship” and “Say ‘No’ without giving an explanation”.
I welcome your suggestions. What Radical Self-Care practices have you done that worked for you in the past? What are some acts of self-kindness you would like to do (but have been putting off)? Please share with me—with all of us—in Comments.
Need help putting together your List? Check out the 52Nudges Workbook for exercises, tips, and inspiration. You’ll find everything you need to get ready for the 3.0 launch on December 12.
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