As I move through this section, I also discover my stress style and personality.  Yep, burnout has a personality, who knew?  

So here it is, my stress style: I do ‘withdrawal’, ‘helplessness’ and ‘overcontrolling’; depending on the situation.  Turns out, I also do a bit of ‘internalising’.  What I don’t do so much of, is the ‘emotional outbursts’ but I’ve got everything else pretty much covered.

In terms of personality, I confess to being a bit ‘Toxic Keener’ (the ‘I’ll do it’ response); quite a lot ‘Short Fuse’ (‘impatient – everything is a source of frustration’ – yup, guilty as charged); and massively ‘Peace-Nik’ (the ‘yes’ person, that’s me!).

The brilliant thing is, I now have some strategies to help me keep these ‘personalities’ at bay.  Whilst there are stresses I can eliminate, there are others I must learn to ‘handle’ and   so learning to change my stress response is another step along the road to being myself and becoming a Formerly Frazzled woman.  I’m off to do my homework.

Jane Nead, Jewellery Designer-Maker, Choose Wear Love

So I now see a pattern and I’m keen to start working on eliminating some of the causes of stress in my life.  Some require patience, some require a bit of courage and others require a leap of faith on my part.  Some will take time to achieve, but others can be eliminated almost immediately.  

So much to think about, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed…

Now hold it right there!  Alarm bells are ringing, but this time, thankfully, I recognise the signs.  If there is one thing I’ve learnt by doing this programme, it’s that I mustn’t set myself unrealistic targets.  I need to tackle one stress at a time – I need a plan.

Jane Nead, Jewellery Designer-Maker, Choose Wear Love

In becoming more self-aware, I have already begun to recognise stress when it hits and I have started to deal with things differently, very differently.  

This is great.  This is why I thought I didn’t need part four.  But by mapping my stress, I do begin to see a pattern.  Not only that, I realise that actually, many of the things that contribute to my ‘Life Stress’ could be avoided, or even eliminated.  

This is exciting.  Now that I can identify them, I can get rid of the things that are stressing me.  So rather than being constantly frustrated or irritated, I can start to eliminate unnecessary stress from my life.

Simple strategies with simple solutions – but when you are burnt out, you really don’t see what’s staring you in the face… 

Jane Nead, Jewellery Designer-Maker, Choose Wear Love

Good enough is perfect!

Dr Toby & Dr Bev, your Burnout to Balance Experts

Part four is about identifying patterns and personal sources of stress; so when I first read it, I actually think I’m already past it…already ahead and possibly ready for part five?  My one-to-one coaching with Dr Bev has helped me to gain a deep understanding of my personal burnout and so I think, “I don’t need this bit.”

I decide to work through it anyway – I’m a good girl, and I tend to do what I’m told.  As it happens, I soon realise that this section is just as important as all the rest.  It gives me a far greater understanding of my personal ‘Life Stress’ pattern, as well as the tools to deal with both the major and the minor stresses that have served to shape my very own burnout profile. 

The great thing about this programme is that it really doesn’t matter if you think you ‘know it all’, because knowing it and changing it are two very different things. 

Jane Nead, Jewellery Designer-Maker, Choose Wear Love

Take this weekend to wind down, renew and refresh–what we call “shifting gears”*

*(from our online programme:  Escape Your Burnout Trap: 60 Days to Freedom & Balance at http://www.theburnouttrap.com

Dr Toby & Dr Bev, your Burnout to Balance Experts

I’ve been thinking.  Thinking about those blurred boundaries, the Mind Chatter and all those things I’ve been saying ‘yes’ to and then feeling bad about.  I’ve been wondering at the pain I’ve put myself through, the guilt and the constant battering.  

So far, the programme, along with some great one-to-one sessions with the lovely Dr Bev, has given me a fantastic insight into why I am where I am.  I finally feel like I understand my motivations, many of my ‘issues’ and the causes of stress in my life.  

It’s extremely liberating.  Already, I’m acting differently, re-acting differently, holding myself differently and probably most importantly, treating myself differently. 

And I’m only half way through the programme. 

Week four, here I come!

Is it a wonder that women feel the pressure of ‘getting everything done well’ when Christmas is introduced in June?  I suppose NOW is the time to start thinking about presents, events, vacations, colour scheme, dinner parties, menus, catering, outfits, lights, snow…..Merry summer?

Dr Toby & Dr Bev, your Burnout to Balance Experts

Now make some plans or do some research to see how to make it happen.  (do it)

Got the concept?

Dr Toby & Dr Bev, your Burnout to Balance Experts

1.  YAWN:  Don’t stiffle that yawn.  Yawning is a super effective and quick stress reliever.

2.  LAUGH:  Laughter relieves tension.  It releases endorphins, deepens breathing and relaxes the muscles.

3.  SING:  Singing improves breathing which lowers anxiety.

How much easier can it get ladies?  No excuses then….

Dr Toby & Dr Bev, your Burnout to Balance Experts