Burnout

For me it was time off everything, which, I appreciate, isn't possible for everyone if you have kids or financially need to continue working. I had to just stop. I left work (major breakdown in store cupboard - not my best moment) and thought really hard. 'What do I need to do make this better?' The answer was nothing, simply do nothing. I made no plans, nothing that meant I had to be anywhere at a certain time, and I woke up everyday knowing there was no pressure. I did things at my pace. The only thing I forced upon myself was to make sure I got out of bed and kept up with personal hygiene, because I didn't want to slide into depression. I went for walks, contemplated life, did lots of writing which I love and hyperfocus on, adult colouring books - very therapeutic, binged watched box sets, kept the house tidy and clutter free (which really helps me, tidy house - tidy mind), went for coffees, met friends for coffee or walks, nothing stressful like going into crowded bars. Eventually, I got bored, and when I got bored I knew I was getting better and it was time to resume life. I'm lucky that my husband supported me to go back into higher education. I've now stopped putting pressure on myself to be neurotypical, and I'm working on unmasking and loving it. Sorry for the long answer. I'm really passionate and burnout and being authentic, because I think constant masking and work pressures caused mine.

For me it was time off everything, which, I appreciate, isn't possible for everyone if you have kids or financially need to continue working. I had to just stop. I left work (major breakdown in store cupboard - not my best moment) and thought really hard. 'What do I need to do make this better?' The answer was nothing, simply do nothing. I made no plans, nothing that meant I had to be anywhere at a certain time, and I woke up everyday knowing there was no pressure. I did things at my pace. The only thing I forced upon myself was to make sure I got out of bed and kept up with personal hygiene, because I didn't want to slide into depression. I went for walks, contemplated life, did lots of writing which I love and hyperfocus on, adult colouring books - very therapeutic, binged watched box sets, kept the house tidy and clutter free (which really helps me, tidy house - tidy mind), went for coffees, met friends for coffee or walks, nothing stressful like going into crowded bars. Eventually, I got bored, and when I got bored I knew I was getting better and it was time to resume life. I'm lucky that my husband supported me to go back into higher education. I've now stopped putting pressure on myself to be neurotypical, and I'm working on unmasking and loving it. Sorry for the long answer. I'm really passionate and burnout and being authentic, because I think constant masking and work pressures caused mine.