Burned out: restoring balance and finding joy in everyday life

Written by Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

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  1. Lorna says:

    LOVE these tips! They’re all ones I follow too! Cutting the negativity out of my life, learning to be grateful for everything, as well as present. They’re all amazing ways to live!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

  2. Cat L. says:

    Jenny this has to be one of my favorite posts I’ve read in a while. I found myself nodding in agreement as I was going thru the points you raised. All points very important and very helpful! Thank you for sharing!

    ~ Cat L.

  3. Patricia says:

    Great post dear!!
    A sunny side always help, especially during the hardest days :)
    Wish you a lovely weekend
    xx

    https://naturallyfreesoul.com/

  4. Liv says:

    Mmm I hope writing this post makes you feel filled if you were drained before! :) I agree especially with the first one. I found that after moving out of my dingy / gross apartment in New York to a sunnier brighter room in San Francisco, I’ve felt a lot more energetic mentally. My furniture here is all white thankfully!

    I think right now my daily ritual is giving my hamster Peanut a walk every evening, no matter what I’m doing. Get up and letting him climb into my hand is super therapeutic because he’s so squishy and innocent! :P

    And as a fellow Christian, I definitely agree that spirituality transforms lives and is also a personal decision! I think even many Christians can “get by” without believing in God but He surprises us in just how He changes life unexpectedly. I don’t personally think I was lost per say before becoming a Christian, more like genuinely unhappy, and I felt more lost after becoming one but before learning how to pray and have faith. It’s what balances me every day. :)

    • Jenny says:

      Lol, I actually don’t think I felt better from writing this post, but I always do when I do one of the things in this post! :P That’s so cute that you give your hamster a walk!! Pets are truly therapeutic, and so far there hasn’t been anything a cuddle from Cooper (Shelly doesn’t do cuddles) couldn’t relieve.
      Totally agree with you about how God isn’t part of a lot of Christians’s daily lives today, and I’ve definitely gone through those phases and there’s a huge difference in my emotional wellbeing when I’m detached from God versus when I put Him first!

  5. Kiri says:

    This came at a really great time for me. I am so glad I found your blog.
    I have really hurt my neck and I am just over a week away from a long overdue holiday – but I am wondering if I am going to make it. Yes – I am burned out.
    Funny the first tip – spruce up your space…. Even though my neck hurts, I tidied my study desk yesterday ahead of working today and I feel a little bit better.
    Really there is no time for me to take out at the moment – I have taken on too much lately!
    Thanks so much for your post.
    Kiri
    Set to Glow
    http://www.settoglow.com.au

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you for the kind comment Kiri, and I’m sorry about what happened to your neck, I hope you’re feeling better now! It sounds like you could definitely use some time to just relax and unwind, hang in there girl!

  6. Tara says:

    These are some great ways to try and live a better life :)

    I agree that having natural lights help, but it also depends! For me, if I’m at work, I want the natural light, but when I am home, in my room reading on my Kindle, I’d rather it be dark LOL

    Ditto about being around people who will support you. We all need to vent, though, so it’s also good to have friends like that, as long as we don’t overdo it. My problem with social media is that sometimes I don’t mind that endless surfing through my feeds, but I need to better myself about that since I find that I waste time just by doing that! And you’re right that the number shouldn’t matter. I’ve stopped caring about that, really, and now I’m more about the content and the people who matter.

    And yes to the gratitude! I try to be thankful about what I have and such, and I try to always remember that I live a good life. :D Thanks for writing this!

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you for reading Tara! :) I think the only time I prefer darkness is when trying to sleep, haha, but I can see why some people prefer it to be dark in certain situations. It’s easy to to get distracted while browsing social media, especially Pinterest, so I’m trying to be more mindful of how much time I spend on there as well. And yes, I think if we all really think about it, we really do live a great life compared to so many people in this world!

  7. Kim says:

    All your tips are entirely on point! I have slowly been drifting from the negative nancies in my life and I try my best not to look them up on social media either, because it changes my mood for the worse. My good friend gifted me a gratitude book! Time to whip that out and start putting pen to paper! :) Thanks for such a positive post!

    Kim
    Simply Lovebirds

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you so much Kim! :D I totally get how you feel, and it’s why I deactivated my personal Facebook account, though Instagram is just as distracting nowadays. A gratitude book sounds wonderful, especially for reflecting back on when you’re feeling down!

  8. Alyssa says:

    These are really great tips! I do often feel burn out and unplugging from social media and distancing from negativity really helps :) One way I effectively do that is going on a trip.

    xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY

  9. Merel says:

    Thanks for sharing these tips! Loved reading this article!

    X Merel
    http://www.andathousandwords.com

  10. Yanrula says:

    Just realised I don’t have any ritual while I was reading your post. Despite how much I’m into skincare, I sometimes still skip my routine because I’m lazy :’D I should really find something to fill the hole!

  11. Loved this post! I had to clear out many negative nancies in my life. There were more than what I thought and I feel so much better. I keep a clean and organized home. It makes a world of difference in the way you feel. These are some excellent suggestions. Just followed you on bloglovin. Loving your blog.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    • Jenny says:

      Aww thank you so much hun, really appreciate it! Yes, it’s amazing how much better we feel when we remove the negative energy around us! :D

  12. Naya says:

    Such a sweet post Jenny! I feel like sharing it with everyone around me, so well put. Glad that Cooper is doing better, look at that cute little face. Also, you room girl! Can I move in haha?

    Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much for the kind comment Naya, really appreciate it! And yes, Cooper making a full recovery is something I’m so grateful for everyday :D If only there was more room in my office I’d totally put a day bed in there and make it a guest room!

  13. Maryam says:

    What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing with us. I must say I totally love the part you talked about gratitude.

    xx,Maryam
    http://www.glamandposh.com

  14. Chanel says:

    These tips are so helpful I’ve felt burnt out lately but I bought a new candle and that’s how I’m sprucing up my space for now ^___^

    x,
    Chanel | Je M’appelle Chanel

  15. Noelle says:

    Hey! Love this post! The tip to elevate your favorite past times that was such a great idea! I haven’t heard that before. The power of prayer is so beautiful and can definitely help when you’re feeling down! I also LOVE that Cooper made the post! Kitty love! Ok, so in short love the post! lol! :)
    -Noelle
    Elle-no.com

    • Jenny says:

      Aww thank you so much Noelle, so glad to hear that you enjoyed the post! Cooper is such a big part of my life and he loves the camera, so I figured why not! :P

  16. Esnath says:

    Oh my Golly Jenny this post came at the right time for me. I did unplug from
    Social media I had to or I was going to loose my sanity. Having a ritual is key to almost everything I do. And making sure my space is the best it can be so I can feel free and joyful with my environment is such great advice.
    Wonderful post Jenny thanks for sharing.
    X

    • Jenny says:

      So glad you enjoyed the post Esnath! I’ve noticed that a lot of people (including you!) aren’t as active on IG anymore and I can totally understand why. Our emotional wellbeing and mental health is so much more important and should be our first priority!

  17. I’m going to sound like a complete bitch for saying this but I am feeling you about the negative nancies because I’m trying to distance myself from one now. We were great friends but it has been so emotionally and mentally draining to hangout with her recently. Always complaining about about everything, it almost felt like because she has two kids, she has the right to complain about everything and anything. There are a lot of people who have more than one kid but she makes it seems like the end of the world and I’m starting to avoid meeting up. I hate doing this but I felt so emotionally drained after 20 minutes.

    I have been unplugging more from social medias too, I still post on IG once a day or so but other than that I have been spending way more time with Little Tyke which is so rewarding!

    • Jenny says:

      What, you’re one of the nicest people I know, so definitely don’t feel bad for distancing yourself from negative people! I wonder if there’s something bothering your friend on a deeper level though, and it’s manifesting itself as frivolous complaints? Either way, I don’t think it’s fair for her to unload all her negativity on you all the time :( I hope she resolves whatever is bothering her soon.

      Yes for spending more time with our loved ones! I love a lot of the people on IG but sometimes the environment can just feel so stressful! Have a great rest of the week Shireen!

  18. Lora says:

    What a nice post. I definitely lack motivation more often than I should, I notice this happens when I get lazy and stop being productive. So my joy in everyday life is to try and do a little something productive every day. Overtime I pick up steam and feel better and better and work more and more… until I get lazy again :(

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much for reading Lora! That’s a great tip too, to take smaller steps and celebrate each of our accomplishments, no matter how big or small :)

  19. Sam says:

    Lovely post! I always find myself mid month reorganising my apartment and changing little bits and pieces to change the vibe and have never really been much of a social media person so can distance myself very easily from it. Though, the best way for me to restore and rejuvenate my mind and body is to put on a good tv show, pour myself a glass of wine and take a long hot bath, I feel like a completely new person after that! x

    Sam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much Sam! Ahh your ritual sounds amazing!! I would totally take more baths but I get so lazy with trying to clean the tub, lol. One of these days I should treat myself again though! :P

  20. Talina says:

    I love this post – so many great tips and I’ll definitely be using them! xo

    http://sassyanddangerous.blogspot.com/

  21. Stephanie says:

    What a great post Jenny – this is so lovely! I think this is a truly relevant post – I get so burnt out from work, social media and so on. I’m all about practicing gratitude every night and morning – it helps me prepare for the day.

    Stephanie | theFantasia.com

  22. Sabiha says:

    These are wonderful tips. I need to unplug from social media a bit more every now and then but my excuse is it’s business…well most of the time!

    http://www.franklyflawless.com

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you Sabiha! Ah yes, it’s tough if your business is heavily reliant on social media, which I guess as bloggers that’s the case for a lot of us. I think as long as you’re not stressed out by it that’s the important thing :)

  23. Camilla says:

    What a timely post! I’ve definitely been feeling a bit frazzled and spread thin lately. Thanks for the encouragement. I love how organized your shelf is! I need to do some decluttering, that’ll make me feel better!

    • Jenny says:

      Aww I hope you feel better soon Camilla! Decluttering always refreshes me, and it’s a great reminder to not be reckless with my purchases!

  24. Nailderella says:

    Thanks for this post and driving attention to this! It’s awesome how organizing and cleaning your space can make a difference on how you feel!

  25. A ritual and a clean and tidy space (which is a challenge to achieve with kids around) are what helps me to calm down when times get hectic. And a goal, not always a spiritual one to keep focus.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

  26. Velvet Blush says:

    I definitely agree with this post! I think it’s so easy to get burn out when you’re constantly working away. I find having some days out or doing an activity really helps, or even a pamper session or sitting down with a good book. PS I love how you organised your space xx

    Velvet Blush

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much lovely! Yes to pamper sessions and just taking time off to relax and reset ourselves. It’s all about finding a good balance :)

  27. Being able to achieve that perfect balance seems like it can pretty elusive at times but I agree that it’s up to us to be able to “add that sugar” back. Unplugging always does a world of good for me personally and since I’ve been making a point to do it regularly, it definitely cuts back on my stress since it frees up my time. Social media can be such a time suck. And yes to practicing gratitude. It somehow always manages to puts things in to a clearer focus and perspective doesn’t it :) Terrific post Jenny! Thanks!

    • Jenny says:

      Aww thank you for reading Rowena!! It’s crazy how time and soul-sucking social media can be and I think it’s something that can especially burn us bloggers out. I definitely feel happier once I’ve started to cut back my time on there.

  28. Kevin says:

    Burnout isn’t something that’s discussed often, great post Jenny!

    On the topic of natural lighting, I recall reading somewhere that office workers that sat near the windows (more exposure to natural lighting throughout the day) had better sleep quality than those that didn’t which had ripple on health effects, emotional wellbeing & etc.

    One thing that I try to schedule in once a month is taking a hike of some sort, or extended peroid outdoors in natural. Recharges and refuels the emotional battery quite well (if that makes sense)!

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much Kevin! I can totally see how natural lighting can impact our health and emotional wellbeing, I think one study I read was that suicide rates increase in the wintertime for Scandinavian countries due to the lack of daylight during the season.

      I’ve also found spending time outdoors can do wonders for our energy level. While I’m not a fan of hiking (too intense for me..haha), I do love strolling in parks and just enjoying the fresh air!

  29. Shivangi says:

    Such a lovely post Jenny! I so had to read this! <3 Thanks for sharing about the 365 Gratitude Journal! And I totally agree with you about social media being stressful! Have a nice day!
    xx
    Shivangi
    http://www.outoncatwalk.com

  30. Amy says:

    Your space is so beautiful and light, I love it! I think these points are so important, it’s really easy to get burned out and feel frustrated. I know that unplugging from social media every once in a while can be vital. I also find making sure my surroundings are tidy helps a lot, clutter makes me feel on edge! Cooper is so cute, i’m so glad he’s doing well!

    Amy – https://amyevans.co.uk

    • Jenny says:

      Thanks so much Amy! I’m really lucky that my office gets lots of natural light so it’s great for energizing me in the mornings! I’m constantly trying to keep my space clutter free as well, though it doesn’t help that my husband seems to be the king of clutter!

  31. Sofia says:

    Ohmygod the cat is sooooooo cute :DD

    xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT

  32. Hannah says:

    I love this post. I tend to be a naturally messy person but since getting married 5 months ago and moving into a smaller apartment, I’ve been making an effort to be cleaner and more organized. I’ve been more into decorating our place because I’ve lived at home my whole life. I agree with being thankful everyday for your blessing. Glad to see another sister in Christ in the blogosphere <3

    Hannah
    Floraful

    • Jenny says:

      Aw thank you so much Hannah, so glad to hear that! I do think it’s easier being messy in a larger house just because there’s more room to hoard things…I feel like my husband and I have gotten messier since moving to our bigger house, though I do try to make an effort to tidy up whenever I can! I didn’t know you were a Christian too, that’s so exciting! <3

  33. Samantha says:

    A ritual is a must for me. Don’t get me wrong, sprucing up my space is super helpful especially when my brain is feeling cluttered and overwhelmed, but rituals center me again, even if those rituals include Netflix and are more effective when it’s cold outside. To each our own, right?

    Sam / My Beauty Cloud

    • Jenny says:

      Yep, totally agree! Netflix and snacks is another one of my rituals as well, especially on cold rainy days! It’s extra therapeutic if my cats decide to cuddle with me while I’m at it! :D

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