Supporting Each Other Through Burnout: Women’s Community Matters
Connect with your community and tackle burnout together. A bubble bath won’t cut it.
Burnout is a pressing reality. After nearly two years of a global pandemic, women are balancing work responsibilities, parenting, and social interactions, all while facing ongoing COVID-19 challenges. It's clear that many women are reaching their breaking point. We often joke with friends about it, but the impact on our physical and mental well-being is significant.
Self-care has become a trendy term, yet a simple bubble-bath-and-wine routine or a spa day won’t address the deeper issues we’re facing. This notion tends to place the burden of societal pressures back onto individuals, which only amplifies feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Here we are, navigating a state of chronic burnout, ambiguous grief, and fatigue. This isn’t just a temporary phase; it may very well be our new reality. Fortunately, women have consistently turned to one another for support. How can we utilize our networks to reconnect and restore our spirits? Consider these strategies to protect your energy and well-being.
Intentional Socializing
Remember Zoom Happy Hours? They were a fun distraction in 2020, but now we might feel fatigued by virtual gatherings. Before accepting any invitation, ask yourself: will this interaction uplift me, or is it just another obligation? Reconnecting with an old friend differs from attending a large networking event or a team meeting. Prioritize interactions that genuinely energize you, rather than those that drain your energy.
If you can, set aside one evening each week to enjoy dinner with a close friend or two. This becomes a highlight to anticipate in your weekly schedule. If one person hosts and others bring beverages or dessert, you save on planning. Alternatively, consider a potluck for a simpler option.
Managing your time effectively is crucial for escaping the burnout cycle, advises Candace Good, M.D., of Psychology Today. “Take charge of your schedule; avoid overcommitting. Now is not the time to push your limits. Don’t let saved commuting time turn into endless emails and reports.”
Sharing Responsibilities
Who would have thought a trip to the grocery store could be so exhausting? Given the current supply chain challenges, consider organizing larger shopping trips with friends. While services like Shipt and Instacart are helpful, the fees can add up quickly.
If a friend has a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, plan a monthly group shopping trip. This not only reduces the number of frantic grocery runs but also makes the task feel less burdensome. You could even grab coffee or lunch after to combine errands with social time.
Another great way to lighten the load is through shared childcare. Collaborate with fellow parents to create a schedule that allows for “mothers’ day out” hours without the expense of formal childcare. If each parent can count on a couple of hours free each week, it can be a tremendous relief, especially for those working from home.
Sometimes, you might just need a night to yourself— to read quietly or indulge in some mindless scrolling. If your babysitting group can guarantee you three Wednesday nights off in exchange for one night of cooking, it’s a worthwhile trade.
Reconnect with Fitness Friends
Home workouts were exciting initially, but even popular fitness brands like Peloton have faced challenges as many seek a change of environment. With gyms reopening, you might feel ready to get back to group workouts.
Even if running on a treadmill isn’t your thing, joining a weekly yoga or pilates class can be beneficial for both body and mind. Though it’s tough to leave the couch, experts agree that regular exercise is essential for improving mental well-being. “Consistent exercise is one of the most effective ways to enhance mood and mental health,” says Robin Berzin, M.D., author of State Change: End Anxiety, Beat Burnout, and Ignite a New Baseline of Energy and Flow.
How can you motivate yourself and support fellow women? Here are a few ideas:
- Combine resources to hire a private instructor. A group yoga class can cost about $80, but by sharing the expense with friends, you can ease the financial strain. This allows everyone to re-enter the group class environment without pressure. Plus, if you’re with friends, no one will judge those old workout clothes!
- Take purposeful walks. Visit a local farmer’s market with friends to support community vendors while getting some steps in. Alternatively, sign up for a local 5k run or walk to give yourself a goal while motivating each other.
Ultimately, re-engaging with your support systems is vital for effectively addressing burnout. Let’s face it: a $5 face mask from Sephora won’t fix your problems. However, you can take steps toward a supported life by connecting with the women around you.
Plan a walk with friends to your favorite coffee spot. Enjoy a date night with your partner while the kids are at a babysitting exchange. Or tackle a month’s grocery shopping in one go with a close friend (and her Costco card). There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but leaning on your community can empower you to face challenges. Your coworkers, mom friends from the library, nearby relatives, and local neighbors are all likely seeking connection and support too.
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- Podcast Episode: How to Manage Adulting Without Burnout
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