Section 1.1: Difficulty Breathing

Having worked as an emergency room nurse during the pandemic, I’ve faced intense stress before. However, I’ve never encountered difficulty breathing simply from the pressure of upcoming tasks. Even in moments without immediate crises, I can sense deadlines looming over me. It's crucial to recognize that this isn't normal for either of us.

I've been slowly improving, thanks to a mental health toolkit I keep handy:

• Brain Dumping: Take a break from screens and jot down everything on your mind. Once you see your thoughts written down, you’ll realize that not everything requires immediate attention.
• Prioritizing Self-Care: Initially, I wanted to produce weekly YouTube content, but despite having an editor, I couldn’t keep pace. I’ve decided to grow at a sustainable rate to prioritize my health.
• Journaling: Whenever I feel overwhelmed, writing in a journal helps. It reveals the misconceptions my mind has, such as the fear of disappointing others when I decline requests. There’s always a way to improve situations.

If you find yourself struggling to breathe, it’s a clear sign that something needs addressing.

Video Description: In this video, learn about the subtle yet telling signs of burnout, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these feelings before they escalate.

Section 1.2: Strained Relationships

Although I don’t hold a consistent job, leading me to believe I have ample free time, I’ve started to neglect my husband. We used to spend mornings cuddling and chatting, but now I rush to start working instead.

Though we both work from home, it’s evident that my husband misses our time together. Our daily walks have fallen by the wayside, and I find I’m so busy that I don’t even have the time to miss him.

To remedy this, I’ve initiated small adjustments to reduce my workload:

• Setting Boundaries: I now close my laptop by 9 or 10 PM to ensure we have quality time together.
• Midday Naps: We take brief naps together, which allows us to reconnect.

These changes have helped, but I know I need to do more.

Section 1.3: Loss of Passion

When I worked as a staff nurse, I longed for the freedom of remote work and ample leisure time. However, I didn’t anticipate that this freedom would translate into juggling multiple jobs, leaving little room for personal joys like reading, exercising, or cooking.

Now, I struggle to find time for these simple pleasures. To reintroduce them into my life, I’ve made some adjustments:

• Workload Management: I’ve asked clients to lessen my responsibilities and turned down dental and agency shifts.
• Prioritizing Rest: Ensuring I get adequate sleep has been crucial.

Fortunately, these changes have allowed me the time to write this article. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider asking yourself, "What can I do to lighten my load immediately?" Whether it’s discussing your workload with a boss or communicating with loved ones about your limits, your well-being should come first.

Final Thoughts

It’s tempting to believe that simply eliminating responsibilities will resolve burnout. Yet, without a steady income, the thought of letting go of various income sources can be daunting. The reality is that neglecting important aspects of life—such as quality time with loved ones and personal well-being—comes at a high cost.

Ask yourself: Is it worth sacrificing your health for money? These signs serve as reminders to pause and reflect, ensuring you don’t reach a point of no return.

Video Description: This video discusses the common misconceptions surrounding burnout, specifically addressing the notion that burnout equates to laziness.

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