Why Self-Care Alone Can't Fix Burnout: Find Your Purpose

This week in building health 👇

Self-Care Alone Isn't Enough to Combat Burnout

I started out my work as a university teacher… and I frickin’ loved it so much.

There was something about the real, lively interactions with students that kept my energy and sprits high, despite being at the university from 6am to 6pm.

Fast forward to the 2020 during the pandemic.

All teaching moved online… and it sucked.

Technically, I was working LESS time, but it felt like hell.

The work was monotonous, and when it was all done, I would get off all screens, go for a walk, exercise, read, and sleep.

I knee I needed to recharge for the next day.

But each morning I would wake up, and I DID NOT want to keep going

I Thought I Needed to Do More to Recharge

So I tried to add in meditation sessions.

And then I started fixing my diet.

The last thing I did was to talk to a mental health professional through Zoom.

But despite all these efforts, I still couldn't shake off the feelings of burnout. It became clear to me that self-care alone wasn't enough to combat the exhaustion I was experiencing.

I knew something had to change

Getting at The Root Cause of My Burnout

I took a step back, and realized I had fallen out with my work as a teacher.

I no longer felt the same passion and joy that I once did. It was time for me to reassess my and find a new direction that would reignite that spark.

That’s when I started out as a health coach.

Long story short, even though my work can be challenging, it pushes me in a way that helps me grow.

I’m willing to put in hours to help others improve their well-being.

I've discovered that finding fulfillment in my work is essential for combating burnout.

It's not just about self-care, as important as that is.

The Void of Unfulfilling Work Can't Be Filled with Self-Care Rituals

I realized that no amount of meditation, exercise, or healthy eating could fill the void left by unfulfilling work.

The key was to find something that truly brought me joy and purpose.

And by the way, this doesn’t have to be just work. There are many ways we can fully integrate our lives and find purpose:

• We can engage in meaningful hobbies or creative pursuits

• We can build deep and meaningful relationships with loved ones

• We can participate in community service or volunteer work

• We can explore new interests and continuously learn and grow

Remember: Passion and Purpose Are the Antidotes to Burnout

Whether it's through our work, hobbies, relationships, or community involvement, we need to actively seek out what makes us feel alive and motivated.

This is the antidote to burnout – finding that spark and embracing it with passion and purpose.

→ Dive Deeper into the Article Here

My favorite health things for the week

// one

Is your mindset stressing you out? (Journal Article)

17 minutes | International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

A cool study says that if you think you're not moving enough, you might feel more stressed.

Even if you actually move a decent amount, just thinking you don't can make you worried.

This reminded me of a revealing study on hotel housekeepers: simply informing them that their daily activities counted as vigorous exercise led to positive health effects.

It drives home the point that in health, mindset is a game-changer.

Recognize and appreciate all forms of movement, even if they're not typical workouts, because, in the end, every step counts.

→ Read the Article Here

// two

The Health Risks of Humidity: Be Prepared

8 minutes | Stephanie Brown

Extreme heat and humidity are more than just uncomfortable—they can be dangerous.

In a hot and sticky climate, staying safe is key. The CDC recommends cool buildings, lots of water, paced outdoor time, and cold showers when it's really hot.

I've learned to always have a plan for the heat, like finding shade for my car, keeping water on hand, and timing my outside hours right.

A good "heat plan" is essential for your health in the heat.

→ Read More About it Here

// three

Paula Scher’s 10 rules for play

5 minutes | Figma.com

Paula Scher teaches us to embrace play by changing our tools.

Her advice is to step away from the usual, like computers, and explore new spaces and activities. Visit a bookstore, museum, or shop—anything that's a break from your project.

This idea of play is vital for those who value health and movement because it frees the mind and fosters creativity.

A playful, curious mind leads to overall health and better movement.

→ Read More About this here

Until next time

In the spirit of embracing change and keeping things fresh, I’ve jumped back into Instagram.

It’s been quite a ride seeing how much the app has evolved since I last posted regularly.

Right now, I’m sharing a lot about simple movements and doing quick 5-minutes bursts of exercise that have become a staple for me as a new dad.

I'd love to connect with you there.

Have a Healthy Weekend