Letting Your Cup Get Empty

You physically cannot pour anything from an empty cup. The same holds true for yourself – if you keep pushing and pushing, while neglecting your own needs, you will burn out – and possibly go beyond burnt-out.

This happened to me a few years back. I work full-time in a law office and run L’Aura Botanicals. At the time, it was just me balancing everything and right around the holiday season, I ended up hurting my shoulder and arm. Long days, late nights, taking different OTCs to keep the pain manageable. Meanwhile, the stress kept building up and more and more orders were coming in until I crashed out physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had ignored the subtle signs building up until the universe was like right, you aren’t listening so you will be forced to stop. I had never felt that way, and I hope to never again. Thankfully, I have an amazing family that stepped in with whatever they could do and just took over. I took some time off from the corporate job, we put the shop on vacation mode while my family got existing orders out, and I was forced to rest. Not that I needed any convincing at that point! It took time and is was not an overnight thing, but little by little, I started picking up the pieces. The physical injuries calmed down and I started feeling a little more like myself.

Since then, I’ve learned to set boundaries. I’ve learned to listen to my body and my mind. I’ve learned to follow my own advice – take time for yourself, take time to heal, to stop and smell the roses. I’ve learned to say no. I’ve figured out some coping skills and make sure to utilize them. It sounds easier than it is, I know, but ultimately it’s not worth it, trying to be everything to everyone all at once. Your priority should be yourself first, always. Otherwise, you won’t be able to help anyone else if you’re running on empty.

Remember to keep topping up your cup. It can take years to come back from severe burnout – don’t let yourself get there. Some ways to fill your cup:

1. Disconnect from technology – don’t sit and doom scroll. It puts you in a negative headspace and could give you more to stress about.
2. Pay attention and enjoy the little moments – listen to nature, the birds singing, the way your dog (if you have one) snores.
3. When your body shows signs of being tired, stop and listen to it. Make sure you are getting good sleep. Take a quick power nap to recharge your batteries.
4. Call a beloved family member or close friend to catch up and talk to.
5. Take your PTO – every single minute of it!
6. Get lost in a book or watch a movie. Even a little bit of disappearing down a rabbit hole in a book or movie and using your imagination can reduce stress levels.
7. If you can, take a road-trip reset – even if just for the weekend. Go sightseeing, go to the beach, the mountains, wherever will help you breathe.