Mental Health Awareness Month

Happy May, everyone!

This month holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it Mental Health Awareness Month, but in just 23 days, I’ll be celebrating my 33rd birthday!

To me, birthdays are more than just cake and candles; they represent a fresh start, a chance to dive deeper into what life means to me. It’s a time to reflect on what I’ve achieved so far and to think about all the new things I’ll learn in the coming year.

Life can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but there’s always a silver lining, the growth that comes from our struggles.

This past year, I faced something tough: burnout. It’s a very real experience, and I haven’t talked much about it because admitting it was hard. I’m the type of person who pours my heart into everything I do. For months, I was juggling multiple roles at work, getting engaged, remodeling our bathroom, trying to build my business, and keeping my relationships and social life thriving.

What’s wild is that burnout hit me out of the blue. One day I was fine, and the next, I was struggling.

What Burnout Looked Like for Me:

• Insomnia, couldn’t fall asleep

• Heart palpitations that felt louder and stronger than usual

• Internal shivers

• No appetite (and if you know me, you know I can usually eat even when I’m sick!)

• Uncontrollable crying for seemingly no reason

  
  

The first night it happened, I thought, “I’m probably just getting sick; it’s fine, even if it feels a bit odd.”

By the third day, I decided to push through and go to the office. Bad idea. I couldn’t focus at all. I found myself crying in the office, wondering why. My amazing work bestie from HR grabbed me a coloring book, a yoga mat, a pillow; anything to help me distract myself for a moment. But nothing worked. I ended up calling my husband to meet me at Urgent Care because I couldn’t wait four hours for my doctor. That’s how bad I felt.

When we arrived at Urgent Care, the nurse was incredibly kind, and I just kept crying. It was so strange. I felt like something was really wrong until she said, “I think you’re just experiencing burnout.”

I was shocked. WHAT?!

Thankfully, my boss was super understanding and let me take some time off.

I ended up spending about a month at home, letting my body rest and recharge. To be honest, I watched a lot of TV. I didn’t work on my business, I didn’t tackle house renovations, and I didn’t plan the wedding. I just took a break. It was tough for me, but it was exactly what I needed.

Now, a year later, I’m relieved to say I haven’t experienced those symptoms again.

What this whole experience did for me was ignite my passion for helping others manage their stress at work to prevent burnout. It’s so important, folks. Burnout is real. I urge you to find a balance at work to avoid going down that path. Stress can age you, and it can even be life-threatening.

As we embrace this month of reflection and growth, I want to share some tips that can help you manage stress and prevent burnout in your own life:

Tips for Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's reading, exercising, or just relaxing.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits on your workload to prevent overwhelm.

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to center yourself.

• Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and family for support. Sharing your feelings can lighten your load.

• Seek Professional Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to consult a mental health professional for guidance. I love my therapist.

  
  

Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and prioritize your well-being. Your mental health matters, and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your life.

This May, I challenge you to take a moment each day to check in with yourself. What do you need today? Whether it’s a break, a chat with a friend, or some quiet time, honor that need.

Let’s support one another in creating a healthier, more balanced life. Share your journey with me, and let’s inspire each other to prioritize our mental health!

Wishing you well,

Tina