Graceful Ways to Avoid Burnout

Are we all stretching ourselves a bit too thin this season?

Between tight deadlines, balancing work and social life, and to-do lists that never seem to end, burnout isn’t just knocking on our door—it’s doing a downward dog on our doorstep. Listening to your body when craving quiet, yearning for a nap, or antsy for a walk will help quiet the mind, avoid overstimulation, and ultimately prevent burnout. If there’s one goal we should all be setting for the new year, it’s the art of saying no – gracefully, of course.

The secret? Balance isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about doing less. Maybe you call in sick to work, cancel dinner plans, and roll out your yoga mat. Perhaps you put on your new Gemma Pants but never quite make it to your yoga class. That’s OK too. Take the PTO day, skip the meeting, treat yourself to some new KiraGrace, and remember life’s not a race, it’s a flow.

The Digital Detox:

We’re not telling you to delete all your social media accounts, (In fact, you should follow us on Instagram: @Kiragrace) but we are saying limiting your screen time will do wonders for helping regulate your dopamine levels. Let the notifications roll in, and hold off on the endless scrolling. The emails and texts will be waiting for you when you return. Setting your phone on Do Not Disturb for a few hours can allow for uninterrupted focus and help you feel productive.

The Grace of Letting Go:

Perfectionism is burnout’s partner in crime. It will knock you down and stress you out over every last detail while giving too much credence to the voice in your head that says your best isn’t good enough. Adapting a progress-over-perfection mindset can help you stay efficient in a work environment. When you’re overworking your body or mind, it’s easy to take on a “rest is indulgence” mindset, instead of recognizing it for its necessity.

The Beauty in Slowing Down:

Our social media culture glorifies the hustle of doing it all: running from meetings to workout classes and still having the energy to attend a girl's dinner. It almost feels embarrassing to admit sometimes we’re running on empty after an ordinary day in the office. Be intentional with your time, avoid overcommitting, and treat yourself to a Cozy Boho Pant to curl up on the couch in. You don’t have to have a full calendar to feel fulfilled. Often times, the most satisfaction will come from rest, so you feel recharged to tackle the week's to-dos.

Easy, intentional ways to prioritize yourself:

1. Breathe deeply, with intention. Simple, but effective.
2. Start your mornings with stretching. This is a great time to practice mindfulness.
3. Get outside daily, even if it’s just a short walk. Your Vitamin D levels will thank you!
4. Dedicate time to yourself weekly and make it a priority. Treat yourself to a homemade facial, binge the TV show you’ve wanted to watch, or paint your nails. Even if you’re a naturally social person, try to do this “self-care” activity alone to recharge.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out our related blogs: "5 Morning Routines to Jumpstart Your Day", "What's In My Control?" and "Morning Routine for Mindfulness and Productivity".