Fill Your Cup

So often, we find ourselves in a giving role of some sort – employee, mentor, friend, caregiver to children, aging parents, or partner, etc. The list goes on. Society requires us to maintain these roles continuously. Social media glamorises a position where we are more than one role at any given time, like working mums, for example. The messages are hard and fast – we should be everything, for everyone, all the time.

The expectation that we hold for ourselves is typically nothing short of perfection. This kind of expectation, while it certainly drives us to do more and do better, is exhausting and unsustainable. Regardless, we will give and give and give until there is nothing left.. then we try to give some more. Essentially, we are trying to pour from an empty cup. This leads to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, and burnout.

BURN OUT

Our bodies are perfectly designed to handle short bursts of stress; however, excessive and prolonged stress actually reduces productivity and saps any energy you do have left, leaving you feeling hopeless and disengaged. We also know that burnout, or prolonged stress, can be detrimental to our health. Frequent illnesses, headaches, body aches, and changes in your sleep and appetite are just a few of the physical symptoms you may be experiencing with burnout. Mental side effects include anxiety, depression, poor decision-making, agitation, and distress.

LET’S FILL THAT CUP, BABY!

One of my favorite exercises I do with my clients is help them to find ways to “fill their cup”. Typically, looks like starting with a little bit of self-care and learning to set boundaries; however, it’s different for everyone.

Examples of Self-Care:

-Take a break from social media.

-Start a project that you enjoy and has nothing to do with your current responsibilities (happy people have projects!).

-Go for a walk and focus on stimulating your five senses (what are 5 things you see, 4 things your feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste).

-Relax, meditate or practice breathing techniques.

Setting Boundaries:

–Learn to prioritize yourself first (this is a hard one, I know).

– Say “no” – do not commit future you to do something that current you doesn’t want to do.

-Be kind to yourself, you truly are doing the best you can.

-Always, always ask for what you want.

This part of you that drives you to put others needs ahead of yours, to care for everyone you love, is an amazing part and we are so grateful for it; however, taking care of your own mental health first will provide you with the energy, enthusiasm, and relief you need to keep kicking ass in this wild and wonderful ride we call life.