Do You Have Burnout? Let's Talk About It! | Lessons From A Professional Master Life Coach

Howto & Style

Introduction

Hello family, welcome to my channel. If you're new here, my name is Angela. On this channel, I focus on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, with a particular focus on women over 40. If you're a regular, you know most of my content revolves around fashion. However, today's video is different.

Recently, I had the pleasure of interacting with the Girl Get Dressed group. During a meet-and-greet, I met Shantee Hollands, a remarkable young lady. After just a five-minute conversation, I knew she was special. It turns out she's a life coach. Her spirit resonated with mine.

Who is Shantee Hollands?

Shantee holds a Master's degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She also holds a certification as a Master Life Coach specializing in Professional Life Coaching, Happiness Coaching, and Life Purpose Coaching. Her extensive experience spans a few decades, and I am thrilled to have her here today to talk about burnout.

Meet the Expert: Shantee Hollands

Shantee describes herself as the strong black woman's coach. She helps black women shed their Superwoman status to lead fulfilling lives. Besides being a life coach, she is also a court-appointed special advocate for children in foster care. Shantee is a mom to a beautiful 15-year-old daughter, Olivia, and is married to Reggie. They live in Fort Worth, leading lives like everyone else, feeling the strains of burnout.

Understanding Burnout

Recently, Shantee experienced a burnout moment firsthand, making this conversation even more relevant. Burnout often feels like hitting a brick wall—a prolonged state of stress that manifests in both physical and emotional exhaustion. Women over 40 often find themselves more susceptible to burnout, juggling children, parents, careers, and personal responsibilities.

The Signs of Burnout

Burnout can be challenging to recognize. Here are some signs:

  • Inability to Concentrate: If you find it hard to focus, this could be a sign of mental fatigue and burnout.
  • Frequent Memory Lapses: When you have too much on your plate, it's easy to forget things.
  • Difficulty Making Decisions: Mental fatigue can make decision-making a struggle.
  • Increased Negative Thoughts or Self-Doubt: Constant stress can lead to self-criticism and negativity.

Emotional and Physical Signs

Burnout can also present emotionally and physically:

  • Feeling Incompetent or Unproductive: You might feel like you're not doing anything right.
  • Disconnecting from Others: You may withdraw from social interactions.
  • Loss of Motivation: You feel uninspired and struggle with productivity.
  • Chronic Fatigue: This can result in frequent sickness and insomnia.

Steps to Combat Burnout

  1. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without guilt. It's essential for maintaining your mental health.
  2. Self-Care: This varies from person to person. For some, it might be a mani-pedi; for others, it could be gardening, reading, or simply sitting quietly.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

If you struggle with insomnia, Shantee recommends developing a bedtime routine. This could involve turning off the TV or putting your phone on do-not-disturb mode an hour before bed. The idea is to allow your body and mind to wind down gradually.

Customizing Self-Care

Self-care isn't one-size-fits-all. Angela, for instance, finds peace in gardening and crocheting, while Shantee prefers listening to audiobooks. The key is to find what works for you and incorporate it into your life regularly. Shantee challenges everyone to engage in a little self-care each day to mitigate burnout.

Conclusion

Burnout is a pervasive issue, especially for women over 40 juggling multiple responsibilities. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can help you lead a more balanced life. Remember, self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.

Keywords

Burnout, Self-Care, Stress Management, Women Over 40, Life Coach, Mental Health, Emotional Exhaustion, Setting Boundaries, Customizing Self-Care, Bedtime Routine

FAQ

1. What are the main signs of burnout?

  • Inability to concentrate, frequent memory lapses, difficulty making decisions, increased negative thoughts or self-doubt.

2. How can I prevent burnout?

  • Set boundaries to maintain mental health and engage in regular self-care activities that rejuvenate you.

3. What should I do if I struggle with insomnia?

  • Develop a bedtime routine: turn off electronic devices an hour before bed, take a shower, or read a book to help your body and mind wind down gradually.

4. How do I know if I am experiencing burnout?

  • You may feel chronic fatigue, frequent sickness, unmotivated, emotionally disconnected, and might struggle with being productive or making decisions.

5. What is a good way to start practicing self-care?

  • Start small. Take five or ten minutes each day for an activity that you find relaxing or rejuvenating. Gradually, you can increase this time as it becomes a habit.