Tis The Season To Not Burn Out

By Brian Maynor

 

Whether you want to admit it, or can even believe it, the holiday season has arrived.

For the next eight weeks on top of the stress of everyday life, we are going to add the stress of holiday shopping, parties, gifts and families to the mix, which can be more than overwhelming.

So this season I am starting early and setting the goal of making myself a priority.  While I may not be the top priority, I am going to dedicate some time and focus on doing things that make me happy, which may mean doing nothing at all.  That may sound selfish, but I’m okay with that, and here are a few reasons you should be more selfish too:

1.    It’s a healthier place to be.  Burnout happens when you are literally stressed to your breaking point and it starts manifesting physically.  Not only is hypertension, disrupted sleeping patterns, depression and anxiety common symptoms, you may also over indulge in alcohol and/or drugs.  Compound this with the holidays and you can see the potential for disaster.

2.    You need your strength.  Exhaustion is a key component of stress and the start of a burnout, and that is not just physical exhaustion, but cognitive and emotional as well.  When you’re so tired that it starts affecting your efficiency, outlook and ability to accomplish even the most routine of tasks you are past the point of needing some ‘me time’.  At this point even your most enjoyable tasks become arduous.

3.    It should be a joyous season.  We don’t say ‘happy holidays’ for no reason.  This time of year should be fun and full of laughter and good will because we are spending time celebrating with family and friends.  However, when you’re stressed out you can start to have a very cynical view of the holidays and life in general.  When you encounter someone with a ‘bah humbug’ personality it is a defense mechanism your mind employs to try to decrease your stress levels.  Cynicism is basically detachment and a mental and emotional distancing from stressors.

4.    There’s no time for spinning your wheels.  With so many added pressures and obligations this season, it’s easy to slip into that feeling of inadequacy and incompetence because you feel nothing is getting done.  While this may be a separate symptom of stress it often happens in tandem with exhaustion and detachment.

5.    The remedy is being selfish.  During the season of giving it’s important to give to yourself just as much, if not more.  And that is true during any time of the year.  By carving out time for yourself to do whatever you want, you are giving yourself permission and time to relax and recharge.  This time, whether you spend it alone or not, promotes your tranquility and well-being.

Life can feel overwhelming, especially this time of year, but it should never make you feel out of control.  The good news is like the holidays, these symptoms can be here and gone in the blink of an eye if you know how to address them.  Hopefully these tips will help.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.