Break Free From Burnout at Work: Inspiring Lessons from a Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica
Have you ever felt the overwhelming pressure of trying to juggle all the demands of modern life? As women, we often find ourselves pushing past our limits, sacrificing our own health and well-being in order to keep up with the daily grind.
But what if I told you that taking the time to reset your body and mind is not only necessary but crucial for avoiding burnout and achieving a more fulfilling life? Here are my biggest lessons from the jungle:
Lesson #1: We need to take time to RESET!
(And it does not require a trip to the remote jungle of Costa Rica!)
Otherwise, we burn out. We press on the gas pedal doing our best to juggle all aspects of modern life until we stall. We then become exhausted- both physically and mentally.
As someone who recently had the incredible opportunity to teach a yoga and meditation retreat in Costa Rica, I can attest to the power of stepping away from the chaos and tuning in to the present moment. But you don't need a trip to the remote jungle to experience the benefits of resetting your nervous system.
Calming the nervous system can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, drinking more water, or unplugging from technology. By de-stimulating the body and mind, we can recharge and prevent burnout.
There is also a tendency to overstimulate our bodies with chemicals, caffeine, and non-foods til we literally ache and feel depleted. And we can overstimulate the mind with a mountain of TV shows, social media posts, or a neverending book list!
How will you reset your body and mind? Here are some suggestions:
Go outside for a walk absorbing the sounds of nature?
Drink more water?
Drive your car without music or talk?
Listen, really listen, to... (fill in the blank).
Reduce caffeine or sugar consumption
Reduce mental stimulation like social media or TV
Costa Rica Yoga Retreat- April 2022
Lesson #2: Intuition is an ability to hone, not a special gift for the chosen few.
Another crucial lesson I learned during my time in Costa Rica is the importance of following our intuition. It's easy to dismiss our inner voice and make decisions based on obligations or external pressures. But when we tune in to our intuition, we are able to lead a life that aligns with our true selves and purpose. Developing this innate ability takes time and practice, but it's worth it for the sense of clarity and empowerment it brings.
I talk about this lesson in more detail in a recent Be The Love Podcast episode called Lessons From The Jungle.
Here are some examples of not following my Intuition:
Offering to take on another work project because I felt obligated.
Dishonoring my “no work from home after 5pm” because I wanted to get one more thing done... consequently, not sleeping well that night.
Holding back my excitement when I shared a “win” for fear that I was 'bragging.'
Tuning into our intuition requires slowing down, being present, and reducing distractions. It's important to trust this process because it aligns the Energy of our thoughts and feelings with our True selves and our desired path in life. Although it may take time, we will never regret it.
Following our intuition is a powerful tool for preventing burnout in the workplace. When we listen to our intuition, we are better able to make decisions that align with our values and desires. This, in turn, helps us to prioritize our time and energy on what truly matters to us, rather than becoming overwhelmed with the demands of our job.
By tuning into our intuition, we become more aware of our own needs and limitations. We are better able to recognize when we are feeling burnt out and in need of a break, allowing us to take the necessary steps to recharge our batteries and prevent a full-blown burnout.
Incorporating consistent practices such as yoga, meditation (check out Your Sacred Intuition guided meditation), and Energy Healing techniques into our daily routines can also help us to strengthen our Intuition and become more in tune with our bodies and minds. By consistently engaging in these practices, we can develop a greater sense of Self-awareness and learn to fully trust our Intuition as a guide for making healthy and balanced choices in all areas of our lives.
Interested in more tips to connect to your Intuition to avoid burnout and overwhelm? I use the wisdom of yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and Energy Healing to co-create healing and wholeness in body and mind.
