Have you ever suffered from burnout? Or too much stress?
2022 has been a very busy year for me in both the personal and professional aspects. Whilst I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute, there came a point where I needed a break, a holiday.
I'm prone to burnout because I'm not very good at taking breaks or being selfish once in a while and doing something for myself. But, my sister and I had been talking about going to Spain for a while and we decided to go last week.
We booked our package holiday to Benalmádena in Costa del Sol; it was everything I needed.
At first, it was quite stressful because packing always is. Trying to figure out how much swimwear to take, how many outfits you'll need, and how many books you're going to read (that's always a difficult one for me!). However, once we'd started packing we got into a rhythm and at 4:30am we were off to the airport.
Going on holiday was an exciting venture but it also made me feel a bit lost initially because I wasn't going to do any work or any university studies. People who know me know how hard I find it to not work - I feel guilty when I don't, which then sends me down a negative spiral towards burnout.
But whilst I was in Benalmádena with my sister, I lived in the moment and tried not to think about anything but being on holiday. We explored some lovely sights including El Castillo Bil Bil, Puerto Marina Benalmádena and El Parque de la Paloma. The weather was amazing out on the coast, so we also spent time each day around the pool, sunbathing.
Having this time away to relax and take time for me was very much needed.
In the weeks building up to going on holiday, stress was a constant aspect of my life. I had a university assessment to complete and a lot going on with my work that things became too much.
I knew I was heading towards burnout. I was tired a lot of the time, my appetite was a bit all over the place and I wasn't in a great headspace. Generally, I can be very sentimental, but I don't normally cry and that's one of the symptoms I have when I'm reaching my limit.
This holiday to Spain was a lifesaver that rejuvenated my mental health and made me appreciate life more. It taught me to take breaks because whilst I might feel guilty about taking time for myself, it is necessary.
If you feel as though you're reaching your breaking point, remember it's okay to feel stressed and take time for yourself.
Until next time..
Excellent article, and a very important one about handling your own health, both mentally and physically. It was evident just before your holiday that you were severely burning yourself out and heading for a breakdown. You kept a professional level with work and committed every other moment to your degree, all at a cost to your own well-being. You care so much about everyone and everything else, and thankfully as a result of your fabulous holiday it allowed you to take a step back and appreciate what had been happening to you. Your work ethic is second to none, and now as you delve back into your degree and work commitments, one of the most important tasks to do is…
So true about you! 😢 and so you glad you had an awesome holiday both of you 🥰 Can I come next time tho? 😍 Hopefully you’ll take more time for yourself and be that little bit selfish when you need too 😘
Such an important topic to talk about, well done. I'm so glad you finally got a break (that I got to experience with you 😀) and that you feel much better for it! Also, I love the photos! 🥰