How a Chronically Ill Person Can Avoid Burnout

Each of us has a voice inside our head that is urging us not to overdo it. It is our intuitive self-reference point. Yet, we either ignore it or we’re so busy running that we don’t even hear it at all. However, being busy can keep us unconscious and unconnected from ourselves. This is because when we’re constantly distracted and running, we’re not paying attention to what is happening inside of us, nor how we feel. Many times, our body is urging us to rest, but we ignore it.

Further, many chronically ill individuals keep rushing, despite their pain and fatigue. We believe that a shift or change in goals is a sign of failure. Another culture may view a change in our goals as courageous and necessary. It comes from a position of strength and being open to new possibilities. This is especially the case in Europe. And it’s not surprising that many Europeans are not as stressed out as we are. They enjoy longer lunches and social gatherings with friends and family. They take time off to enjoy life.

I believe the quality of our lives is measured by our freedom to choose to keep doing what we’re doing or change if we feel overwhelmed. This is especially the case for the chronically ill. That choice comes when we are more mindful and connected to our inner being. Our conscious awareness and mindfulness will help us stop overdoing it so that we can rest when we’re fatigued.