Exhaustion and Burnout Coach Anna Schaffner Shares Tips to Transition from Exhaustion to Vitality

Introduction

Experiencing exhaustion and burnout has become a common phenomenon in today’s fast-paced world. With the never-ending to-do list and the constant pressure to perform, it’s no wonder people are feeling drained and disengaged. In this episode of The Lifehack Show, Anna Schaffner, an Exhaustion and Burnout Coach, joins the show to share her insights on how to transition from exhaustion to vitality.

Who is Anna Schaffner?

Anna Schaffner is a writer, coach, and professor of cultural history. She has written books on the history of exhaustion and the art of self-development. Anna’s passion lies in helping people transition from exhaustion to a state of vitality, where they can direct their energy towards what matters in their lives.

What is Exhaustion and Burnout?

Exhaustion and burnout are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Exhaustion is a physical and emotional state where a person feels drained and lacks energy. Burnout, on the other hand, is a mental state where a person feels disengaged and experiences a loss of motivation.

According to Anna, exhaustion and burnout can manifest in different ways. When a person loses their capacity to experience joy and engage in activities that make them happy, this is an obvious symptom of burnout. To prevent exhaustion and transition to a state of vitality, Anna shares three simple tips.

Tip #1: Know What Energizes and Motivates You

One of the reasons why people experience exhaustion and burnout is because they lose contact with their feelings, values, and deeper purpose in life. Knowing what exhausts you and what gives you energy can help you identify the habits to keep and the actions to avoid.

Self-awareness is crucial when you’re feeling exhausted because what energizes and drains someone tends to be completely different from others. Introverts, for example, need to regain energy by being alone and reading, while extroverts get energy by spending time with others. By understanding what works for you, you can manage your energy better.

Tip #2: Know What You Can Control and What You Can’t

Do you know which of the exhaustion generators in your life can be controlled, and which ones cannot? The ancient stories believe that we can only control our inner life, our thoughts, our feelings, and responses to external events, and that’s always a starting point.

By focusing on how you react to external circumstances, you will feel less anxious. The Circles of Control is a mental framework that can help you take better control of your energy. By understanding what you can control and what you cannot, you can use your energy more efficiently.

Tip #3: Remember What Gives You Joy

When you’re burned out, it’s easy to lose contact with the feeling of joy. But, connecting with past memories in which you felt alive and joyful can help you feel positive again. By actively remembering and envisaging how you want to feel in the future, you can recharge your positive energy.

Anna also shared a quick tip on how to diffuse negative thoughts that drain your energy. Start any negative statement in your head with “I think.” For example, instead of saying “I’m not good at my job,” say “I think I’m not really good at my job.” By adding an element of doubt, the negative statement becomes less strong.

Conclusion

Experiencing exhaustion and burnout is becoming more and more common in today’s fast-paced world. By following Anna’s tips, you can prevent exhaustion, transition to a state of vitality, and use your energy more effectively. Remember to know what energizes and motivates you, focus on what you can control, and remember what gives you joy. With these tips, you’ll be able to manage your energy better and live a more fulfilling life.