Listening to My Body Before Burnout Hits
I usually wake up early and work out. That’s my default rhythm. But when I feel especially tired or close to burnout, I know it’s time to slow things down and listen to my body instead of pushing through.
On those days, my routine changes completely — not out of laziness, but out of self-preservation.
A Gentle Morning Reset
Instead of jumping out of bed, I start with a light yoga session right there, without even standing up. The goal isn’t performance — it’s awareness. I follow that with breathing exercises and, if my mind allows it, a short meditation.
Once I feel a bit more grounded, I get up and practice some qigong. This helps me reconnect with my body and release tension. After that, I meditate again, this time sitting upright, and only then do I begin my day slowly and intentionally.
Movement Without Pressure
After breakfast, I usually do a workout. But if I’m feeling mentally overloaded or emotionally drained, I switch things up and go for a run instead. No metrics, no expectations — just movement and space to think.
This combination alone is often enough to reset me on a regular workday.
When Rest Means Doing Nothing
If this happens during a vacation or a free day, I go one step further. I allow myself what I call “show therapy” or “film therapy”: watching three episodes of a series in a row or two full movies back-to-back, doing absolutely nothing else.
No guilt. No productivity goals. Just rest.
The Real Reset
In the end, the combination of yoga, qigong, and conscious rest almost always brings me back to balance. It’s not about discipline or optimization — it’s about recovery. And sometimes, that’s exactly what allows me to come back stronger and more focused.
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