Feeling Overwhelmed or Burned Out?

9/15/2021

If you're feeling this current of heavy, overwhelming, or exhausting energy right now, you are not alone!

It's normal to get burned out in the summer, but this moment in time feels extra exhausting. We are still living through a time of fear, uncertainty, major shifts and transitions...

I just want you to know that regardless of how difficult things are right now, you're doing an amazing job. The challenges you've overcome these past 2 years were no small feats, and you're still here, you're still standing. There's so much to be said about that!

So acknowledge your victories and take it one step at a time when it all feels like it's too much. Slow down or pause when you need to, and be kind to yourself through it all... no matter what.

What are some tools in your figurative toolbox that help you get through tough times? For me dance, yoga, other forms of movement, breathwork, music and writing are great ways to regulate my nervous system so I'm not constantly being swept up by the storms of life.

Make sure to have at least a few of your own "tools" at your disposal and to use at least one of them each day (whichever one feels the most approachable or pleasant in those difficult moments, especially when inner resistance hits).

Take care of yourself first and foremost and help whomever you can along the way. Despite all the terrible things that are happening, I also see support systems strengthening, and communities that will help build a better future forming and growing.

You are loved and supported... even when it doesn't feel like it. You can do this!

Need some extra help? Try out these simple breathing exercises taught by Namita of Yoganama:

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8 Comments

Author

Yamê is a Brazilian-American
raqs sharqi dancer based out of New Jersey, USA.
As the owner of SharqiDance, her mission is two-fold:
empowering students to find inner joy, confidence and self-love in a positive and supportive dance community, and educating students and audiences around the world on the beauty and intricacies of Middle Eastern dance and music.

Keira L Dandridge

9/15/2021 05:41:47 pm

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I am loved. I matter. I am light.

Yame link

9/16/2021 05:32:45 pm

Absolutely, you are! And you are making a difference in the world <3

Valeria Servigna

9/15/2021 07:22:42 pm

I am grateful to have you in my life❤

9/16/2021 05:33:03 pm

Thank you! I'm grateful for having you in mine!

Kathy Quigley

9/15/2021 08:42:56 pm

This post came at the perfect time. Feeling drained but have recently taken steps to improve self care. Thanks, Yame, for your kindness and support.

9/16/2021 05:37:14 pm

I just saw a meme today that said something along the lines of, "would you think differently about self-care if you started calling it 'machine maintenance' instead?

Self-care isn't occasional bubble baths and massages, it's living a life of balance between activity and rest, doing for others and taking care of ourselves. But it's so hard to do in a world that demands so much of us constantly, where we constantly have to be doing, doing, doing... just in order to stay alive.

But making the commitment to carve out time for ourselves, time to recharge, and then taking small steps to make it happen can make such a big difference.

Glad you are taking those steps! Feel better soon!

Vanessa Taylor link

12/1/2021 03:56:58 pm

Feeling Overwhelmed or Burned Out?
9/15/2021

Hello Yamê,

I edit our Middle Eastern Dance Association of New Zealand (MEDANZ) Newsletter and was feeling somewhat lethargic and tired. Articles are due on the 10th December. I thought an article on this would be a good feature as I'm surely not the only one feeling this way.

I thought I would search the Internet for advice and your blog came up with some very good advice. Would you mind if I reprinted it in our December Newsletter please?

I for one would certainly appreciate it, so others will too!
Looking forward to your reply,

Ness

Yamê (SharqiDance) link

12/2/2021 04:05:29 pm

Hi Ness,

Thanks for your comment and for reaching out! It would be my pleasure to allow you to reprint this article on the MEDANZ newsletter, as long as a link is posted to the original article and that I am credited as the author. You can simply credit me as "Yamê / SharqiDance" and include a direct link to the original article on sharqidance.com

If you have any further questions, you can email me at yame@sharqidance.com, and I also ask that you send me an email when the article has been posted.

So glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! Although I posted it back in the summer, I find that so many of us are still struggling with those same things and the topic is still as relevant as ever.

-Yamê