Navigating Overwhelm and Burnout: A Somatic Approach to Healing
As the host of the podcast "Through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Somatic Psyche and Soul," and Trainer and Founder of Golden Mandala Yoga-Soma Institute I have had the privilege of connecting with heart-centered practitioners and sharing insights on how to work with clients in a trauma-informed and somatic way. Today, I want to delve deeper into a topic that resonates with many of us: the experiences of overwhelm and burnout, that I exerienced myself and many of my clients have as well.
You can listen to the full podcast episode called: The Somatic and Embodied Solution for Overwhelm and Burnout HERE
Understanding Overwhelm and Burnout
In my 25 years of working with clients and other practitioners, I have observed that overwhelm and burnout are not just buzzwords; they are real challenges that can significantly impact our well-being.
But let’s start with the difference between overwhelm and burnout. In my own experience (and what I hear from many of my clients), overwhelm often hits me like a sudden wave, leaving me feeling as though everything is too much to handle. It's that sensation of drowning in responsibilities and too many expectations. Burnout, however, creeps in more insidiously. It's the result of chronic stress and exhaustion that accumulates over time, leaving me feeling depleted and disconnected. It’s an important distinction we need to make. How does it feel to you?
The Early Warning Signs
It's crucial for me to recognize the early warning signs of both overwhelm and burnout. These can manifest in various aspects of our lives, affecting our mental and physical health, relationships, and our overall connection to Life. I have felt the grip of overwhelm and have seen its impact on my daily life as well as my somatic practices. It's in these moments that I have had to consciously shift towards a more grounded and regulated way of being, and nurturing my inner and outter resources. I had to put into practice all the understanding and somatic practices I’ve learned over the years.
The Pressure to Perform
Our society, particularly in Western cultures, often glorifies productivity and efficiency, which can exacerbate the pressure we feel. This is especially true for women practitioners who may juggle multiple roles - within their business and home. I have learned the importance of shifting from a constant state of doing to a state of being. It's about reconnecting with the present moment and finding stability and support within myself. But it’s also about the deeper understanding that we can create healther habits over time.
Somatic Practices as a Pathway to Regulation
Somatic practices offer a powerful way to regulate our nervous system and change our physiological state. Grounding exercises, breathwork, gentle somatic movement, and Embodied Listening (Focusing) are some of the effective practices that can help us reconnect with our bodies and the present moment. I have personally found solace in nature and my daily walks with my dog Oscar, and the appreciation of beauty. Walking in nature has had a profound impact on my inner state and my ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.
Embodiment: More Than Physical Practices
Embodiment is about fully inhabiting our bodies and our inner experiences. It's an emotional journey as much as it is a physical one. Through my podcast, I have shared stories of practitioners and clients who have experienced transformative shifts by incorporating somatic practices into their lives. These practices have improved their relationships, work quality, and overall satisfaction. For me this is one of the most empowering aspects - we can learn these practices so we can heal and grow, and experience significant changes in our lives.
The Power of Small Steps
I encourage you to explore somatic and embodied practices, even if it's just one or two to start with. Notice how these practices can positively influence your overall well-being and connection with others over time. Reconnecting with your body, reclaiming your personal power, and restoring your energy are essential components of this healing journey.
Commitments to Self-Care
Do you prioritise taking care of yourself and your needs? Prioritizing self-care, making changes in work dynamics, and setting clear and healthy boundaries are commitments to oneself that can have a profound impact on your body, well-being, sense of self, relationships, work, and overall perception of life. For me it's about making conscious, compassionate choices and nurturing an embodied sense of self-trust. These things take time but their impact is life-changing.
The Importance of Choice and Commitment
In conclusion, everything boils down to the choices we make and our commitment to ourselves.
Remember that the journey to healing and wholeness is a deeply personal one, but you don't have to walk it alone. If you found this exploration useful I look forward to connecting with you further and supporting you on your path to an embodied and fulfilling life.
You can learn more about the somatic approach in our accredited training certification: Trauma-informed Somatic Teacher and Coach for Women. We run this training twice a year in Spring and Autumn, and if you would like to join us please book a free call with me. I look forward to connecting with you soon.