• Art
    • Prints
      • All Prints
      • Silent Generations
    • Originals
  • Wallpaper
    • All Wallpaper
      • Honeysuckle
      • Pure Life
      • Divine Femme
  • Books
  • Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

  • Coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Resources
  • About
  • Blog
0

Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

Recovering from Burn-out
Slow Living

On the Other Side of Burn-Out: The Process of Healing

January 13, 2023

We all reach our breaking point sooner or later, and with today’s hustle culture, I think we’re all closer than we think. I for one didn’t see it coming when the tiredness came on at a level I had never experienced. The adult acne consumed my face. And everything that I used to love slowly didn’t matter. My life was about making it through the day, hitting the couch and tuning out to something on Netflix. An escape from a life that felt overwhelming and all-consuming.

I could give you a list or reasons why my job at the time was the problem, but this wasn’t the first job that lead to burn-out (and to a degree it wouldn’t be the last job). I could also blame it on the pandemic happening, because really, who saw that coming? But again, this was building up long before we ever heard the word COVID.

Burn-out is engraved into our society. It’s not only seen as something normal but something to be prized. But when you’re living through it or trying to recover from it, its anything but a prize.

So after the storm, when shit literally hits the fan, and you’re left numb and like a deer in the headlights, where do you go? How do you start the process to coming back to your old self?

It didn’t happen over night.

It started with a lot of help from healers, therapists, and community. As they say, it takes a village, and it really does. Then it was a day-by-day healing. Learning new tools, using said tools, taking two steps forward. And then life happens and you forget what you’ve just learned, because we’re all really just 3-year olds, and you take one step back. It’s a dance over and over again. Learn, implement, stress, forget, repeat. Until, suddenly, more and more of these tools become second nature to you. Then you begin to use them without thinking. And slowly, the acne goes away, the energy comes back, and you begin to feel like your old self, but better. It’s a rebirth and you’ve made it to the other side.

One of the simplest tools that gave me support in my healing, was having a physical space that felt calming and welcoming. For me, that was the house we had bought right before COVID. It became a creative outlet as I came back to myself and as each room was finished, it became a space I could really come home to–physically and spiritually.

Having a calm home, from a spot in a room, to an entire room, to now a whole home, has allowed me to decompress and think. It became a joy to sit in silence, to stare out the window, to meditate or cuddle with my puppy. The calming space gave me room to rest which in turn gave me the energy to start the hard work or healing.

A room isn’t magic in itself. You are the one that turns it into magic.

The way you organize it, the way you fill it, but most importantly what you do in that space, is the everyday magic I’m always talking about.

In my interview with the Tillage Podcast we talk all things burn-out. How I got there, how I dealt with it, and how almost 3 years later I finally feel like I’m coming out on the other side (With a few more tools that are on the “learn, implement, stress, forget, repeat” process. But I’m only human.)

Of course, we also talk about the messiness of choosing to transition career paths in the middle of all this. But recognizing that being in the wrong job can be one of the many reasons you’re burnt-out in the first place.

It’s a fun conversation and one I think we all need to be reminded of in this fast paced, hustle-focused society we live in.

Get the Guide to Calm Color Palettes
In this free guide you’ll learn to discover new ways to find color, gain tips on making any room into a retreat, and understand the basics to color theory.

Sign up

Share
Katie Leigh

Bonjour, I'm Katie Leigh. I wear many hats but I call myself an artist and slow living advocate. Here on this blog, you'll find me writing about living intentionally and my life in the slow lane. If you want articles like these sent directly to your inbox sign up for my newsletter with the form in the righthand sidebar!

You May Also Like

July 7, 2020

Building Confidence With Plastic Free July

December 20, 2021

A Meditation For Clarity on your goals in the new year

April 12, 2022

Figure Out What You Don’t Like

Bonjour, I’m Katie

I'm here to show you the magic in the ordinary. In slowing down and tuning in you'll find new inspiration in your life and your work. Join me on this journey to living intentionally and see how a little modern magic can transform your world.

Find What You Need

Support Charity Water

One of the many magics of my everyday is having access to clean drinking water. Help others experience the same magic by donating to Charity Water.

Favorite Brands

25% Off Moo

$10 off Birthday Books

50% off 17Hats

20% off August Uncommon

10% off Brighton Cookie Cutters

Grow Your Art Business, Sell Wholesale with Faire

Lets Collaborate Together

How can I help put a little magic in your life? Let's connect!

Connect with me

  • Services
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Modern Magic by Katie Leigh. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.