I often ask clients, “Would you rather fill your gas tank before or after you run out of fuel?”
Predictably, most say they would rather fill the tank before it is empty. This works with a car, but when we are getting burned out, our bodies communicate similarly to a warning light. To some, the warning light is a challenge to see how far they can make it. These individuals remind me of the Seinfeld episode were Kramer is test-driving the car that is running out of gas while shouting, “They went further to the left of the slash than anyone ever dreamed!”
If this describes you, don’t worry; this is a safe place, free of judgment.
Many of us already know the signs of burn out, and it’s clear when we have run out of gas. So why aren’t we filling up before?
It’s because we are not paying attention to our own warning light. This becomes important in creating change outside of sessions with clients. Whether you are struggling in your relationship with your spouse, parenting your child, or healing hurts from the past, self-care often gets overlooked.
Change is not easy, and is even more difficult when we ignore our warning light and burn ourselves out.
If this sounds familiar, I would highly encourage intentionally checking your warning light, before you’re out of gas, and spend time discovering what fills you up. There is no one size fits all, but here are some signs that your warning light might be on:
- Completing tasks that once were easy now take more effort or concentration
- Feeling more frustrated or irritable than normal
- Balancing work or personal life becomes tougher
- Being extra sensitive to negative emotions
- Feeling tension in your jaw, arms, or back
- Noticing lower energy throughout the day
The bottom line: pay attention to your warning light, and fill up–before you run out of gas.
Dustin Ellis, CIT
dellis@growcounseling.com
