I also think once you hit "motherhood" the burn out extends to the attempt at the perfectionist care for your children becomes harder to manage/edit or slow down. For sure more of an American thing (I think) - the pressure to do it all...
Yes! I couldn’t agree more with the added internal/external pressure and judgment that comes along with motherhood. I’ve seen it a bit in the other countries I’ve lived in but not to the extend I’ve seen in the U.S.
Such a good read Cheyanne. I absolutely think that American individualism exacerbates the problem. And in true American fashion we then manage to monetize the so-called self care solutions, which are bandaids at best.
American individualism and end-stage capitalism are huge drivers of this! I almost want to do a multipart series on all of this because it’s all connected. American culture/industry is designed to make you so exhausted that then they sell you back self-care and the cycle spins.
So many good points. It's so true. We want to accomplish so many things, but we only have 24 hours in a day- and some of those hours we need to sleep! It's taken me a long time to understand the concept of phases. Living with a focus on certain tasks or goals, and then moving on to the next. Otherwise, we can only really dabble in things and never become very good at anything.
Yes! I was talking to a friend about this yesterday. Recently, I read something about looking at your life as if it is full of seasons and no season can last forever. You can't do everything right now, but you can do what matters most for this season. Then, sometime soon, you'll get a new season and can choose again.
I'’m Italian living in France, and I’ve been through that as well. The reasons may have been slightly different, shaped by the context, but the result was the same.
I left a toxic environment and changed jobs. I created space for myself and found balance between work, writing, theater, and yoga. Life is so much better now!
As an American who lives in Mexico, this is a very American mentality. Our lives are full of "productivity" and checklists when that will never cure burnout completely - only mask it temporarily.
Exactly! It will never fix it. My guess was that it’s an innately American culture problem. I haven’t seen the same internalization of the problem in other countries. In France, they have medical leave for burnout for I believe 6 weeks which seems so much more fitting - doing less and prioritizing rest is one of the solutions for burnout, not doing more.
Agree! I think Europeans love to rest hence their slow dinners and planned out breaks in every culture. I had to learn that this year. Rest is the only way you'll heal which is common in other countries and taboo in America. 😂
This is such a raw and honest and vulnerable piece, thank you so much for sharing. I can completely identify, having suffered from burnout for years. I am only starting to learn how to take care of myself and find value in myself that has nothing to do with my contributions to society. Sending lots of love for your journey.
I also think once you hit "motherhood" the burn out extends to the attempt at the perfectionist care for your children becomes harder to manage/edit or slow down. For sure more of an American thing (I think) - the pressure to do it all...
Yes! I couldn’t agree more with the added internal/external pressure and judgment that comes along with motherhood. I’ve seen it a bit in the other countries I’ve lived in but not to the extend I’ve seen in the U.S.
Are you listening to Anna’s podcast on Burnout it’s SO good!
I have it bookmarked! Now that I’m back into the swing of the things, I need to listen.
It’s one of those where you feel like you should but actually it’s so comforting now I just want to. Great piece btw! ✨✨
Thank you!! 🫶🏻
Such a good read Cheyanne. I absolutely think that American individualism exacerbates the problem. And in true American fashion we then manage to monetize the so-called self care solutions, which are bandaids at best.
American individualism and end-stage capitalism are huge drivers of this! I almost want to do a multipart series on all of this because it’s all connected. American culture/industry is designed to make you so exhausted that then they sell you back self-care and the cycle spins.
So many good points. It's so true. We want to accomplish so many things, but we only have 24 hours in a day- and some of those hours we need to sleep! It's taken me a long time to understand the concept of phases. Living with a focus on certain tasks or goals, and then moving on to the next. Otherwise, we can only really dabble in things and never become very good at anything.
Yes! I was talking to a friend about this yesterday. Recently, I read something about looking at your life as if it is full of seasons and no season can last forever. You can't do everything right now, but you can do what matters most for this season. Then, sometime soon, you'll get a new season and can choose again.
Much more eloquent! Seasons sounds much better than phases!
I'’m Italian living in France, and I’ve been through that as well. The reasons may have been slightly different, shaped by the context, but the result was the same.
It’s so tough and there are so many reasons. How are you doing now?
I left a toxic environment and changed jobs. I created space for myself and found balance between work, writing, theater, and yoga. Life is so much better now!
Amazing! Lots of changes to create a more fulfilling life.
As an American who lives in Mexico, this is a very American mentality. Our lives are full of "productivity" and checklists when that will never cure burnout completely - only mask it temporarily.
Exactly! It will never fix it. My guess was that it’s an innately American culture problem. I haven’t seen the same internalization of the problem in other countries. In France, they have medical leave for burnout for I believe 6 weeks which seems so much more fitting - doing less and prioritizing rest is one of the solutions for burnout, not doing more.
Agree! I think Europeans love to rest hence their slow dinners and planned out breaks in every culture. I had to learn that this year. Rest is the only way you'll heal which is common in other countries and taboo in America. 😂
It’s so crazy that rest is taboo but that is the culture.
Where are you in Mexico? It’s on my list to get to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende.
I'm in Mexico City!
This is such a raw and honest and vulnerable piece, thank you so much for sharing. I can completely identify, having suffered from burnout for years. I am only starting to learn how to take care of myself and find value in myself that has nothing to do with my contributions to society. Sending lots of love for your journey.