Recognizing Imbalance

It can be challenging to recognize when things aren't working for us, when we need to pause and take a moment for ourselves, or how to prevent delaying the rest we really need. Ideally, we want to proactively address our needs before our bodies force us to stop. Reaching that point of exhaustion or burnout is unhealthy, and prolonged strain only exacerbates the issue, making the healing process longer and more difficult.

Many people are driving around life running on fumes, praying they make it to the next gas station. This manifests differently for everyone: for some, it's the constant stress of living paycheck to paycheck; for others, it's sitting in the car for a few extra minutes before walking in to work; and for others, it's battling physical exhaustion while pushing past the point of diminishing returns. I've been there too, more times I'd like to admit. It feels like you're stuck, just waiting for the next chance at relief.

Burnout – also known as compassion fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, or just plain running on empty – is one of the most pervasive challenges of our modern era. Studies show that burnout is on the rise, particularly in the American workforce. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 76% of employees report experiencing burnout at least sometimes, with 28% feeling burned out "very often" or "always." This can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even long-term health problems like heart disease and depression.

Corporate burnout is just one example, though. We can be burnt out emotionally, mentally, and spiritually without even realizing it. We often misjudge the depth of our feelings or misallocate them, thinking a week on the beach or a fishing trip will magically cure us. We distract ourselves with shopping, social media, or other forms of cheap dopamine, then wonder why we are left unsatisfied. It’s no wonder we never find any lasting satisfaction from chasing fleeting novelty.

Now, in all fairness, sometimes, being around loved ones or spending time in nature is exactly what we need. It's essential to know what truly brings us healing, and prescribe the right remedy. However, it's equally important to address the root cause of our imbalance, not just treat the symptoms. Sure, a week of vacation helps us feel rested, but it doesn’t take away the dread we feel the first Monday back to work if we hate our jobs, or change the due date on the bills if we’re struggling financially. Understanding where to pinpoint our healing is essential for cultivating sustained long-term wellness.

If the thought of your two weeks of vacation is the only thing getting you through the daily grind, a deeper solution is needed. While we all have good and bad days, we aren't meant to live wading through the grey ambiguity that lies between complacency and misery. We were meant to thrive, to explore the full richness of experience, and to live uninterrupted by the things that hold us back.

Here are 6 signs you may be out of balance:

1. You're tired all the time: This could indicate physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion.

2. You struggle falling or staying asleep: This can be a sign of high cortisol levels, anxiety, or emotional distress.

3. You've noticed a change in your appetite: This can signal an imbalance in your physical or emotional wellness.

4. You aren’t enjoying things you usually do: This might suggest you're out of balance spiritually or emotionally.

5. You feel the need to "escape" from your daily life: This is a pretty telling sign on its own.

6. You're increasingly irritable: Small things that wouldn't normally bother you now set you off.

While this is not an exhaustive list, the point remains that awareness is the first step in correcting any imbalance. It takes practice, but by recognizing the signs that we aren't feeling whole, we open a dialogue and explore avenues to remedy it. This regular introspection teaches us about ourselves and the more we pay attention to our bodies, the better we can care for them. The earlier we recognize an imbalance, the easier it is to mend. Instead of waiting for our breaking point, we must strive to regularly assess our wellness. That's how we live life on our terms. We refuse to let forces beyond our control affect our wellbeing, and this resilience allows us to take ownership of our lived experience.

Here's your homework for the week. Answer the following questions honestly and quickly, letting your subconscious speak. To the best of your ability, don’t think about them too hard and just let out whatever answer arises. You might be surprised at what comes up when you "release the lid":

1. When was the last time I remember being truly happy? What was I doing? Who was I with? What about that moment brought me joy?

2. When was the last time I did something solely for myself? Do I still remember how it made me feel?

3. What activities used to bring me joy, and why have I stopped doing them?

4. What activities am I currently doing that I no longer enjoy or want to participate in?

5. What am I most looking forward to right now, and how can I incorporate more of that into my daily life?

If your answer was "I don't know" or a hesitant, drawn-out response, it might indicate a lack of intentionality. That's another newsletter for another day. However, remedying wellness imbalances requires intentional action. Through experimentation and reflection, we learn to "diagnose" and "treat" ourselves. The first step is simply being aware of our state. The questions above are not a once-and-done answer. They are meant to be reviewed over time, each time inviting a new revelation.

If you had clear, direct answers to the questions above, that's fantastic! Keep living intentionally. But if that wasn't you, that's okay too. The good news is that you can start today. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture. It could be as simple as listening to music while walking because it makes you happy, or swapping out a glass of wine for a glass of water because you know it’s better for your body. When we make intentional choices and show up for ourselves, we become better versions. Wellness is a journey, and it's a lot more fun when you sit in the driver’s seat.

And if you start experiencing any of the signs of imbalance we discussed today, here are a few simple things you can do, starting now:

• Schedule 15 minutes of daily mindfulness.

• Reintroduce an old hobby into your routine.

• Set aside an hour this week for you with nothing to do.

• Connect with a friend/family member you didn't realize you missed.

Wellness is also about progress. You're the ultimate director, it’s time you step into the role! I am excited to announce that I will soon be launching a new program offering one-on-one guidance in the Uninterrupted Blueprint program. This flagship offer will walk you through assessing your current wellness state and focus on building lasting, healthy habits so you can prioritize all 8 dimensions of wellness. Together, we'll examine each dimension and how you'll get to do more each day, find meaning in your work, optimize wellness, and live a life with intentional gratitude.

Stay tuned for next week’s email with more details and information!

Until next time, live uninterrupted.

~Coleman

In addition to your homework above, I want you to answer one more question: When was the last time you genuinely felt excited about something?