Smart Moves

WELLBEING

In this section:

1. 10 Self-care
2. 11 Burnout
3. 12 Motivation
4. 13 Productivity

 

I used to be the type of person who prided themselves on always being ‘busy’. In school, I was the kid who had an extracurricular activity every day before and after school. In university, I juggled full-time studies, two part-time jobs, another two side hustles, as well as saying yes to as many social events as possible. Between attending classes, studying, working and maintaining a social life, I didn't have much downtime. I was always figuring out ways to multitask and cram as much as possible into one day. If I did have a free day, I would try to pick up another shift at one of my jobs. If I had an empty gap in my calendar, I had to fill it with something productive.

The thought of having a day, or even so much as an afternoon, off terrified me. I didn't know how to relax. If I felt tired, I told myself to keep pushing. I never gave myself a chance to take a break or rest. There was always too much to do and not enough time. I only knew how to operate at 100 per cent productivity, and anything less I viewed as a failure.

In my fourth year of university, it all started unravelling. I started getting sick constantly. As soon as I recovered from one illness, I would be struck with another. My immune system was weak. I was sent to hospital twice for exhaustion and dehydration, days before my big final exams. I was burnt out and my body couldn't handle it anymore. I refused to take a break, ...