In today’s society, we have often heard that we need about 5-7 sources of income. This isn’t feasible for many people due to personal responsibilities. In addition to a personal capacity issue, there are people who are hard-wired to work one job. After all – isn’t that what our education has directed us to do?
Being that the training we receive throughout life directs us to get a job and remain gainfully employed and we will be able to work towards obtaining the “American Dream”, it is no wonder there is a growing divide amongst the classes. It’s difficult to retrain oneself towards this modern lifestyle requiring multiple streams of income. And often times, we get overwhelmed, and get burned out.
Many of us are balancing more responsibilities than we would like to acknowledge. With the increased cost of living and less than impactful increase in wages, people are experiencing burnout more than ever. There are a few things that can help to even the balance when it comes to getting burned out, all of which involves self-care and guarding your time. Boundaries are incredibly important for non-priorities. We cannot be everything to everyone.
If you find yourself in a place of mental exhaustion, and would like to give yourself some constructive and rejuvenating relief, here are a few suggestions:
- Get your thoughts on paper. As a matter of fact, if you’re upset at someone, write a letter THAT YOU DON’T SEND…the objective is to release, not to cause more stress.
- Go on a trail walk. None other than the popular American Tobacco Trail will get the job done for you. The trail runs 22 miles through Durham, Wake and Chatham counties. Of course, there are other trails available, also, such as those throughout the William B. Umstead Park.
- Take yourself on a date. Dinner and a movie for one, anybody?
- And if finances permit, get a massage. There are several options available, such as The Now in Brier Creek, The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, Bella Trio in Durham, and a variety of Massage Envy locations throughout the Triangle. There are many other options, but these can get you started.
- My personal favorites: Sing like no one is listening. Dance like no one is watching. It costs you nothing to just be comfortable being you.
But overall, do whatever fits your personality style, but doesn’t break the bank. I firmly believe your neglecting yourself causes you to show up ineffective in every area of your life. Rest and reset are obligatory.
Life is hard. And life be life-ing. Recently, it was reported that Raleigh is seeing more and more homeless camps. These are communities of people living in tents. This has been reported in the past, but the numbers continue to grow as access to assistance is strained1. It all boils down to the fact that the cost of living is still increasing without a parallel increase in income. If we find ourselves going in circles with no real outlet in sight, we make outlets. And unless we are practicing self-care, those outlets can be self-destructive. Burnout leads many into alcohol abuse and/or substance abuse. Indulgence and/or over-indulgence can keep people in perpetual states of living at or below the poverty line, and possibly experiencing a housing insecurity.
We are just coming off of dry January, and are in the midst of Lent, if you’re a practicing Catholic and do any sort of fasting during this time. This often times also means fasting from alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, and compounds the issues that are already present. It may start out as a good time, but that boost of dopamine release wears off, and the depression-mode sets in, which results in self-loathing, and even more procrastination. Often times, issues persist and go neglected. Thankfully, whether this is timely with the changes in quality of life or not, there are some alternatives available.
Popping up around the Triangle Area over the last two years or so are what are called zero-proof bars or dry bars. These are basically bars offering mocktails, which would allow that “it’s five-o-clock somewhere” feel without the alcohol impact. Here are a few that I have recently learned about2:
Raleigh
Umbrella Dry Bar
Killjoy
Unlikely Professionals
Durham
Alley Twenty Six
Arcana
As we continue to experience the hardships of life, it is increasingly important to take care of oneself, and to ensure that we are not partaking in self-destructive behaviors. We can never get ahead, let alone catch up, if we do. Sometimes, homelessness is not just a matter of a lack of income, but also results from a lack of coping skills to deal with life’s challenges. So, take care.
References
- Today, Usa. “As the Homeless Crisis Worsens, Unhoused People in These Rural Areas Remain ‘invisible.’” USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024, usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/19/homeless-shelters-north-carolina-seeing-rural-poverty/72480429007.
- Staff, Indy, and Indy Staff. “The INDY’S 2024 Guide to Triangle Bars and Drink Spots.” INDY Week, 22 Feb. 2024, com/food-and-drink/durham-chapel-hill-raleigh-best-date-bars-game-bars-best-bars.