Work Prompt #15: What underlying beliefs and thought patterns are contributing to feeling overwhelmed or exhausted?
Welcome back all, I hope you are all taking it easy on yourself at work this week.
Last week we discussed: Have you ever faced a difficult decision at work, and how did you navigate through it? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: What underlying beliefs and thought patterns are contributing to feeling overwhelmed or exhausted?
We are all human, and it's natural to experience moments of overwhelm and exhaustion. By identifying and challenging the underlying beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to these feelings, we can take steps towards a healthier and more balanced mindset. Please know it is okay to not have it all together all the time. Let's support each other in this journey towards emotional well-being.
Also, it is time for periodic feedback on these weekly prompts.
- On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on work and career so far? (10 being most helpful)
- What specific topics related to work and career would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
Is anyone actually going to be able to answer this massive PhD of a question?
I mean the furthest I've gotten I think is that I don't think I'm enough or worthy of any good.
For me, it's the fact that no matter how much I do and no matter how much effort I put into something, it's never going to be good enough for the supervisors.
Like yesterday I got an email because I hadn't turned something in and I had a month to do it. The email seemed to indicate that I was slacking off and lacking focus. Yes I could have done it in the time period allotted if it were the only thing I had to do or maybe two other things. But it wasn't. I am constantly bombarded with work and sifting through hundreds of reports and various information. I rarely leave my desk but it still isn't enough.
I'd talk to one of the managers but I don't have the time to do that and I doubt they would actually listen.
@Enthenia Thank you for opening up Enthenia. It sounds like you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have and the expectations of your supervisors. Please know you're not alone in feeling this way. We are all here with you to listen to and support you. What matters most to you about doing a good job?
- Also, please do share feedback on these weekly prompts. It would be helpful to me
- On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on work and career so far? (10 being most helpful)
- What specific topics related to work and career would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
@ASilentObserver I think the weekly discussions are helpful although I don't answer every week. I always seem to be bailing with a sieve and I don't always get on to check. I also don't want to post too much because it seems like I'm constantly complaining.
It's just a recurring theme and I don't really know how to change it aside from finishing my schooling and getting myself better suited for a different field and opportunities. But, after taking a mock certification exam for my current class, it appears that I need to do a lot more before I can seriously look at positions in other fields.
@Enthenia II understand you're feeling discouraged by the cycle of constant complaining and feeling like you're not making progress. But please know I appreciate your shares and all your steps you taking. You have been trying hard to improve your situation by pursuing further education, but it's clear that there's still work to be done. We are all here with you to support you Enthenia. You are not alone in this.
@ASilentObserver
For me, it's the lack of appreciation and the ignorance of people who are in authoritative positions. Sometimes it feels like they are ready to point fingers and blame employees for some reason or another. And everything from employee-side is perceived as excuses. In some workplaces, there are systems and transparency but to be honest, I think there are more chances of manipulation when there are no actual performance records in the workplace. And I can't even get started on maternity and paternity leave system. But in my opinion people are becoming more aware and we are transitioning into better state. In short It's difficult now but I am hopeful.
@sky2Ocean20 That sounds like you find it challenging to work in an environment where you feel underappreciated and where authority figures are quick to point fingers. These experiences can really take a toll on us. What feelings come up for you as you describe these challenges?
Also, please do share feedback on these weekly prompts. It would be helpful to me
- On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on work and career so far? (10 being most helpful)
- What specific topics related to work and career would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
@ASilentObserver
I did feel a little bit hopeless while describing the situation but again we do try our best and prepare for the uncertainty of life.
On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on work and career so far? (10 being most helpful)
-> it's definitely 9.5. It's helpful to reflect on a past situation to learn something from it.
What specific topics related to work and career would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
-> work culture experiences, team bonding activities in the workplace, how did someone navigating their work challenges - I think those topics will be interesting to discuss.
@sky2Ocean20 I can relate with that feeling, Ocean but you doing good trying and sharing with us. Please know I am rooting for you and here with you to support.Feeling uncertain about the future can bring up tough emotions.
Also, thank you for the feedback and suggestions. Definitely I will bring some discussions on it. I appreciate your share and support to others, Ocean. thank you for being here with us.
@ASilentObserver
Underlying beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to overwhelm and exhaustion, I think many of it is the expectation that society portrays for a typical average person who works. For example, an Employer of a large company, will expect their employees to achieve certain milestones given the resources that are available to them and expect that they can complete the work without delay or conditions. They may think, you're the one who applied for this job, then, you should achieve all the tasks that are thrown at you, with no excuse. There aren't many Employers (bosses) that are considerate of all the employees that work under them. For them, they just want you to get the work done, it doesn't matter if you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, because we are the ones who chose to work there.
So, at times when we do feel overwhelmed or exhausted, it is a time where we need to listen to our own bodies. If rest is needed to avoid burnouts, then, make that sick call. Do some self-care, and allow your body/mind/soul to rest. We aren't robots or machines, we all have a breaking point of when we'll feel overwhelmed or exhausted. So, it is important that we are able to identify that breaking point before it goes overboard. Catch ourselves before it happens, and take a well-deserved break. A lot of the times, our bosses/Managers may or may not understand why we need the break, as to them, they want you to be working. At these times, you need to be firm in your beliefs, your personal needs, your mental needs.. and take that time off. I know some people work pay-cheque to pay-cheque, and not going to work for a few days or a week, will affect their income and essential survival needs (whether that be to pay bills or feed your family).. But, do try and think that, if you leave your needs to attend to the very last thread, you may end up with more medical problems that require even more money to spend to making yourself feel better. The longer you drag out self-care time, the longer it would take for recovery.
@ASilentObserver
@Jaeteuk Thank you for opening up and sharing your experiences with us, JAe. that seems like you've been grappling with the demands of your job and the expectations placed upon you. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted can be incredibly draining. Please know it is okay to prioritize your well-being and take breaks when needed.
Also, please do share feedback on these weekly prompts. It would be helpful to me
- On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on work and career so far? (10 being most helpful)
- What specific topics related to work and career would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
I have been putting my own health first, that was why I took 3 weeks off to fight an infection. With my absence, the team was short-staffed by 2 people. But, my health was much more important, and I knew they they could manage, as I've worked like that too, covering shifts of 2 others that were away on vacation in the past. And knowing how these other staff works, I doubt they'll do a lot of overtime hours, as they will just end up asking others (nurses) to help. I guess our Manager had asked the Nurses to help whenever possible, as she sent out an email of thanks 2 weeks ago to all the staff who pitched in to help my team.
Obs, I always enjoy your prompts, I give you a perfect score! I think I'd like to learn more about Respectful Workplace. I seem to have problems getting respect from others, and having them misinterpret my intentions, then, make the atmosphere all tense and negative.
@ASilentObserver
@Jaeteuk Thank you Jae for your feedback and suggestions. I will work on Respectful Workplace discussion in upcoming weeks. Also thank you for your support to the community and your insights and thoughts.
And, I believe you made the right decision to prioritize your health during a challenging time. Taking three weeks off to recover must have helped. How did your team handle the extra workload?
It was a tiring 3 weeks, I stayed home as the side effects of my antibiotics meant frequently using the washrooms all day long. Had to take naps during the day. And was on a clear fluid diet for my first 2 weeks, then slowly eased back into solid foods.
Honestly, I think the team did fine. They got help from nurses. When I had to cover shifts when 2 colleagues were on vacation, I never got help from others, but was expected to do everything myself. So they were lucky.
@Jaeteuk that sounds like dealing with some challenging health issues during a busy time at work. It must have been exhausting for you, jae
Although I couldn't work, it was an exhausting experience.. Now, I have to watch what I eat.. it's hard, but I've been holding back on eating spicy foods.. I'm also afraid of flare-ups, as the internet says, when I've had the more severe case, risks of getting flare-ups is a lot more common. I would not want to go through that kind of discomforting pain, or the sleepless overnight stay in the Emergency, or taking those antibiotics again..
@ASilentObserver
@Jaeteuk that feels like a lot of challenges with your health right now, you are going through. Managing symptoms and avoiding flare-ups can feel exhausting. It makes sense that you'd want to take steps to prevent that.
@ASilentObserver
Underlying beliefs and though processes: 1. I am not good enough. 2. There is no luck, only connections. 3. I am not pretty and I am ignored. 4. I am not talented. 5. It's all my fault. Things that I have heard all my life.
@NotAllHere713 I am sorry to hear that notall. Those are some difficult beliefs. Where did you hear these things? Please know you have all of us here with you to listen to and support you. You are not alone in this.
@ASilentObserver
Family, people I've gone to school with, people I've worked with = my inner voice.
@NotAllHere713 understandable that you have difficult feelings about yourself based on what you've heard from others and your own inner critic. What are some specific instances where you have heard these negative messages?
@ASilentObserver
What underlying beliefs and thought patterns are contributing to feeling overwhelmed or exhausted?
I think it might be that I will never get out. While I do love my parents the environment they've created in the household can be quite toxic and exhausting. Getting on their bad side will always result in a fight or emotional manipulation. They will also have selective amnesia whenever I mention their toxic habits and behaviors leading me to believe they just may never change. I want to move out, possibly get my own place but I don't have the money, time, or even a plan to do so. Leaving me stuck in the same place, I tried to get a part time job but school and the other programs my parents signed me up for became too demanding.
I get burnt out easily, overwhelmed and overstimulated. What makes it worse is just feeling deep inside that I will never get out. No matter how far I run or how much I detach myself from them I will always be chained down with them here. Sure, I have hope I'll get out and I am holding on but there's that little voice that keeps telling me it's never going to happen. That I will die living in a place I despised and I life I hated for people who couldn't care less about me or my well being.
@JollyRacher I am sorry to hear you feel trapped and unable to escape this difficult home environment. The cycle of arguing with your parents and feeling worn down must take a lot out of you. What thoughts go through your mind when you feel most overwhelmed?
@ASilentObserver
That this is it. This is where I will die. I have given up a lot to survive as best I could. My dreams, hopes, personality, and childhood. I feel like a blank canvas or an empty shell. Like I'm a puppet that people use to do what they want and then leave me until they want me to do something again. Now, there's this huge gap in what feels like my soul and I'm doing little things I enjoy here and there to fill it up. But when I'm overwhelmed all I can think is it doesn't matter. No matter how many pieces of the puzzle I have or time I spend on myself in the end I will always be a lifeless puppet for others to use. That I'll never truly find who I am and I will just die wearing a mask and never actually being happy. Definitely something that scares me.
@JollyRacher I am sorry Jolly. that feels like you are carrying a heavy burden believing you are a puppet and will always be told what to do. Why do you think you are a puppet?
@ASilentObserver
I guess I just feel so used all the time. My parents like showing me off to people and making take all these classes even if I don't want to. I don't have much of a say in my own life and I just kind of have to go along with it. I gave up on my dreams and buried myself in a ditch a long time ago. As a kid I realized being myself would just get me into trouble so I changed to make everyone else happy. Now, I feel like I have this gaping hole in my chest where my inner child should be but it's been yanked out. Now I simply play whatever role is needed of me by parents or those around me. Like a puppet people play with me and make me do things that make them happy and when they're done they toss me aside until they want to play again. While I don't really have a say in what I want to you and even if I could no one would listen and a puppet surely can't make the dream come true so you have to sit there and exist. Wondering if maybe one day you'll get to do what you want and be who you want to be, not someone else's toy.
@ASilentObserver thinking everything is my fault
@sadcat13 seems like you are experiencing difficult feelings of self-blame right now. What is making you feel this way?
@ASilentObserver I did quite a few reflection thinking about this but I still don't have a definitive answer. The current most likely theory is that I have been made to feel responsible for other people's feelings since childhood so I take a lot more responsibility then I should. Second is being a people pleaser and third having no belief in my abilities due to my surroundings constantly doubting me. Fourth is just not having the confidence and certainty in anything I do. But probably, all of it together
@sadcat13 It seems like you have done a lot of self-reflection on this and I appreciate that. Please know you are not alone in feeling unsure about yourself and your abilities.
@ASilentObserver thank you 😊 I'm working on it 😊
@ASilentObserver
Currently the overwhelming parts of my life revolve around creating a better work/life balance. Steps have already been taken towards bettering this but progress takes time so rn I am focusing on trying to be patient and take what small steps I can.
@cresentrose2811 finding a better balance between work and your personal life has been weighing heavily on you lately. Taking small steps towards change can be a great way to start making progress.
