The Art of Finding Joy and Relaxation in Your Everyday Chaos
Habits for winding down in today’s hustle culture.
When I quit my job to be a full-time writer in 2021, I had some major realizations.
Being self-employed was a new experience, and I had the freedom to work on projects that interested me. But when you come from a middle-class family, leaving a stable full-time job isn’t an easy decision.
It came with the baggage of working harder than before. Taking a break felt like cheating on myself. I prioritized work over my social life, health, and family.
Everything went well for a while. I managed to —
- Develop a writing routine,
- Establish my personal brand,
- Get freelancing projects and brand deals.
Amidst ticking off goals on my to-do list, I started feeling constantly exhausted. No matter how much I achieved, the hollowness in my chest kept expanding.
This listlessness was confusing. I was finally doing something I was passionate about. Then what went so wrong?
I finally took it to my therapist and had an intensive session. I was diagnosed with early signs of burnout.