Burnout 101

burnout

From a psychological viewpoint, burnout is defined as “a state of physical, emotional, & mental exhaustion created by long-term involvement in an emotionally demanding situation”.  The term was introduced to describe a syndrome that was a reaction to stressful situations that are demanding but not at a traumatic level.

It’s not uncommon to come across hoopers who are experiencing burnout.  For some people it occurs after a period of intense focus or after a festival or hoop conference.

Everyone has experienced it at some point in regards to another activity (ie: school) or a work project.  Burnout tends to occur in those who are more idealistic – those people who are highly motivated & very committed to what they do.

Well, when people discover hooping – a lot of them jump into the deep end of the pool.  I discovered the hoop during the process of immigrating to Canada.  I wasn’t legally allowed to work & I had a lot of free time on my hands.  I threw myself into the hoop, bundled in layers during winter practices in the garage & later on (less bundled) in the school yard down the street.  I scoured online for all the hoop resources I could find, I buried myself.

& eventually…burnt out.

You find your way back eventually.  I did!

Recommendations for Getting Out of a Slump

  • Waiting it Out.  Yes, that’s right.  Good ol’ patience.
  • Let yourself focus on other things that catch your interest: maybe its another flow toy, maybe it is making a collage.
  • Get yourself to the public library & check out some new music!  Experiment with some new tunes.
  • Go dancing without a hoop.  Get your groove on.  Remember what it feels like to move in different ways without keeping a hoop up.
  • Avoid comparison.  We all hoop for different reasons.  None are ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than other reasons.

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