The Secret to My Recovery from Burnout

Actually, at the beginning of this year, I was in a state of burnout💦

I failed an exam and also failed at work, which left me feeling devastated★ Because I had put in my full effort and worked through the New Year holidays without a break, the backlash was significant.

Even though it was the start of the year, I didn't even have the energy to write down my New Year's resolutions.

I would like to write about the exercise that became the catalyst for me to regain my energy.

✅ The catalyst for my recovery from burnout

At the beginning of this year, I was like ashes from burnout. Kyoko Hamada, the Representative Director of the Japan Mind Work Association, recommended something to me, saying, "I think you should do this."

That was the "exercise of writing down your emotions."

Helping with the text check for a book

As I gradually regained my energy around spring, the publication of a book by Japan Mind Work Association Representative Director Kyoko Hamada was decided.

I was put in charge of checking the text for this book.

This book also introduces the "exercise of writing down your emotions." It is an exercise that I personally worked on and felt the changes from.

I was able to do more than just proofreading; I was able to check the text to make it easier to read while fully understanding the content.

I started posting on Instagram every day in April. I started updating my note every day in May. I started after I had recovered.

Here, I will write about the process I went through to get better and the mechanism behind it.

Things that occupy human brain capacity, like video data on a smartphone

What do you think takes up the most capacity in a human brain?

Actually, it's "emotions."

In terms of a smartphone, it's like video and image data. It takes up a lot of capacity.

Suppressed emotions expand like a balloon

When you hold back what you want to say and endure it, it gradually expands and grows larger like a balloon.

If someone steps on a landmine while the balloon is stretched to its limit... it will burst with a bang, which is dangerous.

Releasing emotions safely... like letting the gas out of a balloon

For example, if you insert a thin tube into the mouth of the balloon... you can safely let the gas out little by little, with a hissing sound.

By having someone listen to you or by writing things down... you can release your emotions safely, just like letting the gas out of a balloon.

The reason I was able to recover from burnout was largely due to the existence of a space that accepted me even when I was feeling weak like this. I truly believe that it is important to "acknowledge" the version of yourself that cannot do things.

The workshop that became the catalyst for my recovery

At the beginning of this year, I was truly falling apart. I was in such a rock-bottom state that tears would come to my eyes whenever I tried to smile.

I had an acquaintance who said, "I remember you, Shimomayu-san, when you were feeling so down back then."

Even though I was like that, they said that every time they saw my face online, my expression had become brighter. They said, "It's not like you changed suddenly in a flash, though."

And so, it was decided that we would hold the workshop that became the catalyst for my recovery back then online. The acquaintance who watched over the process of me going from being depressed to becoming energetic also participated.

Feedback from participants who experienced the "Emotion Writing Workshop"

Actually, yesterday, I held a Zoom trial session for this "Emotion Writing Workshop."

I would like to introduce some of the feedback from those who experienced it.

The part where you said, "Those who can't get it all out don't need to push themselves; please get it all out sufficiently before moving on to the next part of the workshop" is something that is easy to forget to convey, but if you convey it multiple times... I think those people will feel at ease. The part about "those who can't get it all out" was good.

Personally, I'm glad I was able to delve deeper into my feelings toward my eldest son. Even if it doesn't feel real yet, I feel like some space has opened up and something is changing, like a light, airy feeling. 😆❤️

With each exercise, my dark side came out (lol), but in the end, realizing "Ah, I had expectations for myself" gave me a hunch that my way of thinking and viewing frustration might change. When I feel irritated, I want to remember these feelings and insights.

Shimomayu-san's stories based on her own experiences were truly persuasive, and through this workshop, I realized that by venting the "dark self" in my subconscious, both my emotions and mindset are updated in a positive direction.
By writing down and venting the fog in my heart, I realized that my own emotions can return to their "pristine essence"!

One-day seminar to discover your strengths by writing down your emotions

When you can safely release the negative emotions within you... like a stain fading, the "good things" you originally possess gradually become visible. It feels like using a face mask to clear out all the dirt from your pores.

I will be holding a one-day seminar on Sunday, November 21st (morning) where you can discover your strengths after doing the emotion journaling workshop.

(Details here ↓)

Click here to apply for the "Emotion Journaling Workshop" + Strength Discovery One-Day Seminar

I look forward to seeing those of you who want to clear up your foggy feelings and move forward. 😊

This article was chosen as one of the most liked articles last week. 💛
Thank you to everyone who liked it!