Are You Burning the Candle at Both Ends?

It is that time of year when everything seems to speed up. The calendar fills, the to do list grows, and it is easy to slip into that nonstop pace where you forget to breathe. That is usually when burnout starts creeping in.

There’s a quote I love from Anne Lamott:

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

Simple. True. And really hard to live by when life is moving fast.

As many of you know, this year Shannon and I bought a chiropractic practice. If I said getting the team culture right and shaping the business the way we envisioned was a challenge, I’d be underselling it by a mile. We worked our tails off for ten straight months, early mornings, late nights, problem solving, teaching, correcting, celebrating the wins, and pushing through the losses.

But eventually, we hit that moment every high achiever recognizes.

Either we intentionally step back or life will force the pause for us.

So we chose the first option.

We decided to celebrate our anniversary in Japan. While we were not completely off grid, I made a conscious choice to trust our teams in both the chiropractic office and my consulting business. And they stepped up beautifully. That time gave me something I did not even realize I was missing. Space. Presence. A chance to focus on building memories with Shannon instead of managing another crisis or checking another box.

Right now the two of us are at a yoga and meditation retreat, continuing that reset. It is amazing how different life feels when you give yourself permission to slow down long enough to notice it.

Of course, not everyone can take a big trip or get away for a week. The good news is that real recharge does not require a plane ticket. Here are a few simple things that can refill your energy right now:

• A ten minute walk without your phone
• Sitting quietly with your morning coffee before the day begins
• Taking five slow breaths before your next meeting
• Ending the day with a song that instantly lifts your mood
• Writing down three things you are grateful for
• Saying no to one extra commitment this week
• Going to bed just thirty minutes earlier
• Spending time with someone who energizes you

These small choices make a real difference. They help you keep going without breaking down.

So consider this your reminder. Self care is not indulgent. It is maintenance. And the longer you skip maintenance, the harder everything else becomes.

Give yourself a moment to breathe this week. Even a small pause can reset everything.

Proactive, Productive, and Profitable,
Dino