"When my twin sons graduated from high school, my emotions were a cocktail of joy mixed with a shot of exhaustion. Twin milestones tend to be extra "big"—especially events like graduation that only happen once. I was ensconced in a beautiful bubble of joy, embracing the "lasts" and sentimental send-offs, but also flaky and forgetful."
"We might blame depression, sadness, grief, and other heavy emotions for draining our energy. But when burnout sets in, even joy can be exhausting. It is connected to anxiety about next steps for our loved ones and ourselves. The beloved saying, "You can't pour from an empty cup," rings true."
"June and May are the third and fourth favorite months of the year, with December and October scoring the slots for first and second. Like the December holiday season, our calendars are full of exciting events like weddings, showers, confirmations, communions, proms, graduations, and the end of school, as we embrace the new season with gardening, swimming, and vacationing."
Busy seasons filled with major life events like graduations, weddings, and holidays create emotional complexity—joy mixed with exhaustion. May and June, along with December and October, overflow with celebrations, religious observances, and family milestones. Simultaneously, regular responsibilities of work, household management, and relationships continue uninterrupted. This combination leads to burnout that can drain energy even from positive experiences. Anxiety about future steps compounds the exhaustion. Maintaining boundaries and practicing self-care become essential to preserve joy and prevent complete depletion. Recognizing individual needs and celebrating at one's own pace protects against losing happiness to exhaustion.
Read at Psychology Today
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