It was a Wednesday, and I had nothing left. The week had been a nonstop cycle of meetings, deadlines, and pushing past my limits, leaving me feeling utterly drained. I found myself mindlessly scrolling through my phone, sinking into a spiral of distraction, trying to find relief in something—anything—that could give me a moment of peace. But the more I scrolled, the more restless I felt. I threw on a Netflix show, hoping it might finally help me unwind, but even then, real rest eluded me. It was just more noise, more numbing, more ways to avoid the fatigue that had taken root deep within me.
In the lyrics of Noah Kahan's song "Growing Sideways," I recognized my experience:
"But I ignore things, and I move sideways
Until I forget what I felt in the first place
At the end of the day I know there are worse ways
To stay alive
'Cause everyone's growing and everyone's healthy
I'm terrified that I might never have met me
Oh, if my engine works perfect on empty
I guess I'll drive."
I realized that I had been running on empty for too long, pushing forward out of habit, ignoring the signs that I was in desperate need of something more than distraction. Kahan’s words echoed a deep fear I’d been carrying: What if I’ve been moving sideways for so long that I’ve never truly met myself? What if my drive for success and impact had masked an engine running perfectly—but entirely on empty?
This experience reminded me that avoiding burnout isn’t just about “taking breaks” or fleeting escapes. It’s about intentionally creating rhythms that sustain and restore. At Banded, we know that finding real rest means cultivating rhythms that align with our purpose and our inner life. It's about learning to check in with yourself and recognizing when you’re slipping into habits that are just sidestepping the deeper issue.
Building Rhythms that Sustain
Creating life-giving rhythms starts with small, intentional practices that keep us grounded. Here are a few starting points:
- Mindful Mornings: Begin each day with intention, whether through a quiet moment, a prayer, or a quick journal entry. Take time to set your focus on something meaningful, grounding yourself before the demands of the day.
- Scheduled Rest: Set aside times each week that are untouchable by work. Make these pockets of time sacred—a walk without your phone, a meal shared without interruptions, or a simple pause to reflect.
- Reflective Evenings: Instead of mindlessly scrolling or seeking distraction, try ending your day with a reflection on what truly mattered, what brought joy, and what drained you. This practice reveals patterns and helps you align future actions with what’s truly meaningful.
Consider these questions as you think about your own rhythms:
- Where do you tend to numb out? Are there specific times or places where you’re more likely to “move sideways” rather than address what you need?
- What small, life-giving practices could you incorporate into your daily rhythm to build rest into your schedule?
- Are you genuinely recharging, or are you trying to fill a void with distractions?
Banded peer groups bring together leaders who understand the unique pressures of purpose-driven work. In these groups, you’ll find support from those who’ve been in your shoes—who’ve had to face burnout and learn the importance of intentional rhythms. Members share their experiences, offering insights on finding sustainable rest that honors both work and well-being. If you’re ready to replace distraction with purpose-driven rest, join Banded and find the community that will walk with you toward a renewed life, anchored in rhythms that truly sustain.
