23/01/2023
Let's talk about burnout.
Last week Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, resigned stating burnout as the reason for her decision.
I applaud her for having the courage to speak so publicly about her struggles. I, of course, would never even begin to compare the pressures and stresses I faced to those of a political leader on the world stage, but I do understand the debilitating symptoms of a condition that is often jeered at as an excuse for someone who just can't 'hack the pace'.
In 2019, 'burnout' was recognised by WHO as an 'occupational phenomenon. (mentalhealth-uk.org
). 1 in 5 workers in the UK felt unable to manage pressure and stress levels at work. Add to this the juggle that is running a household and bringing up children. No wonder mental health conditions are on the rise. And yet, we still insist on pushing on through - because that's what we do. Right?
Wrong. We need to stop and take our mind and bodies seriously. Burnout does not fix itself with a few early nights and some social events. It systematically gets worse until our bodies, in some way, force us to stop.
Burnout occurs when we are physically and emotionally exhausted and is often mistaken for anxiety.
Common signs include :
Feeling tired most of time
Feeling helpless and trapped
Feeling detached and alone
Feeling negative towards things we used to enjoy
Self-doubt and low self-esteem
Procrastinating and taking longer to get tasks done
Feeling overwhelmed.
Gender plays a role with burnout. Women are reportedly more likely to suffer than men, however I wonder if this is more due to the fact that women are more likely to speak out than men. Afterall, burnout is often misunderstood and stigmatised.
So what can you do if you think you are suffering from burnout?
Firstly, see your GP. It's important to rule out any underlying physical or mental health conditions (other than burnout) that could be causing your symptoms.
Seek support - reach out those around you. Tell them how you feel. Also look to see if your employer has an assistance programme, and make use of it. It is there for a reason.
Try relaxing activities - programmes that help with stress such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness can give you space to breathe.
Exercise - as with many mental health conditions, regular physical activity helps you to deal with stress and also gives you a break from thinking about work or home pressures.
Try to sleep more - sleep restores well-being and protects your health.
Evaluate your options - what needs to change at work or home? Who or what can help to alleviate your stress, pressures and worries? How can you make these changes?
If you spot the signs of burnout early, seek support and make some changes, it is possible to find relief and positivity again.
www.time4life.coach
Time For Life Coaching
In essence I am a busy mum of two young children with all the obvious joys and challenges that brings. And until a year ago, I was also a full time head teacher. I spent most of my left over energy resenting not having time to do anything for me. And when I did manage to find some time, I had no ide...
