Recognising, Addressing, and Preventing It.
Burnout…
It’s a word that’s been thrown around more than ever in recent years, and with good reason. As our lives get busier, expectations grow, and the line between work and personal time blurs, more and more people are experiencing this profound sense of physical and emotional exhaustion.
But what is burnout, really? And how can we prevent it from taking over our lives? Let’s dive in.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired or stressed; it’s a state of chronic exhaustion, often coupled with feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. While stress is usually temporary and can sometimes be motivating, burnout feels like you’ve hit a wall and don’t know how to climb over it.
Burnout can manifest in three key ways:
- Physical Symptoms: Constant fatigue, frequent illness, or even aches and pains.
- Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or being overwhelmed.
- Behavioural Changes: Withdrawing socially, procrastinating, or struggling to complete tasks.
A Personal Story: My Burnout Realisation.
A few years ago, I found myself at a point where I was saying “yes” to everything, extra clients, community events, late-night planning sessions for workshops and even a Masters degree. At first, I felt proud of how much I was accomplishing. But little by little, my energy reserves started to dwindle.
I remember waking up one morning and just staring at my calendar, feeling utterly defeated before the day even started. My body ached, my motivation was gone, and the things I usually loved, like teaching classes, helping my clients and pursuing my hobbies, felt like a chore.
It wasn’t until I realised I couldn’t cope anymore, constant illnesses/injuries and more, that I realised I needed to make a change. I was so busy caring for others that I’d forgotten to care for myself.
How I Addressed It.
The first thing I did was step back and reassess. I blocked off time in my week for things I enjoyed, like archery (my latest hobby!) and long walks in nature with my dogs. I also started saying “no” to commitments that didn’t align with my priorities. In a significant milestone, I even closed the studio and stopped offering classes. Importantly, I leaned on my own advice: focusing on sleep, mindful movement, and celebrating small wins.
Burnout taught me an important lesson: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Now, I check in with myself regularly to make sure I’m not heading down that road again.
How to Address Burnout.
If any part of my story resonates with you, take a step back yourself. Burnout is a sign, not of failure, but that something in your life needs adjusting.
- Take Breaks: Even five minutes of deep breathing can make a difference.
- Set Boundaries: Saying no is a strength, not a weakness.
- Seek Support: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, don’t navigate burnout alone.
- Reassess Priorities: Are you filling your days with things that truly matter to you?
Preventing Burnout.
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; with me, it took years, and preventing it requires consistent effort:
- Move Your Body: Gentle exercise or stretching can be incredibly grounding.
- Prioritise Sleep: Your body needs rest to heal and recharge.
- Practice Mindfulness: Activities like meditation or journaling help clear your mind.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Even minor accomplishments deserve recognition; they’re steps forward.
You’re Not Alone.
Burnout can happen to anyone, no matter how resilient or capable you are. What matters is how you respond. If you’re feeling the weight of burnout and need help finding your balance again, we’re here to help.
Whether it’s hands-on physiotherapy, stress-relieving treatments, or movement programs tailored to your needs, I am here to support you every step of the way.
Take that first step; reach out to us today.
Your health and happiness are worth it.
Warm regards,
Jane x
Chartered Physiotherapist & Founder of Pole Kinetics PT