The Truth About Burnout

Burnout happens when we get stuck in survival mode and don’t allow ourselves to recover from stress regularly.

Our nervous systems become dis-regulated from chronic stress or trauma keeping us stuck and confused about what to do next. In order to recover and avoid future burnout, we must take intentional action and allow ourselves time to heal. This takes patience! It often requires us to set boundaries against hustle culture and those who are benefiting from our imbalanced lifestyle. 

Signs of burnout can include: digestive issues, difficulty sleeping, procrastination, irritability, depression, or anxiety, apathy or feelings of hopelessness, and withdrawing from your friends and family. It can catapult you into questioning your purpose.

Here are some recent alarming statistics I found out about burnout: 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified burnout as a medical diagnosis, including the condition in the International Classification of Diseases: “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
• 44% of employees experience physical fatigue from work-related stress.
• 89% of workers have experienced burnout within the past year.
• Unsupported employees are 70% more likely to experience burnout.
• 70% of professionals feel that employers aren’t doing enough to prevent and alleviate burnout.
• Workplace stress costs the US economy an average of $300 billion per year.
• Women are more likely to suffer from burnout than men at a rate of 32% to 28%. Over half of women in leadership positions say they feel burned out on a consistent basis. Employees are more likely to feel burned out if they're also caring for young children. (limeade.com)

We cannot avoid the inevitable stressors in our personal and professional lives and burnout cannot simply be resolved by taking a vacation once a year, or waiting for the weekend to recover.

So how do we respond to what feels like a never-ending cycle of stress? 

Burnout is prevented through mindful daily practices to help you complete the stress and recovery cycle. It is also prevented by connecting to the wisdom in your body and living with intention. 

Did you know that burnout is not just caused by physical and mental fatigue?

Burnout is also caused by lack of purpose. A recent study on 115 health care workers published in the National Library of medicine revealed, “Purpose in life was most strongly related to decreased levels of burnout…,”  

In addition, “research conducted during the pandemic found that people who say they are “living their purpose” report levels of wellbeing five times higher than those who say they aren’t,” (Korn Ferry Institute).

Living with purpose involves sharing your unique gifts, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways. So if you are actively able to live in alignment with your purpose, you can overcome obstacles and increase your health and wellbeing. This requires living intentionally, and taking time to connect to your body and soul. It requires you to become aware of your thoughts, and how they are impacting your day to day life. 

In addition to exploring your purpose, I have found that regular mindful breathing, low impact exercise, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community will help with burnout. Burnout is not your fault but you can make changes that support a healthier way of living. 

As an educational leader, and coach, I have created the Safe Soul Purpose Journey to help people overcome burnout. In my programs you can find energy alignment, mindful breathing, and reigniting your soul’s purpose. These programs and services are based on research around burnout as well as my own experiences of recovering from burnout. 

So if you are feeling like you might be experiencing burnout,

or your life feels off path, you are not alone!

There ARE things you can start doing today to help you reclaim your health, life, and energy. 

Check out this FREE High Performer’s Realignment Recipe to help you create a customized plan for a complete reset. 

AND

 schedule a free 30 minute consultation to customize your

Safe Soul Purpose Journey. 

Together we can build a customized experience so you can release what might be contributing to your burnout and create a plan to prevent future damage. You can recover and heal! Your unique gifts are too precious to be snuffed out by burnout.  

In the meantime, make sure you are incorporating these tips and tricks to avoid burnout!

1. Set clear boundaries: Establish boundaries between work and personal life. Create a schedule that allows for dedicated time for work, relaxation, and self-care. Avoid overworking and make sure to prioritize time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

2. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that recharge you, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritize sleep and make sure to eat nutritious meals.

3. Delegate and ask for help: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for assistance when needed. Trying to do everything on your own can lead to burnout. Reach out to colleagues, friends, or family members for support and collaboration.

4. Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Avoid taking on too much at once and learn to say no to non-essential commitments. Prioritizing tasks will help you stay organized and reduce overwhelm.

5. Take regular breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout your workday to rest and recharge. Stepping away from your work, even for a few minutes, can help clear your mind and increase productivity. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or practice deep breathing exercises.

6. Practice stress management techniques: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or journaling. Engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind can significantly reduce the risk of burnout.

7. Maintain a positive mindset: Cultivate a positive outlook and focus on gratitude. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and practice self-compassion. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek support from a mentor or coach if needed.