We often hear the word ‘burnout’ used, but we may not really understand what it means or we may not think it is relevant to us.
So firstly what is burnout? It is when we become mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted due to long periods of stress, it means we start to feel overwhelmed, are less resilient and so on, it can impact us in many different ways, mentally, emotionally and physically.
So why am I writing about it? I feel many of us are experiencing this in some form or another right now. We are living through a global pandemic and have been under stress for over a year now due to Covid19, the restrictions, changes in our lifestyle, the uncertainty and so on… even though things are starting to ease now, things are still far from what we used to consider normal, and for some the changes are going to bring another whole layer of stress.
For a year now, we have either been entirely alone and missing so much including: social interaction, hugs… human touch is so important for our wellbeing, the simplest thing of having someone make us a cup of tea or share a previously taken for granted moment of sitting on the sofa watching TV with someone.
Or we have experienced the opposite, and are with people all of the time, the people we love and choose to be with, however we are not able to escape, we are in constant demand and we are dreaming of moments to rest, to recharge, we are craving some time alone.
Wherever you find yourself and it may be somewhere in between or a mixture of it all, we are all tired of the monotony, we are missing people, activities, freedoms and so much more. For many people, life has become a bit of an effort.
What is important to realise is that this stuff creeps up on us, so I urge you to check in with yourself regularly and really notice how you are, check on others too, really check on them. People are struggling right now and don’t want to worry others. I see and hear this a lot whether it be my clients, friends or in the media, this is a real thing, be kind to you and others around you.
I am lucky, I have years of experience in doing this work, I have the tools and awareness to catch things quickly and, on the whole I am super resilient and really good at finding that all elusive #LIFEworkbalance.
But just like you, I am human, just the other day a mini burnout hit me, I woke up with a massive headache and just needed to sleep all day. I could have pushed through it, but I practiced what I preach. I took the day out to rest and recharge and now I feel amazing, back to my usual self, but as I’ve said this stuff creeps up on us. I share this to be authentic, invite conversation and to give others permission to be human too, to rest when needed, take time out, reach out for help and support when needed, whatever that looks like for you.
Although things are getting better, society still has this sense that reaching out for support, or saying you are struggling, tired, burnt out or whatever it may be, is in some way a failure, however I believe it is brave and courageous and this needs to be normalised I intend to be a part of making that happen! When we get the help and support we need, when we rest and recharge, and find that all important #LIFEworkbalance, life becomes so much easier, we are happier, healthier, have better relationships and are ultimately more successful in what we do.
So if this resonates with you, please do take time out, or if you feel it would help you, do reach out for support, whether that be from a trusted friend or loved one, your GP or a trained professional like myself. I love supporting people to find more balance, helping them to manage life’s stresses and to feel happier again. It is possible, when you dare to reach out, please don’t feel you are alone. I offer a free initial no obligation chat, so please do get in touch if you are curious about how I can help you.
Until next time,
Emma
