My Journey Through Burnout: Recognising the Signs and the Path to Recovery.

In today's fast-paced world, burnout has become an all too common companion for many of us. It's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion often caused by prolonged periods of excessive stress and overwork. But how do you recognise the signs and symptoms of burnout, and more importantly, how can you recover from it?

Before my experience with burnout, I had never really thought about what it was or considered it was something I would ever experience. I wasn't an executive in a high-stress job; I was 'just a mum and a housewife,' trying to build a small home-based business doing something I enjoyed. I thought things like burnout only happened to executives with corner offices.

One day I found myself just going through the motions day after day. There was no joy, no passion, and no real direction. I had no opinions or preferences for anything; there was simply no enthusiasm or interest in life. My go to answer to any question was,

“... don’t know, don’t care ...”

and I meant it! I really didn’t care about anything anymore. I was just too tired.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Chronic Fatigue: One of the most obvious signs is feeling persistently drained, both physically and mentally. You wake up tired, go through the day tired, and go to bed tired.

2. Mental and Emotional Exhaustion: You may notice a decline in your cognitive abilities, like memory and concentration. You become emotionally detached and might experience frequent mood swings.

3. Chronic Sadness and Low Mood: Feelings of sadness or even depression can set in. You may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed.

4. Anxiety and Restlessness: Burnout can fuel anxiety, making you constantly on edge, even in non-stressful situations.

5. Reduced Performance: Your professional and personal life can be affected as you struggle to complete tasks that were once manageable. You might miss deadlines or make errors.

6. Physical Symptoms: Burnout doesn't just affect your mind. It can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and a weakened immune system.

The turning point for me was when I realised that if I wanted something better for my life, I had to be prepared to do something different, to make changes, to be uncomfortable, to take responsibility, and not wait for the acknowledgment and permission from others that was never going to come.

Recovery Strategies:

There were a number of strategies I took on to help my recovery, but one of the main ones was taking action to improve my health. I did this by starting to make better food choices and exercising, which included working with a physiotherapist to help me better manage a condition I had struggled with since my teens but never felt worthy enough to seek the help I needed.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during my recovery from burnout was the concept of boundaries. I grew up in a home where boundaries were not appreciated and even punished. I couldn't even close my bedroom door for privacy—ever! So as an adult, this pattern continued along with chronic People-Pleasing behaviour that resulted in me taking on the responsibilities of others. This left me perpetually tired, frustrated, and resentful. The more tasks I took on for others, the less time I had for my own business. And genuine self-care just wasn't on my radar. As a result, when I got to my breaking point, it was messy. Instead of negotiating a better understanding and arrangement, I just quit everything, including the business I had been working on for five years and loved.

1. Seek Professional Help: If you're experiencing severe burnout, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or healthcare professional. They can help you manage symptoms and develop strategies for recovery.

2. Rest and Sleep: Prioritise sleep and rest. Adequate restorative sleep is vital for recovery.

3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. It's essential to have time for relaxation and self-care.

4. Practice Stress Management: Explore stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help you manage stress more effectively.

5. Reconnect with Hobbies: Rekindle your interest in activities you once enjoyed. Engaging in hobbies can help rejuvenate your spirit.

6. Lean on Support: Share your feelings with friends and family. Isolation can exacerbate burnout, and opening up to loved ones can provide emotional support.

7. Reevaluate Priorities: Reflect on your values and goals. Adjust your expectations and commitments to align with what truly matters to you.

8. Consider a Change: In severe cases, you may need to reassess your job or certain aspects of your life. Sometimes, a change in environment is the best path to recovery.

It's important to note that 'self-care' can look different for everyone, and involve a variety of strategies. Personal development is a journey of a lifetime as we learn new concepts and ideas, experiment to see what works for us and our situation, as well as fine-tune and evolve over time as our life changes.

Today I am much more guarded with my time and energy. I have learned what I find draining and what I can do to protect my energy. I am learning daily more about what my needs and boundaries are and how to meet them.

Everyone I have spoken with who has experienced burnout has agreed that it's not a place they ever want to return to. It can be very taxing on every area of life and our relationships. But it doesn't last forever. Recovery is possible with the right tools and strategies. It's also possible to avoid full burnout if we recognize the symptoms early and take action.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout is the first step towards recovery. Remember that recovery is possible, but it often takes time and a proactive approach. Prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and reach out for support when needed. Your well-being is worth it, and with the right strategies, you can find your way back to a healthier, more balanced life.

Self-assessment:

As you read through the list of signs and symptoms above, how many did you say Yes too?

If you now or suspect you may be on the path to burnout, or maybe you have already pitched your tent there, why not book a free discovery call. I would love to connect with you to help you fast track your recovery.

#Burnout #SelfCare #StressManagement #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCareJourney #HealthyMindset