Burnout & Bravery
Lianne Weaver- May 1
- 2 min read
Burnout isn't just about feeling tired after a long week; it's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. In people-centric roles, like HR professionals, managers, and caregivers, the risk is even higher due to the constant emotional labour involved. These individuals often prioritise others' well-being over their own, leading to a depletion of personal resources.
The Silent Signals of Burnout
Burnout manifests in various ways:
Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope.
Depersonalisation: Developing a cynical attitude towards work and colleagues.
Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Feeling ineffective and lacking achievement.
These symptoms can lead to decreased job performance and satisfaction, impacting both personal and organisational health.
Acknowledging burnout requires courage. It's about recognising one's limits and taking proactive steps to restore balance. Bravery here means setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritising self-care.
At Beam, we have helped so many people overcome burnout and the first thing we will always tell them is that this is not a quick fix. Taking a week off work will not cure your burnout.
Reaching burnout has taken a long time, often years, and so helping your nervous system to feel safe and calm, recovering from the exhaustion can be a long process, but when done right, it can also ensure you never go back there.
Practical Steps Towards Recovery
Self-Awareness: Check in with yourself and, importantly, be honest about how you really feel.
Set Boundaries: Recovering from burnout always takes setting firmer boundaries, this can be hard for some people but it is so necessary.
Prioritise Rest: Ensure adequate sleep and take breaks throughout the day, we recommend a 5 minute break every 90 minutes.
Seek Support: Talk to colleagues, friends, or professionals about your experiences, you do not have to carry this alone.
Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress levels.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your routine to help your nervous system remember how to relax.
Organisational Role in Combating Burnout
Organisations play a crucial role in preventing burnout:
Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take time off and respect their personal time.
Provide Resources: Offer access to mental health support, practical workshops and stress management tools.
Foster a Supportive Culture: Create an environment where employees feel valued and heard.
By recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps, both individuals and organisations can foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment. Remember, seeking help and setting boundaries isn't a sign of weakness, it's an act of bravery.
Need support with burnout in your organisation? We have workshops and one to one therapeutic coaching options available which have supported people and helped them to recover from burnout. Contact us TODAY!
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