As a therapist devoted to mental health and wellbeing, I often encounter clients who are struggling with the effects of burnout. Too many of us live in a world that applauds busyness, often neglecting the subtle signals our bodies send when we’re overwhelmed.
Chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion are all signals that your body can no longer bear the weight of being ignored.
In this blog, I want to encourage you to pause, reflect, and listen to those whispers. Recognising the signs of burnout can be the first step toward reclaiming your health and happiness.
The Subtle Signs of Burnout:
Many people dismiss early symptoms of burnout. We might attribute our chronic pain to ageing or our fatigue to a lack of sleep. However, it’s essential to recognise these experiences for what they truly are: a call for help from our body and mind.
Common Symptoms of Burnout:
Physical Symptoms:
Headaches, stomach aches, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, frequent illness, and changes in appetite or sleep.
Emotional Symptoms:
Feelings of helplessness, cynicism, a sense of failure or self-doubt, decreased satisfaction, feeling detached or alone in the world, and loss of motivation.
Behavioural Signs:
Reduced performance in everyday tasks, withdrawal or isolation, procrastination, outbursts, and using substances to cope.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to reach out for help. Burnout doesn't go away on its own. Taking action can be the first step toward regaining your sense of self and wellbeing.
You may also discover that enjoying activities that once brought you meaning is now challenging. If this resonates with you, reflect on the signs your body is presenting and give yourself permission to seek the love and care you need.
Ask yourself:
What symptoms have you been struggling with as a result of ignoring your body's messages? Acknowledge these signals; they are your body's way of urging you to address underlying emotions and escape the cycle of survival mode.
If you tend to be 'go, go, go' all the time, strive to be mindful of your energy and stress levels. Incorporating self-care and self-reflection into your daily routine is crucial. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take a break and recharge!
Understanding the Causes of Burnout:
Burnout can be triggered by various factors, especially in high-stress environments. Here are some common causes:
Overwork:
Endlessly working without sufficient breaks, leading to chronic fatigue.
Plate Spinning:
Juggling multiple responsibilities often leads to overwhelming stress.
Grief:
The deep heaviness of grief can create emotional exhaustion, particularly when it isn't' addressed and processed.
Not Talking About Your Feelings:
Bottling up emotions creates internal pressure that contributes to burnout.
Menopause:
For many women, menopause can contribute to feelings of fatigue and emotional exhaustion due to hormonal changes.
Work-related Stress:
Having too much or too little work, unclear expectations, or a lack of control over your workload can all lead to burnout.
Unfair Treatment:
Experiences of bias, favouritism, bullying, and mistreatment can create significant emotional strain.
Insufficient Support:
Feeling isolated both at work and in home life, along with a lack of communication from managers, can lead to burnout.
Poor Work-life Balance:
When work encroaches upon personal time, it can result in overwhelming stress.
Personality Traits:
Tendencies such as perfectionism, pessimism, and a desire for control can all lead to burnout.
Sleep Deprivation:
Lack of sleep is a significant risk factor for burnout.
Personal Issues:
Health conditions or stressors at home can contribute to burnout.
The Impact of Caregiving and Health Concerns:
Caring for a loved one with health challenges can be both fulfilling and exhausting, often leading to caregiver burnout. The demands of balancing your needs with those of others can create significant stress. It's essential to prioritise self-care, as it ensures you can be there for your loved ones without compromising your health.
Additionally, the transition to darker nights can contribute to burnout and fatigue, often exacerbated by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This emphasises the importance of getting outdoors and seeking daylight, particularly first thing in the morning. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts mood and energy levels.
Many in both public and private sectors face heavy workloads and high expectations, resulting in overwhelming stress. The pressure to perform can lead to burnout, underscoring the importance of recognising its signs early. Supportive workplaces and open discussions about stress and wellness are crucial for effective mental health management.
In my practice, I offer a range of bespoke services, including distance Reiki and various coping techniques designed to support individuals in managing stress and preventing burnout. I also provide numerous resources and strategies to help nurture overall wellbeing.
Honour Your Boundaries:
It’s crucial to learn to say no and set limits in both your work and personal life. Too often, we prioritise everyone else's needs over our own, believing that self-care is selfish. In reality, honouring your boundaries is essential for long-term health and happiness.
When you create space for yourself, you create a foundation from which you can better support others.
Resting will continue to feel unsafe in our bodies the longer we praise one another for being able to "do it all."
You can’t silence your emotions by staying busy. Your body knows the truth; it speaks in whispers that gently remind you to listen. Eventually, these whispers will turn into shouts, leading to burnout, illness, or chronic stress. Taking the time to acknowledge and honour your emotions is not a weakness; it’s a beautiful step toward true healing and understanding.
The Power of Mindfulness and Reiki:
In my practice, I blend a variety of therapeutic approaches—including Walk and Talk Therapy, Mindfulness, and Reiki—to offer a holistic experience for my clients. Each of these modalities plays an essential role in helping individuals connect with their emotions and physical sensations.
Reiki:
As a Reiki Healer and Reiki Master, I find that this soothing, energy-focused healing practice can gently help release the suppressed stress that often leads to burnout.
Whether through distance Reiki or during face-to-face sessions, clients often express experiencing a deep sense of relief and relaxation.
Walk and Talk:
Outdoor therapy, or Walk and Talk Therapy, invites us to connect with the benefits of nature as we navigate life’s challenges, walking together side by side.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness practices encourage you to develop a richer awareness of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to fully embrace the present moment. This heightened awareness gives you the ability to notice when you’re approaching burnout, equipping you with the tools you need to create space for rest and reflection.
Finding Balance:
By integrating therapies into your routine, you can find a balance that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, healing is a journey; even a small step toward honouring your needs is progress on your path to wellbeing.
So, take a moment today…
- How can you listen to your body’s whispers?
- What boundaries can you honour?
- How will you prioritise your wellbeing moving forward?
Every choice you make has the power to guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life—one that is free from the weight of burnout.
“Your health is your greatest wealth."
A gentle reminder that prioritising your wellbeing is not only essential for you but also for those around you. Your journey towards holistic wellbeing starts with you.
Cherish your emotions, listen to your body, and take the necessary steps to slow down and restore your inner peace.
Autumn Special Offer!
Warmly welcome the season of change and renewal with Serenities Path's exclusive autumn offer!
Book 4 x 1-hour restorative Reiki sessions and enjoy the 5th session completely free. This is a lovely opportunity to relax, recharge, and prepare your mind and body for the transition into the months ahead.
As we embrace autumn, many of us might feel the heaviness of burnout. It can leave us feeling drained and disconnected, making it so important to prioritise self-care and healing. Reiki offers a gentle yet transformative path to restore balance and vitality, helping you alleviate stress and ease the signs of burnout. It promotes relaxation, supports emotional healing, boosts the immune system, improves mental clarity, and nurtures a deeper connection to oneself, making it a beautiful self-care practice this autumn.
~ Nikki x
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