In today’s fast-paced and demanding, post-Covid world, burnout has become a prevalent issue. I’m seeing more of it in my practice now than ever before.

It is often caused by unrelenting stress from work and is most common among health care workers (nurses, doctors etc), emergency services workers, police and lawyers.

Many people confuse burnout with depression. Depression and burnout can both occur together. Plus, feeling down and having a lack of enthusiasm is a common symptom of burnout. However, burnout itself is actually quite different to depression and does not need to be treated with anti-depressants.

Some of the warning signs that you are heading to burnout include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and a weakened immune system. Emotionally, burnout may lead to feelings of cynicism, detachment, irritability, a loss of motivation or joy in activities you used to enjoy, a lack of empathy and a lack of feeling of personal accomplishment. Cognitive effects may include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a decline in productivity. It is crucial to pay attention to these signs and take them seriously.

We are so used to the following the “soldier on” mentality, but these signs are a warning that it is time to stop and listen to your body and give it the break it needs.

Some contributing factors which can make it more likely for you to reach burnout include:

• Unrealistic expectations (either of yourself or the expectations from others)
• Lack of boundaries (for example, responding to phone calls, emails, messages etc 24/7)
• Being a perfectionist (the type A personality type is one of the most susceptible to burnout)
• Interrupted or inadequate amounts of sleep
• Long working hours and lack of breaks during the day

There are certain genes that when inherited can make you a more chilled, relaxed type. However, these genes are less likely to be selected and passed on because historically it was safer to be constantly vigilant and quick to respond to dangers. Therefore the “chill” genes are less protective and not as desired by nature.

• If you do nothing else, get to bed an hour earlier. Your body clock will slowly adapt. You’ll get more, deeper sleep and will feel better.
• Take supportive supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C and B vitamins.
• Take the pressure off yourself. Remember, done is better than perfect.
• Get some exercise. It helps “burn off” stress and boosts mood. However, if you are so burnt out that any exercise wipes you out physically, then you need to build back up slowly.
• Take some time off work to switch off from the stress and do something you enjoy. Remember, you can’t do a good job if your job is all you do!
• See me for a fully personalised, natural plan to soothe your nerves and revive your energy, motivation and vitality.