Whilst I have been on lockdown, I have tried to maintain a balance in my lifestyle.  As well as exercising, decluttering, and baking I have been doing is some extra CPD and training. One of my achievements has been to work towards qualifying as a Hypnotherapy Supervisor, which helps me support other hypnotherapists in their practices.

One of the issues raised during the course was the possibility of burnout.  Burnout results from the mismanagement of workplace stress and can happen when the workload is high, and the rewards are low.  This leads to lower energy levels, demotivation, detachment from work and personal relationships; a negative outlook on life or work; exhaustion on a physical, emotional and mental level; a lowered immune system and ultimately time away from work.

The starting point for burnout, according to Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North, is a need to prove oneself in the workplace. Coupled with a need to work harder, personal relationships and self-care become neglected.  There is an awareness that something is wrong, but the burnt-out sufferer isn’t sure what it is.  Personal values and value systems at work change as work-related problems are disregarded.  Behaviours change which leads to social isolation and depersonalisation as the burnt-out person only sees themselves as valuable at work. Feelings of emptiness and depression arise which is followed by emotional and physical collapse – burnout.

Over the last couple of months, with more people working at home, employees and employers may have been working longer hours to show they are working hard, and to prove themselves worthy, especially if there is the possibility of redundancies or the business failing, increasing the risk of burnout.

With lockdown changing a lot of working practices, there is a danger of burnout becoming a major problem if it is not managed correctly from the outset.

If you recognise any of these symptoms or think that burnout may become a problem in the future, there are protocols and strategies that you can put in place now to help to help mitigate succumbing to burnout.

Check out my next blog to find out some easy practical strategies to help you avoid burnout whilst working at home, but if you feel that you need help or support now, why not book in a chat over Zoom to see how I can help you.

‍