04/11/2024
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Before we start, my daughter told me that my articles didn't really sound like me and I should write more in my voice and not like I'm on my best behaviour at an afternoon tea. So, I apologise if it won't be as polished, but it's the real deal, which is one of the themes of today's article - being real with oneself.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
This week, 4th-8th November, is ISMA's International Stress Awareness Week and the theme is 'Reduce Stress, Improve Wellbeing'. This reminds me of my first real encounter with unmanaged stress when I was in in my mid-twenties.
When you’re 25, full of energy, and trying to conquer the world, stress isn’t something you take seriously - until it hits you like a tonne of bricks. I was working at a video production house, teaching at a further education college, finishing my degree, and juggling a young family. The idea of 'pacing myself' was practically non-existent - I wasn't 'weak', I was invincible! I thought I could push through anything, barely sleeping and ignoring (but probably ignorant of) every hint that my mind and body needed a break. As it turns out, this approach wasn’t sustainable, and I paid the price with a full-blown burnout.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲...
I vividly remember hitting a wall once the demands of university and college teaching eased up. The stress didn’t just go away; it simply flattened me - I had been running up a tab and it was time to pay. I spent the next six weeks stuck on the sofa, unable to summon the energy to do much of anything. In hindsight, my warning signs were clear - exhaustion, irritability, and a general sense of emotional numbness. But at the time, I was so used to pushing myself that I ignored them. In my mind, ‘tired’ was just part of life, right? Looking back, it’s easy to laugh at what a wally I was, but at the time, it felt like I’d hit rock bottom.
𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘀, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.
A study by Mental Health UK in 2022 found that 59% of employees in high-stress roles reported feeling “emotionally drained,” with many facing periods of extreme fatigue and mental overload. The ICD-11 classifies it as an Occupational Health Hazard - but burnout isn't purely a work problem. For those who ignore their personal warning signs, burnout can lead to presenteeism, an extended absence, and a long road to recovery. This is where proactive self-care and stress management make a measurable difference.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be this: listen to those around you and be honest about your limits. However, at 25, would I have listened?
Taking a break isn’t 'slacking off', and saying ‘no’ can be an act of strength. After my experience, I made it a priority to identify my personal warning signs and respond to them. I now practice simple strategies like prioritising rest, tuning into how I’m feeling, and making time for things that recharge me. A balanced approach to work and wellbeing doesn’t just prevent burnout; it builds long-term resilience and engagement.
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀?
If you’re feeling the pressure, I encourage you to take stock of your stress and prioritise your health. Let’s explore strategies that keep stress manageable and prevent burnout.
I've made some free resources at https://feelgood.works/free-resources/ that I'll be adding to throughout the rest of - let’s make wellbeing a priority in a way that works for you.