Stop, Look, Listen: Recognising the Signs Before Burnout Strikes

Is burnout real? Could you or someone you love be heading that way?

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, taking a moment to pause and reflect may seem like a luxury, yet it's an essential strategy for warding off burnout and starting to thrive.

Three years ago, I burnout out working as a deputy headteacher in a job I absolutely loved. I worked very long hours, had wonderful colleagues and put everything I had into my role. However, I wasn’t able to say no, I was constantly overwhelmed by my to-do list and I forgot to take care of myself. We all experience burnout in different ways.

A survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the past year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. Research from the University of Chester indicated that up to 40% of parents report experiencing burnout, with increased stress due to work-life balance issues. None of us is immune!

Take a breather today - set aside just five minutes to evaluate your mental and emotional well-being, and discover small, actionable steps to foster resilience and thrive in the face of stress.

The wonderful reality is that a few small steps can make a huge difference. Try guided journaling. Expressing your thoughts, feeling, hopes and fears. Consider what you are grateful for each day and watch your focus shift.

Rowena Hicks’ book BURNOUT-BUSTING TEACHERS’ JOURNAL is on Amazon. For further resources, including free samples, go to www.rowenahicks.com