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 #StressAwarenessWeek – let’s make wellbeing a priority in a way that works for you.
#StressAwarenessDay #BurnoutRecovery #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #Resilience #ListenToYourBody #InvestInYourself #WellbeingJourney #Stress #Burnout #Wellbeing #MentalHealth
