At the time I had my own business and ran apprenticeships in the training industry. It came with huge demands and that led to me working until 9 o’clock most evenings and I was exhausted.
Sadly, I was totally burnt out, and my business went under and my marriage ended and I lost my dad all in quick succession, as you can imagine it was a really tough time for me.
So, I do know what burnout looks like firsthand and how tough it can be.
What came next?
Like many of us I had to pick myself up and try and move forward but it was difficult. I did take a few different roles but I realised that I wanted to be self-employed and run my own business again, but it meant of course starting from scratch.
I was scared and worried about what lay ahead but thankfully I did get some professional support to help me move forward and make some changes - it didn't come without it's challenges though, it was a really tough time in my life.
What is the difference between stress and burnout?
We talk about stress a lot more now - life is full on for many of us.
- Deadlines.
- Responsibilities.
- Juggling work and home.
- Being the one everyone relies on can take its toll on us.
But there’s a point where everyday stress quietly shifts into something heavier and that’s burnout. Many people don’t realise it’s happening until they’re already running on empty.
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired after a busy week. It’s a deeper emotional, mental and physical exhaustion that builds over time when pressure doesn’t ease and recovery never quite happens.
Here's what burnout can look like
Emotionally - you may feel drained before the day even begins. Small things irritate you. Motivation disappears. You might feel detached, numb, or wonder, ‘What’s the point?’
Mentally - simple tasks feel overwhelming. Your concentration slips. You forget things. Decisions feel harder. Creativity fades and your thoughts may become more negative or cynical.
Physically – you may be feeling constant fatigue, headaches, tense muscles, disrupted sleep, lowered immunity, appetite changes or digestive issues can all be signs your system is overloaded.
Behaviourally - you might procrastinate more, avoid messages or calls, withdraw from people, or work longer hours but get less done. Things that once brought joy can start to feel like effort.
Burnout also changes the way we think – some of these thoughts can creep in...
‘I can’t keep up’
‘Everyone else is coping better than me’
‘If I stop, everything will fall apart’
‘Nothing I do makes a difference’
One simple way to understand the difference is...
**Stress is over-engagement. Burnout is disengagement. You go from caring too much to feeling like you can’t care at all.
Burnout is especially common for people who are used to being strong for others for example, leaders, business owners, carers, parents, and those in helping professions. When you’re the one people depend on, it can feel difficult to admit you’re struggling.
But noticing the signs early is not weakness. It’s awareness and awareness creates choices.
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be a sign that something needs to change - your pace, your boundaries, your expectations, or the support you allow yourself to receive.
You don’t have to reach breaking point before you’re allowed support, sometimes the most responsible thing you can do is pause and take care of yourself too.
How can you turn it around?
• Aim for 'good enough’ instead of perfect
• Putting boundaries in place
• Start to take care of yourself, light exercise, breathing exercises
• Change some things for example not looking at your phone during lunch time or evenings
• Take proper breaks – drink that coffee, listen to music – whatever brings you joy
• Ask for help and support from those you trust and can confide in
• Do some gentle exercise, short walks outdoors can be hugely beneficial
There can be a fear if we make changes that is the end of something when in fact it is the start of a whole new world for you and you can start to see a way forward. Just know that there is help available and you don’t need to deal with this by yourself.
I’m here to help please email me here if you would like to talk about professional support and what that could look like for you.
Warmest wishes
Annette
MBACP
Innersolutionsltd.co.uk
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