Burnout in 2024: Why It’s Hitting Harder Than Ever and How to Recharge and Break the Cycle. Ask the Naturopath.
With the rush to meet end of year deadlines and wrap up projects, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed. Instead of enjoying the holidays, we often end up spending them just trying to recover. Reports from 2024 highlight that burnout is more prevalent than ever, particularly for women, who frequently bear a disproportionate share of responsibilities at work and home. This blog aims to shine a spotlight on how to identify burnout in yourself and others, and how to break the cycle using a holistic approach.
While workplaces are slowly adopting measures to address professional burnout, there remains a glaring gap in support for parents, caregivers, students, athletes, and others outside the corporate space. These individuals are equally susceptible to burnout, and the ripple effects extend beyond the person at the centre, impacting their families, friends, teams and communities.
Understanding Burnout
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as exhibiting 3 specific symptoms –
- Physical and Emotional Depletion – (Clients will typically use the terms “run down” or “worn out” when describing their energy levels)
- Negativity and Detachment: (Clients will say they have “lost motivation” or become “less social”)
- Reduced Accomplishment: (This can show as a “loss of confidence” or “lowered self esteem”)
Though the definition focuses on workplace burnout, the same patterns can be found in students overwhelmed at school or university, parents juggling never ending responsibilities, and caregivers who look after others often at the expense of their own well being.
How Burnout Affects More Than the Individual
Burnout rarely exists in isolation and can affect relationships, productivity, and morale. A burnt-out parent may struggle with patience and engagement with their children and their partner. For a student, burnout may lead to disengagement from studies, affecting aspirations, grades and social connections. A similar experience can occur for athletes and in team situations, a burnt-out athlete may inadvertently lower team morale or performance.
Burnout also deepens feelings of loneliness, as individuals often withdraw when overwhelmed. Social media can exacerbate burnout by increasing mental load and exacerbating feelings of anxiety and exhaustion as well as disrupting sleep patterns and reducing focus and cognition.
Finding a Path Forward: A Truly Holistic Approach
From my perspective as a naturopath, addressing burnout requires a comprehensive, tailored approach that acknowledges the physical, emotional and practical aspects of recovery. It is a topic I know well having suffered the symptoms several times in my life.
Support for Sleep
Sleep is foundational for recovery. I can help improve sleep quality through personalised dietary and lifestyle changes and herbal and nutritional medicine formulated to promote sleep onset and restorative rest.
Herbal Support for Adrenal Health
The adrenal glands play a central role in the body’s stress response and are often deeply affected by burnout. I use specific herbal medicines to nourish and support adrenal function, helping to modulate energy levels and improve resilience to stress.
Lifestyle Strategies for Efficiency
Burnout often stems from feeling overwhelmed by an unrelenting list of responsibilities. Together, we can identify strategies to improve your time management and efficiency, including –
- Delegation: Learning when and how to pass tasks to others.
- Task Prioritisation: Structuring your to-do list
- Goal Structuring: Setting realistic, achievable goals that reduce overwhelm.
- Time Efficiency Strategies: Developing routines and workflows that make the most of your energy and time.
Unique Insights into Workplace Burnout
Having spent years in a high stress investment banking environment, I bring a unique perspective to addressing workplace burnout. I understand the pressures of demanding jobs and how they intersect with personal wellbeing. My approach bridges healthcare solutions with practical strategies offering tools that address both physical and work life stressors.
Emotional and Practical Support
Recovery often begins with connection. I encourage clients to reach out – to a friend, family member, GP, or naturopath. Starting the conversation is a powerful step toward recovery from burnout.
Reclaim Your Energy, Happiness and Sense of Purpose
Burnout is challenging but not insurmountable. By addressing the root causes holistically, we can restore balance to your life. My approach combines tailored nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle coaching to support your journey back to health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, don’t wait for it to worsen. Reach out today to understand how a naturopathic approach can help you reclaim your energy, clarity, and sense of purpose. Let’s work together to create a personalised plan that empowers you.