Burnout: What It Is, What Causes It & How to Prevent It
- Caroline Dearlove
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Burnout is more than just exhaustion—it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental depletion caused by prolonged stress. It can creep up on us slowly, often going unnoticed until we reach a point where we feel completely drained, disconnected, and unable to cope.
We live in a world that glorifies busyness - burnout has become increasingly common, particularly among high-achieving professionals who push themselves to keep going, even when their body and mind are crying out for rest.
What Are the Symptoms of Burnout?
Burnout manifests differently for everyone, but some common signs include:
Chronic fatigue – This can look like waking up tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Emotional detachment – Feeling disconnected from work, relationships, or even yourself.
Loss of motivation – Tasks that once excited you now feel like a burden.
Physical symptoms – This can look like headaches, digestive issues, or muscle tension.
Irritability & frustration – Small tasks or conversations feel overwhelming.
Decreased productivity – Struggling to focus, procrastinating, or making more mistakes.
Workplace Factors That Contribute to Burnout
The workplace can be a major contributor to burnout, especially in high-pressure environments. Here are some key workplace triggers:
Unmanageable workload – This can look like constantly feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Lack of control – Micromanagement or feeling powerless in decision-making.
Unclear expectations – Uncertainty around roles, goals, or feedback.
Toxic workplace culture – Poor leadership, lack of support, or workplace conflict.
No work-life balance – Working beyond contracted hours or being unable to disconnect.
Other Causes of Burnout
Burnout isn’t always caused by work. It can also stem from:
Emotional stress – This can look like navigating difficult relationships or major life changes.
Caregiver burnout – Taking care of others without prioritizing self-care.
Personal expectations – Perfectionism and self-imposed pressure to ‘do it all.’
How to Prevent Burnout
Burnout prevention isn’t just about taking time off—it’s about creating sustainable habits that support your well-being. Here’s where my work comes in:
1. Reflexology: A Nervous System Reset
Reflexology is a powerful tool to support relaxation, improve circulation, and bring the body back into balance. By working with specific pressure points on the feet, it encourages deep rest and helps to regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and tension.
2. Reiki: Restoring Energy & Emotional Balance
Reiki works on an energetic level, helping to clear stagnant energy and promote deep healing. Many of my clients find that Reiki brings a sense of calm, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of energy.
3. Human Design: Working With Your Natural Energy
One of the biggest causes of burnout is working against your natural energy flow. Human Design provides a roadmap for understanding how you are designed to work, make decisions, and use your energy in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling. If you’re constantly pushing yourself in a way that doesn’t align with your energy type, burnout is almost inevitable.
4. Meditation: Finding Stillness in a Busy World
A regular meditation practice can help prevent burnout by creating space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. If you’re new to meditation, you can explore my guided sessions on Insight Timer, where I share simple yet effective practices to support relaxation and clarity.
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal that something needs to change. By tuning into your body, prioritising rest, and exploring holistic practices like Reflexology, Meditation, Reiki, and Human Design, you can prevent burnout before it takes hold.
If you’re experiencing signs of burnout, I invite you to take a deep breath and ask yourself:
What small step can I take today to prioritize my well-being?