In this episode, Donna delves into the critical topic of burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights on recognising its signs and symptoms. Drawing from her own journey, she discusses the overwhelming exhaustion and emotional fatigue that led her to a breaking point, prompting her to take a much-needed break from work. Donna explores the importance of self-care, including rest, nutrition, and maintaining social connections, while also emphasising the need to realign one's career with personal values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Burnout is characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion, often resulting from an imbalance in work-life dynamics. Symptoms can include fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, and a diminished sense of pride in one’s work.

Taking time to rest and prioritise self-care is crucial for recovery from burnout. This can involve sleeping well, engaging in gentle exercise, and maintaining social connections to avoid isolation.

Reflecting on personal values and career goals can help individuals realign their work with what is meaningful to them. This process may reveal misalignments that contribute to feelings of burnout.

Transitioning to new career paths or roles can be a positive step for those feeling burnt out. Engaging with others who have made similar transitions can provide inspiration and insight into potential new directions.

Incorporating mindfulness, nutrition, and hydration into daily routines can support overall well-being and aid in recovery from burnout. This includes establishing healthy boundaries around work and prioritising activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you feel fed up, tired, burnt out, or stuck in a rut, it's time to take back control."

"I realised now that I'd been working at 120 miles an hour. I was running on empty."

"Burnout is generally an occupational phenomenon rather than an actual diagnosis."

"I was probably heading towards this period of burnout for maybe six months before it actually happened."

"Coaching is still a helping profession. It's just that this time, it's going to be on my terms."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/