Burnout: How are women of the world coping and what can we do to avoid burnout

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, women are facing a growing epidemic of burnout. With work expectations, family obligations, and societal pressures all competing for attention, it's no wonder that women are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In this blog post, we'll explore the rise of sabbaticals as a tool for preventing burnout, as well as some practical steps that women can take to avoid burnout in their daily lives.

First, let's take a closer look at what burnout is and how it affects women. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It is characterised by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. Burnout is often associated with work-related stress, but it can also result from other sources of stress, such as caregiving responsibilities or personal life challenges.

Research shows that women are particularly vulnerable to burnout, due in part to the multiple roles they often juggle. Women are more likely than men to be responsible for household and caregiving duties, in addition to their work responsibilities. This can create a significant amount of stress and make it difficult to find time for self-care and relaxation (which, as we all know, is incredibly important [READ MORE HERE].

One potential solution to burnout is taking a sabbatical. A sabbatical is a period of time away from work, typically several weeks to several months, during which an individual can rest, recharge, and focus on personal interests and goals. Sabbaticals have long been used by academics and religious leaders as a way to pursue research, travel, or spiritual growth, but they are becoming increasingly popular in other professions as well.

Sabbaticals can be an effective way to prevent burnout by allowing women to take a break from their demanding schedules and focus on their physical, emotional, and mental health. During a sabbatical, women can engage in activities that bring them joy, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or exploring a new place. Sabbaticals can also provide an opportunity to reflect on your career and personal goals, which can help us feel more focused and motivated when we return to work.

Of course, not everyone can take a sabbatical, either because of financial constraints or job requirements. However, there are still many practical steps that women can take to avoid burnout in their daily lives. These include:

1. Prioritising self-care: This means making time for activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all band aid, so we encourage you to work out what it is for you, and then make the time for it.

2. Setting boundaries: Although difficult, learning to say no when you cant take on something else (either because it will overload your workload or cause unnecessary stress) is something that ensures we are moving at a sustainable pace

3. Seeking support: We encourage you to join The Like-Minded Collective, whereby you can get support at any of our networking events, or chat over a glass of wine at one of our more intimate wine bar conversations. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or seeking professional help are also great strategies.

While burnout is a growing problem, especially for women – it is not inevitable. By taking practical steps to prioritise self-care and ensuring you are moving at a sustainable pace, women can avoid burnout and live happier, more fulfilling lives. For those who are able, taking a sabbatical can be a valuable tool for preventing burnout and promoting personal growth and renewal.