ABSTRACT
Burnout is the product of relentless pace and unrealistic expectations, not character weaknesses. The current definition of ‘success’ has serious flaws. Individuals can’t nurture others or function at their best if under constant pressure––they become depleted. This chapter offers an analytic and holistic approach to resolving burnout symptoms. It outlines strategies and features personal stories from those who have recovered and gone on to shape a more balanced life. A passive ‘treatment’ model, where an individual adopts the role of ‘patient’ and trusts that a health practitioner will prescribe a therapy to assist, is not the best approach. Burnout resolves best with self-management, together with good psychological care to help map and motivate. As burnout is a constellation of symptoms, successful de-stressing strategies must have a broad scope. Sufferers need to identify pertinent stressors and personality traits, and consider what ‘package’ might address or modify such drivers. Persistence is needed to bed down recovery strategies and make them permanent. Thriving, from Adrianna Huffington’s reflections as she made her way to recovery from burnout, emphasises wellbeing that is built on mindfulness, meditation, exercise, adequate sleep and rest days and avoiding technological ‘overconnectivity’. As well, she advocates cultivating wisdom and a sense of wonder. A final note and personal story by Grace is provided to illustrate how people can recover from even the most severe burnout states.
