^{When feeling exhausted, losing interest in work and questioning career decision or positions within a workplace, it is a signal that you are reaching burnout. We all have our limits in what we can or can’t do and when reaching the point of having no more to give, exhaustion, negativity, feeling unsupported falls under workplace burn out! In 2020, studies showed that three quarters of employees experienced burnout, answering “always often or “sometimes” on a questionnaire. Reality is that life gets so busy with the increased number of priorities that balancing work, family and leisure overlap and our optimal performance and thinking becomes clouded.} 

^{It is important to take note to your body and mind and what it is telling you before it becomes too late. Working on a continuous energy loss will not help you recover.} 

^{Things you can do for recovery or prevention} 

• ^{To recharge you need some down time, doing things that require little energy and effort such as watching tv, favourite Netflix show, colouring in or napping.} 
• ^{Ensure you have a social support network. This means enjoyable lunches or interactions with family and friends.} 
• ^{My personal favourite, physical activity. There is an abundance of research and evidence that sports, yoga, or generally any form of exercising reduces the effects of stress. Even the simplest form of going for a brisk walk helps clear the mind and reduce stress levels.}  
• ^{Ensure you have healthy sleep hygiene, meaning regular bed time routines.} 
• ^{Healthy work boundaries, taking allocated lunch breaks and small break times. Leaving on time and completely detaching from work, physically and mentally. A tip is closing your computer/laptop and walking away. I also tell clients when they get home to physically lock the door and tell themselves “this is my home time, not work”. If you are not on call of course or your job role requires you to be accessible always for emergencies.} 
• ^{Religious or spiritual guidance, such as the power of prayer, meditation or attending religious ceremonies and support groups.} 
• ^{Human needs such as touch is also a key factor. The feelings of love, support and intimacy with one’s partner is just as important for well-being.} 

^{So how do you start your recovery from burnout?} 

• ^{Realising and admitting there is a problem. What is your body telling you, that is the first and best indicator?} 
• ^{Write it down in a notebook/diary. What are your triggers? How does it make you feel? How can you lower these triggers? What needs to change? Are you working within your values or against?} 
• ^{Rather than ending up on sick leave, ensure you put in the strategies listed above. Ensure your work boundaries are followed. People who can distance themselves from work psychologically are stronger and more resilient. It’s not selfish to look after yourself, it called good self-care!} 

Re capping, your physical, emotional and social well-being is a priority and by combining healthy habits, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep and boundaries will not only contribute to better coping strategies in stressful environments but can prevent burnout. It is vital that your battery remains fully recharged for healthier balance between all domains of life. Questionnaire attached to identify your stress levels.