top of page

Recognizing Burnout: How Women Can Address and Overcome Exhaustion

Writer's picture: Carla WatsonCarla Watson

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can be debilitating. Women, in particular, often face unique stressors that can lead to burnout. These stressors can stem from juggling multiple roles, including work, family responsibilities, and societal expectations. Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for taking steps to address and prevent it. Here are the key signs of burnout in women and practical steps to combat it.


Signs of Burnout in Women

1. Physical Exhaustion: Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep. Physical symptoms can include headaches, muscle pain, and frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system.


2. Emotional Exhaustion: Experiencing feelings of helplessness, being overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. A sense of dread about facing the day and a lack of motivation to engage in activities you once enjoyed.


3. Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative outlook towards work, relationships, and life in general. Feeling detached from responsibilities and the people around you.


4. Decreased Performance: A noticeable decline in work performance, including decreased productivity, lack of focus, and frequent mistakes. Struggling to meet deadlines and maintain quality in tasks that once came easily.


5. Increased Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or angered by minor inconveniences. This irritability can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.


6. Lack of Self-Care: Neglecting personal care routines, such as exercise, healthy eating, and hygiene. An increase in unhealthy coping mechanisms, like overeating, substance abuse, or excessive screen time.



What to Do About Burnout


1. Acknowledge and Accept: The first step is to acknowledge that you are experiencing burnout. Accepting that you need help and taking your symptoms seriously is crucial for recovery.


2. Seek Professional Help: Consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Therapy, counselling, or coaching can provide strategies and support for managing stress and overcoming burnout.


3. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Limit overtime work and ensure you have time to relax and unwind.


4. Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can help rejuvenate your body and mind.


5. Delegate and Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks at work and home. Seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. Sharing responsibilities can reduce your workload and provide emotional support.


6. Time Management: Organize and prioritize tasks. Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time. Use tools like planners or apps to keep track of responsibilities.


7. Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Engaging in creative pursuits or spending time in nature can be particularly restorative.


8. Reevaluate Your Goals: Reflect on your personal and professional goals. Consider if they are realistic and aligned with your values. Sometimes, adjusting your expectations and focusing on what truly matters can alleviate pressure.


9. Build a Support Network: Connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Support groups, either in person or online, can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.



Burnout is a serious condition that requires attention and proactive management. By recognizing the signs early and implementing strategies to address them, women can mitigate the impact of burnout and regain a sense of balance and well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it's a necessity for a healthy, fulfilling life.


How I can help you

As a Wellbeing Practitioner I offer 1:1 support, online free resources on my website, youtube channel and podcast, retreats and workshops. for individuals and corporate teams. I also offer Wellbeing Coaching Packages, you can read in more detail below:





And if you want to create a personalised coaching package, get in touch at carlacarolinacoach@gmail.com


Thank you for reading today.



Carla Carolina Watson is a mother, Wellbeing Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Yoga & Breathwork Teacher and energy worker.


Work with Carla

Additional resources

Follow Carla on Instagram

0 views0 comments

Commentaires


bottom of page