Warning: Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Burnout
Burnout and highly sensitive people: there’s a scientific correlation. There are a number of common highly sensitive traits which make highly sensitive people susceptible.
Do you know the warning signs of a burnout? And how to recover from a burnout? And what about the real impact of burnout and stress?
What is a Burnout?
A burnout will leave you feeling mentally, emotionally and physically depleted. For the warning signs read: 6 Warning Signs of a Burnout.
There are many reasons for experiencing a burnout; it can be work related or due to the stress of raising a young family, personal issues or emotionally charged events you are currently dealing with.
Whatever the reason, it is important that a burnout is not ignored.
TIP: Secure your place on the Masterclass Beyond Burnout class on 26 March 2021 Find more information here.
Why are Highly Sensitives at Risk from Burnout?
The fact is that being highly sensitive means possessing traits that make you prone to a burnout (as well as depression).
Deep thinking about big issues. Intense stimuli processing. Melancholy. Perfectionism. Conscientious. Strong work ethic. Finding it hard to say no. Soaking up loved ones’ emotions.
All traits that add up and make a HSP prone to unhealthy stress.
When you are processing the world around you intensely your reactions to stimuli are usually intense too.
HSPs need to work hard to keep control of their own boundaries, often feeling lost when others are stepping over them. That’s the consequence of being a people pleaser.
Highly sensitive people are more easily overstimulated by their environments. They need lots of downtime to process and recharge from all this input.
This is not always easy in workplaces that are designed for the majority who is not highly sensitive: open plan offices; constant noise; consistent pressure to interact; interruptions from colleagues; air conditioning all day long; business travel. You get the idea.
The consequence is that it can all become too much and a consistent level of overwhelm will eventually have a physical and mental impact on your wellbeing.
6 Steps to Recover from a Burnout
Prevention is obviously better than having to recover and there are great tips over on Sensitive Revolution to this end.
However, if you realise you are suffering then you need to seek help. Successful recovery will be unlikely alone.
Here are 6 steps to recovery:
- Talk to Someone and Ask for Help
- Rest and Recuperation
- Find an Outlet for Your Emotions
- Eat Healthily
- Be Mindful
- Reassess Your Job After Your Recovery
To read more detail about each step read my article: 6 things to do to recover from a burnout.
Resources
General
Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live by Martha Beck
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown
For Parents
Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process by Sheryl G. Ziegler
For Teachers
Teacher’s Field Guide: 7 Truths About Teaching to Help You Start off Strong, Avoid Burnout, and Stay in Love with Teaching by Kerry Hemms
“Fifty percent of new teachers leave the profession within the first five years.
Of those who stay, most go through periods of burnout.” Enough said.
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