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Burnout, or exhaustion syndrome, is affecting a growing number of people in today’s world. And it’s understandable: our lives and relationships are increasingly misaligned with the natural rhythms and capacities of our bodies and minds. Often associated with prolonged stress and high demands at work, burnout can have serious consequences for both mental and physical health. As a relaxation therapist and mental coach in Nyon and Geneva (or via video conference), my experience has led me to highlight several overlooked aspects in understanding and managing this syndrome.
What is Burnout?
Burnout literally means "to burn out" or "to exhaust oneself until depletion." It refers to the image of burning all fuel until there is nothing left. After enduring intense efforts and prolonged stress, individuals gradually exhaust themselves to the point of losing all energy. This metaphor effectively illustrates the profound exhaustion that characterizes this syndrome—going far beyond mere temporary fatigue.
If burnout were simply a matter of fatigue, a bit of rest would be enough. But that’s not the case!
Moreover, burnout often involves a relational aspect that’s frequently overlooked. We are social beings, and our need for connection, a sense of purpose, and recognition is fundamental. This desire to feel appreciated and to contribute meaningfully can become a risk factor when left unfulfilled, pushing us to make intense efforts that disrupt balance and lead to exhaustion.
Factors Contributing to Burnout
The causes of burnout are often multiple and can be categorized as follows:
Professional: work overload, lack of control, lack of recognition, role conflicts.
Personal: perfectionism, difficulty in saying no, need for recognition.
The situation can be worsened by double binds (e.g., “Don’t do that, but you must do it”) or passive-aggressive behaviors (“I feel attacked, but there’s no clear proof”). Self-perception and the perception of tasks become blurred, making the experience particularly painful.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
At the practice in Nyon, each case of burnout is unique, but certain keywords often recur: breakdown, loss of self-esteem, lack of energy, and confusion about how to recover. Here are the main warning signs:
Extreme fatigue: persistent exhaustion that doesn’t disappear with rest.
Detachment: a sense of disconnection from tasks or people.
Reduced effectiveness: increasing difficulty in completing even the simplest tasks.
Physical symptoms: headaches, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, or digestive issues.
How to Overcome Burnout
If burnout were a simple matter of exhaustion, a few days of rest would be sufficient. But overcoming it requires a more comprehensive approach and rebalancing on several levels:
Renew your energy resources Adopt relaxation practices and review lifestyle habits (sleep, nutrition, exercise).
Reframe your mental outlook Like an athlete, clarify what truly matters, set achievable goals, avoid sources of stress, and establish a fresh mental mode (flexibility, distance, rationality).
Develop adaptive strategies Learn to manage conflicting expectations better, set clear boundaries, and seek support if needed.
The Role of Relaxation and Mental Preparation
As a specialist in relaxation techniques, I guide people to regain balance and reduce stress. Mental preparation strengthens resilience in the face of challenges, and we work together on self-perception and redefining priorities to escape the state of confusion.
Conclusion
Burnout is a warning signal from the body and mind, indicating imbalance. Rest alone isn’t enough; it’s essential to reassess one’s lifestyle and adopt sustainable strategies to recharge. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Marco PAONESSA
Préparation mentale Coach
Relaxologist ASCA
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