The Life Edit Podcast: Are you suffering from burnout?
Watch: How to deal with burnout
The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone - and while some are dusting themselves down and getting back to normal, for others, it's more of a struggle.
A full 18 months of working from home, or commuting in the time of COVID, while dealing with fear, illness and others' needs has led many to feel they're suffering burnout.
This week's podcast tackles the topic in depth, as presenter Flic discusses the problem with Health Reporter Alexandra.
They discuss why we're now working harder than ever and what burnout actually means. Plus, the symptoms we need to watch out for and the ways to combat it.
Alexandra says warning signs that you might be burned out include: "if you have low energy, struggle to put this in perspective, have mood swings, feel drained or that you can't hit deadlines that used to be no problem."
It's easy to drift into burnout without realising due to the stresses of modern life. "In an office job, you're now never unreachable, we are tethered to the internet," says Alexandra. "But we need to redress the balance - we learned during the pandemic how important it was to spend time doing other things, too."
Alexandra also explains how to stave off a burnout, including the vital importance of taking regular breaks, particularly when you're working from home.
"Don't use your old commuting time working," she warns.
They also discuss employer responsibility and what safeguards should be in place to keep employees happy and mentally healthy.
"If burnout evolves into panic attacks, anxiety, depression, insomnia," says Alexandra, "You must go and see your GP. They can recommend time off, or therapy - there is support available."
If you want to work to live, rather than live to work, this is a must-listen episode.
"We should never be expecting people to dedicate their whole life to work," says Alexandra.
Find out more about burnout - and what to do if you're suffering.
Knowledgable, insightful and very honest, The Life Edit has all the interesting parts of life, with none of the boring bits.
Listen: The Life Edit Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms
