Navigating the Burnout Abyss: Shifting from Stress to Success!

Last week I received a call from a college friend after years of not being in touch. And after discussing the usual work life kids and EMIs - she said " I d like to see you once you are back to Mumbai Ash- and this time not for coffee or lunch but I d like to see you in your office - more like ..like a..umm p

rofessional session"

As much as astounded I was - I felt this deep urge to ask " Whats up Meera ?"

" I dont know what is wrong - but I just feel deeply deeply exhausted.. Actually not even exhausted.. I m not finding a word"

"Burnt out?! .. I exclaimed"

"B..Bingo "she fumbled

Ever found yourself feeling like the corporate hamster on a wheel, running on fumes?  Enter the sneakiest intruder of them all: Burnout! 🏝️

"Success is not a race; it's a journey." - Zig Ziglar

Let's deep-dive into the corporate ocean to understand just how many of us in India are riding the burnout wave and, more importantly, how to conquer it.

Statistics Snapshot for India: Indian employees have reported the highest rates of burnout symptoms at 59 percent  according to a study by Mckinsey Health Institute (MHI). The survey of more than 30,000 employees across 30 countries found that 22 percent of employees across the world are experiencing burnout symptoms at work. The report also said that employees who had positive work experiences reported better holistic health, were more innovative at work, and had improved job performance.(source : Mckinsey and Moneycontrol Nov 2023)

So well these employees have admitted to having danced with the burnout blues. That's a significant chunk of the workforce feeling like wilted spinach in the corporate salad!( sorry :D I did not intend to make you hungry )

Spotting the Burnout Beast: How do you know if you've tangoed with the burnout bug?

How many of us are aware that they are actually burnt out?

Or What are some visible symptoms that you might be facing a Big Burnout

Look out for these signs of Burnout. The list is not exhaustive but this is what I am writing from my experience

1. Exhaustion Overdrive: Ever felt like a day of work is equivalent to a marathon? If even the thought of another Zoom call makes you want to hide, you might be in burnout's embrace. 😩Physical and emotional fatigue that transcends the usual work weariness. It's like you've run a marathon, but instead of crossing a finish line, you're logging into another video call.
2. Emotional Rollercoaster: If your emotional state is a daily surprise package – joy to tears in 2.5 seconds – burnout might be your not-so-secret mood maestro. 🎭Unpredictable mood swings that can turn a cheerful morning into a stormy afternoon. Emotional exhaustion becomes a constant companion, making the simplest tasks feel like climbing Everest.
3. Cynicism on Steroids: If sarcasm is becoming your default language, burnout might be the not-so-silent translator. 😏Heightened cynicism and a negative outlook toward work and colleagues. The rose-tinted glasses are replaced with shades of skepticism.
4. Brain Fog Parade: Forgetfulness hosting a daily carnival in your mind? Burnout could be the ringmaster. 🎪Cognitive decline where focus, memory, and decision-making feel like trudging through thick fog. Your mental circus is performing tricks you didn't sign up for.

Combatting Burnout: The Fun Brigade!

Now that we've identified our adversary, let’s strategize the fun way to evict burnout and invite joy back into our lives. In my 11 years of study and 8 years of practice - these are my ways of handling burnout

1. Reiki Rejuvenation: Imagine receiving an energy hug that not only soothes but rejuvenates your tired soul. That's Reiki – a spiritual spa day for your inner self. 🤗✨A Reiki session is a serene journey into profound relaxation, offering a respite for both the body and mind. As the gentle touch and energy transfer take place, a soothing wave of calm envelops the recipient. The practitioner channels universal life force energy, fostering a harmonious balance within the recipient's energy centers. The subtle yet powerful healing energy promotes a deep sense of relaxation by dissolving tension, releasing blockages, and encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms. Clients often describe the experience as a tranquil escape, where stress dissipates, and a profound state of peace emerges. In this tranquil space, the mind unwinds, and the body finds solace, paving the way for holistic well-being and rejuvenation.
2. Access Consciousness Odyssey: Ever felt like you're trapped in a box? Access Consciousness kicks down the walls and invites you to explore limitless possibilities. It’s your backstage pass to the universe! 🚀🌌Access Consciousness is a set of tools and philosophies designed to empower you to create the life you desire. It encourages you to release limitations, embrace awareness, and tap into your innate potential.As the practitioner lightly touches specific 32 points on the head, known as Bars, a subtle yet powerful energy is activated. This process aids in dissipating the electromagnetic charge of thoughts, feelings, and emotions accumulated over time. The result is a profound sense of relaxation and mental ease. Many individuals report a lightness of being, as if the weight of stress and mental clutter has been lifted. Access Bars provides a rejuvenating space for the mind to unwind, promoting a deep state of relaxation where new possibilities can be explored and a renewed sense of well-being can emerge.
3. Law of Attraction Party: Your thoughts are the VIP invites to the universe’s grand soirée. Let's curate a celebration of positivity, where your desires take center stage! 🎉💭The Law of Attraction suggests that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life. By consciously directing your thoughts, you can manifest your desires and attract positive outcomes.
4. Zumba Zest: Who said workouts can’t be a dance party? Zumba your way to fitness and fabulousness! It's not just exercise; it's a celebration of movement. 💃🕺 Zumba is a high-energy dance fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. It not only boosts physical fitness but also infuses joy and rhythm into your exercise routine.
5. Movement Therapy Soirée: Stretch, sway, and swirl away the stress. Movement therapy is the dance of liberation! It's not just about the body; it's about setting your spirit free. Movement therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy, involves using movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. It encourages self-expression and mindfulness through various forms of movement🌬️💫
6. Meditation Moments: Meditation is your passport to tranquility. Take a break, sit comfortably, and allow your mind to find stillness. It's the ultimate reset button for mental clarity, calmness, and a renewed sense of purpose. 🧘♀️🌈A meditation session serves as a potent antidote to burnout, offering a sanctuary for the mind and body to rejuvenate. In the stillness of meditation, individuals can gently detach from the relentless demands of daily life and find solace in the present moment. The practice encourages a release of accumulated stress and tension, allowing the mind to enter a state of deep relaxation. Through focused breathing and mindfulness, meditation becomes a transformative tool to distance oneself from burnout's clutches. As the mind settles into tranquility, the body responds by unwinding, fostering a sense of calm that is instrumental in alleviating the symptoms of burnout. It is in this serene space that individuals can rebuild their inner reserves, regain perspective, and embark on a journey of healing and renewal.
7. Journaling Journey: Journaling is your personal time-travel machine. Pour your thoughts onto paper, explore your emotions, and gain insights into your journey. It's a cathartic release and a pathway to self-discovery. 📖✨.

Remember, burnout is just a pit stop, not your final destination. Pack your tools, put on your resilience cape, and let’s turn burnout into the launchpad for success! 🚀💪 #BurnoutBusters #JoyfulJuggernauts #CorporateCarnival 🎡✨

We sincerely hope - that not just our friend Meera - but you my friend find peace and solace too and can finally release yourself from the clutches of the constant chronic Burnout Syndrome

You can book individual Reiki and Access Bars sessions which we take on appointments in our Mumbai Office / Therapy Centre. We also have weekly online meditations on Zoom every Saturday and In person meditations every Full moon in Mumbai. We also conduct regular Zumba batches both in person and online- jump in for a trial session .Get in touch on ashwini.chube@unicorninsight.com and our team will co-ordinate your earliest available appointment

Thank you for reading and hope this article helps you!