Before burnout: my busy life as a working woman

 

In 2023 I thought I was living my best life. I had a big job that I loved, a partner and two beautiful children, aged seven and ten. But behind the smiles and busy schedule, I was on the path toward burnout.

 

I rushed from one thing to another. I went on regular work trips from my home in Edinburgh to London, Manchester and Birmingham whilst managing kids homework, activities, housework, meals and social events. I worked long hours, including most weekends, but to keep the "mum guilt" at bay, always ensured I made time for the kids. I coached my seven year old's football team, ferried children from one activity to another, arranged play dates and made sure my kids had their World Book Day costumes ready. It all felt like a balancing act I could handle.

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People would comment on how amazing it was I could get so many things done and I would smile and feel a warm glow inside. I felt like I was winning at the life game and doing everything I was supposed to - I thought I was invincible.

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The breaking point in my burnout recovery journey

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Everything changed in November 2023. The trigger was Halloween -  I had arranged to have a party for the kids at home before going out guising. Days earlier, I was told to attend a meeting in London at 9 am on November 1st. Not wanting to miss out on either, I decided to take the sleeper train.

 

Standing in the shower that night, washing off Halloween facepaint, I started to cry. I was exhausted but like always I just pushed through, it will be fine after some sleep I thought. I woke up the next day in Euston and went to the meeting as normal, but something had changed - I just couldn't stop crying.

 

There was no single traumatic event but the flood gates had opened. I had tipped over the edge and there was no going back. I was physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. My body, mind and spirit had all collapsed in a crying heap on the floor and were refusing to get up again.

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The signs of burnout

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Looking back, signs had been building for years but I hadn't allowed myself to see it. I had ignored my reduced patience, increased irritability, inability to switch off and relax, sleep problems, feelings of detachment and physical symptoms of stress because I didn't want to admit to myself that perhaps this wasn't my "best life", perhaps I had got it wrong. 

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My personal path to burnout recovery

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After a period of complete rest, I began my personal burnout recovery journey. I read countless books, listened to hundreds of podcasts, and reflected on how I had let myself reach this point. 

 

Through research and personal experience, I developed my Anti-Burnout Mindset - a framework to build resilience, protect my wellbeing and maintain balance. It focuses on accountability, balance and ongoing maintenance, providing practical tools to prevent burnout before it happens.  

 

​Living with balance after burnout

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Eighteen months later, I’m still busy with work, kids, and life, but it’s different. I’ve learnt how to manage my energy, protect my wellbeing, and live a more balanced life. I’ve learned how to balance the bluebells.

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If I can overcome burnout then you can too.  Start your personal burnout recovery journey today with the Balancing Bluebells Anti-Burnout Mindset and learn how to prevent burnout in your own busy life.

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