LEGAL SERVICES

Debunking the myths of burnout

Burnout is a hot topic, especially in the current climate. Yet it’s still not taken seriously by many individuals and organisations, especially in the legal profession, says Donna Smith (pictured), managing director of Nottingham-based growth and transformation coaching company Odonnata. She takes a look at some of the myths she believes are getting in the way of taking this topic seriously.

MYTH 1: ALL YOU NEED TO RECOVER FROM BURNOUT IS A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP

Not true. Burnout is a slow burn, literally. It creeps up on you in a stealth-like manner over a period of time. Getting progressively stronger until it hits you full on – either physically, mentally or both. My own burnout manifested itself physically – I lost the ability to walk for several days. The mental burnout had been going on for some time but it was only after physically collapsing that I had to face the reality of how burnt out I was.

Recovery from burnout takes time. A good night of sleep is a good start but it is only that, a start. Adequate rest is a key component of recovery from burnout BUT it needs to be consistent, rather than a one off.

MYTH 2: TO AVOID BURNOUT MEANS NOT WORKING HARD

How comfortable are you with saying “no” to requests from others? For many, the thought of having to say “no” to your boss, clients and family will fill you with dread as your thoughts spiral into: • What will people think of me if I say no? • Will I jeopardise my career progression if I say no? • People will think I can’t cope if I say no!

I believe this demonstrates the conditioning faced by many in industries such as the legal profession that success equates to long hours, working hard and never switching off. This conditioning needs to change if we are to prevent the spread of burnout in the law.

Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, summed this up perfectly when she said: “We need to change the delusion that we need to burn out in order to succeed. The truth is, we are much more effective if we take time to recharge and refuel.”

Avoiding burning out is not about not working hard – it is about ensuring you are taking care of yourself so you can be at your best more.

MYTH 3: IT’S NOT MY FAULT I’M BURNT OUT, IT’S MY JOB/BOSS/WORKLOAD

Organisations could do more to support the mental wellbeing and resilience of their people. They absolutely could, and great steps are being taken to make that happen. The Mindful Business Charter is one example. However, whether you burnout or not is a choice – your choice.

For example, if you do not have clear boundaries for yourself around things like working hours, responding to emails, taking regular breaks and so on, how can you expect those around you to honour those boundaries? If you do not regard your time or your mental health as precious, no one else will either.

I often hear this statement “I don’t have time for myself, I am too busy”. Not true – if a loved one suddenly needed half an hour of your time every single day, and their life depended on it, you would find the time, no matter what.

Well, guess what? Your life depends on you finding time every day that is just for you. Treat yourself as you would do a loved one. Surprisingly, the more you make time for yourself every day, the more the people around you will start to honour those boundaries and work around you.

Try it once a week. Commit to taking a half an hour lunch break away from your laptop, every day. See how much you benefit and how quickly those around you accept that that is what you do now.

It’s time to burn bright – not out.