How To Break Up With Burnout with Sophie Scott
Today on the Powerful Stories podcast I am joined by Sophie Scott, award-winning journalist and expert on the science of burnout. Sophie is incredibly knowledgeable, and what I love about her is that we completely align on our philosophy of what makes us better humans. We all experience burnout at some point, and unfortunately, many of us often ignore the signs until it’s too late. Yet burnout can have devastating effects. In fact, studies show that over 30% of people suffer from cognitive difficulties when they experience burnout – so it can have a real and damaging impact on your professional life, as well as your relationships and personal life. It’s such an important topic, and one I am so excited to be discussing today. Dring our conversation, Sophie shares that often the highest performers are most at risk of burning out. This is typically because we love what we do, and give so much to our business and career and family, until there’s nothing left for ourselves. However, we certainly can’t be the best version of ourselves for our employees, teams, friends and loved ones if we’re burnt out and have nothing left to give. So, Sophie shares her expertise around practices to prevent or help manage burnout, including the top three practices to incorporate into your life to ensure you avoid burnout and feel your absolute best. Topics Discussed [1:25] Sophie talks about what burnout can look like, including feeling mentally and physically exhausted, having trouble concentrating and feeling like you’ve got nothing left in the tank. When this happens, your body and nervous system takes over and says, ‘Enough. We can’t do this anymore.’ [4:48] Sophie shares that burnout occurs when stress has been chronic over a long period of time, and the body is unable to reset in between periods of stress. [6:04] Burnout is much more likely to occur when you don’t feel supported. Whether at work, in the family or in caregiving roles, burnout is not the sufferers’ fault, it’s a sign that the demands in your life are not being adequately supported. [7:23] Sophie opens up about her own personal experience with burnout and what led her to that place. While maintaining a busy job as a broadcaster, with no time scheduled in to switch off, one day Sophie jumped on a plane after a busy day at work, to fly interstate to host an awards night - she almost collapsed on the stage. This was Sophie’s ‘aha’ moment that she couldn’t keep going in the same way. [11:54] People-pleasing is common among women with burnout, so we discuss how to shift your mindset and how to have the confidence to commit to only saying yes to the requests and opportunities that align with your core values, as well as being are good for your own wellbeing. [14:45] Tory shares the best advice she has ever received, and how she puts it into practice on a daily basis. [16:09] Sophie talks about the importance of having rituals to anchor yourself, and shares her own personal daily rituals, including meditating in bed with her husband as soon as they wake up, plus tips on how listeners can create daily rituals to reset the nervous system. [19:02] We discuss the importance of making time for connection to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. [21:46] Often we think we need a grand gesture or big life overhaul to improve our mental health and wellness, but the importance of the small things, such as connecting with nature and doing the things that bring you fun, is also crucial to avoid burnout. [23:24] We both reveal what we wanted to be when we grew up. [26:17] Sophie shares her next powerful step: empowering people to feel their best, and educating them about how to prevent burnout using evidence-based strategies. Links Where to find Sophie Scott Website: www.sophiescott.com.au Instagram: @sophiescott2 LinkedIn: Sophie Scott Where to Find Tory Archbold Are you ready to take a powerful step forward in business and in life? You can join Tory’s dynamic community of top women entrepreneurs by signing up to the Powerful Steps Coffee Challenge (it’s free!): https://powerful-steps.com/coffee-challenge/. You can also connect with Tory Archbold and her business mentoring offerings, including the popular Business Attraction Program, here: Instagram: @powerfulsteps LinkedIn: Powerful Steps by Tory Archbold YouTube: Powerful Steps – YouTube Business Attraction Program: click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.