4 Phases of Healing From Burnout: An Evidence-Based Framework

Healing from Burnout takes more than rest. Because this kind of fatigue comes from soul loss, not just exhaustion. I’ve seen numerous patterns in the process of burnout recovery. I’ve read many peer-reviewed articles, and I’ve studied soul care and spiritual distress. I’m telling you it all goes together. I think burnout is spiritual. Alas, that’s a polarizing statement, but if you’re curious, read on, my friend.

If that resonates with you, keep reading, and if you’re looking for a checklist of symptoms, WebMD has that. What I offer here is something different: a four-phase, evidence-informed process I use with clients to help them move from depletion to renewal. I call it the Cost of Care Framework.

Burnout treatment is the beginning of the reckoning. Burnout often creeps in slowly, making it challenging to notice at first. You might start to feel that something is off, even if you can’t quite pinpoint why. Yet, out of your desire to help others, you keep giving and resist setting boundaries. You hope that things will get better, but as the weeks and months roll on, you find yourself pouring your energy into caring for those around you, leaving your own bucket feeling empty. This is when you know you need help.

Healing from Burnout in 4 Phases:

– Recognize that you’re drained and burnt out.
– Get support to identify patterns that need to change.
– Learn to articulate your sense of self and share what you need.
– Live congruently and become a guide for others.

Burnout Recovery Phase 1:

Recognize That You’re Drained and Burnt Out.

Phase 1 is about taking a moment to acknowledge what you’ve lost and to gently confront where you are right now. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve and validate your feelings. Understanding your patterns is key; it helps you recognize what’s going on within your body and discover strategies to replenish your energy. If every day you’re crying at the watercooler with Martha at 3:15 pm – let’s figure out what’s going on there.

– During this phase, many people find they need to take a step back from work
– Your closest relationships are likely feeling the strain
– It’s a time that can bring forth a lot of emotions: anger, tears, resentment, fear
– You need to just talk and express and be understood

Remember, it’s okay to feel this way, it’s not your fault and there is support.

Burnout Recovery Phase 2:

Get Support to Identify Patterns That Need To Change So You Can Stay Well

Phase 2 involves recognizing that changes are necessary. At this point, you are prepared to explore your patterns and personality more deeply, identifying what is no longer serving you. This phase provides strategies and tools to enhance self-awareness and reflection. You are ready to make changes and develop healthier habits for your mind and thought processes. This includes:

– Implementing practical coping skills
– Discovering your unique strategy for self-care
– Understanding your needs and how to fulfill them
– Reflecting on some of the ‘whys’ in your life that got you to this place

Burnout Recovery Phase 3:

Learn To Articulate Your Sense of Self, Name Your Values and Share What You Need

In Phase 3, you are ready to level up because you now know what you want:

– You have explored your values, strengths and personality
– You understand your communication style
– You are aware of the community you want to build relationships with
– You are creating a plan for the life you wish to lead

This deep exploration of yourself helps you align your personality, calling, and the work that energizes you with the ways you can best show up for the people in your life. You are no longer allowing yourself to be drained and depleted without understanding what it will cost you. You are becoming burnout proof and learning about prevention that is unique to you. This is spiritual recovery.

Burnout Recovery Phase 4:

Living Congruently and Become a Guide For Others

In Phase 4, you experience your life coming together. You feel energized and joyful because you are no longer living by accident; you are now living with purpose. Here’s what’s happening:

– You are intentional about how you spend your time
– The work you choose resonates deeply with your sense of self
– Those around you notice you’ve changed
– You know how to care for yourself, and you are actively doing it
– You have clear goals and are taking steps to achieve them
– Furthermore, you have become a guide for others

These four phases are a compass that I use to guide my clients through recovery into renewal. If you’re somewhere in this process and sense the soul-loss within yourself. I would love to support you as you navigate healing from stress leave and work related burnout online. This is the work I do every day. And I can say with confidence that it’s possible to find your way back to a life that feels like your own. If you’re in Kitchener-Waterloo or the Toronto area, reach out and start the connection.