I just stared at a blank sheet of paper and I couldn't, there was nothing. There was nothing left to give - Hannah Holden on Navigating Burnout

"Burnout isn't something that happens for a day. It is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual exhaustion."

"All of my self-worth was coming from work. So I'd got myself into a situation where I felt useless and worthless except when I was getting accolades from work or recognition from work."

"I remember a conversation with my new line manager... And I was being like I don't need help. If I have to ask for help, it means that I can't cope. And then everybody knows that I'm not able to do my job. So there was some imposter syndrome as well."

Show Notes for "Exploring Emotional Overdraft" Podcast Episode with Andy Brown and Hannah Holden

Background and Burnout Story (01:37):

Hannah Holden (01:50): Shares her background in IT and consulting, detailing her experience with burnout 10 years ago. She emphasises the high demands and unmanageable workload that led to her burnout.

Understanding Burnout (05:05):

Hannah Holden (05:34): Explains what burnout means to her, describing it as physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual exhaustion akin to depression. She clarifies that burnout is not a temporary state of tiredness.

Signs and Reactions to Burnout (07:52)

Hannah Holden (07:52): Discusses her reluctance to seek help due to imposter syndrome and the misinterpretation of her boss's empowerment as lack of support

Low Point and Turning Point (10:14):

Hannah Holden (10:14): Recalls the moment she realised she was severely depleted, both emotionally and spiritually, leading to a breakdown on her kitchen floor. This low point became her turning point.

Recovery and Identity-Based Change (12:31):

Hannah Holden (12:31): Describes how she used her desire to become a mother as motivation to change her lifestyle and habits. Emphasises the importance of aligning actions with personal values.

Navigating Stress (23:10)

Hannah Holden (23:10): Suggests that understanding and navigating stress, rather than managing it, is crucial. Recommends finding support from others to help see and address issues that may not be apparent to oneself.

Values and External Help (28:21):

Andy Brown (28:21): Highlights the importance of understanding personal values and getting external help to navigate stress and avoid burnout.

Practical Advice (33:40):

Hannah Holden (33:40): Advocates for intentional decision-making based on what is truly valuable, using examples from her own experience and those of her clients

Connecting with Others (37:03):

Andy Brown (37:03): Shares a personal story about reconnecting with friends and the power of maintaining a supportive network.

Simple Change for Reducing Stress (43:40):

Hannah Holden (43:40): Introduces the "physiological sigh" technique to quickly reduce stress. Demonstrates how to do it effectively.

Hannah Holden: "Getting to know your values is helpful... but working with somebody else makes it so much easier and faster."

Call to Action:

• Listen to Hannah Holden's podcast, "Burnout Isn't Necessary," available on Apple and Spotify.
• Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn or visit her website at hannahholden.co.uk.
• Practise the "physiological sigh" technique to manage stress effectively.

Additional Resources:

• Hannah Holden's LinkedIn: Hannah Holden on LinkedIn
• Website: hannahholden.co.uk
• Podcast: Burnout Isn't Necessary on Apple and Spotify

Thank you for listening!