The Burnout!

I always associated ‘Burn Out” with very high achieving executives burning the candle at both ends for their company and for the continuation of the delivery of the big bucks to support their lifestyle.

But lately that stereotype image seems to be shifting. Now we can see people of all walks of life suffering,

Healthcare Workers

Teachers & Educators

Social Workers & Mental Health Professionals

First Responders

Corporate Employees

Perfectionists & Over Achievers

Workaholics & People With Poor Work Life Balance

People In Toxic Work Environments

Caregivers

Freelance & Gig Workers

Idealists In Helping Professions

In todays fast paced, financially demanding world - where we are bombarded by endless ad’s, glued to 24/7 technology, and overwhelmed by unsolicited opinions on how to live - is it any surprise we’re all exhausted and second guessing ourselves?

As someone who has owned and operated a small beauty salon for 24 years, I’ve found that the demands of wearing so many different hats are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Now, on top of everything else, we’re expected to be social media experts. Combine that with clients’ sometimes unrealistic expectations and the constant financial pressures, and the job you once loved can quickly start to feel overwhelming.

This weekend I came across a post by a fellow Therapist which really hit a nerve;

“I don't want to be the business owner who's always tired. Always on. Always proving. Running on fumes and calling it ambition. I don't want a life that looks good online but feels heavy offline. Smiling for the brand while silently burning out behind the scenes. I want a business that gives me room to breathe. Room to think. Room to live. Room to build without breaking myself. One built on clarity, not chaos. One built to last, not just to keep up. Because what's the point of building something that drains the very life you were building it for? I'm after peace and profit. Impact and ease. Success that doesn't require me to lose myself to have it.”

@the.master.aesthetician @thebami

I consider myself extremely lucky, I work in a profession I love, in a calm environment treating my wonderful clients. But the irony of this profession is that we become experts in nurturing everyone except ourselves whilst maintaining the impossible standards of our industry, is a recipe for collapse.

Last week, I ended up in A&E with a blood pressure reading of 220/113 - terrifyingly high. All I could think was, "Please don’t let this be a heart attack or a stroke." After running tests, the doctor leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and told me in a firm but kind tone that I needed drastic lifestyle changes. He blamed stress and anxiety — two things I might have brushed off just a day earlier.  

The next day, I went into work, not wanting to let my clients down and worrying about finances (as every small business owner does). Looking back, that was a mistake. My clients would have understood, and after surviving a seven-month lockdown, a few days off wouldn’t have changed anything. But that’s how conditioned we become — trapped in the grind, forgetting to step off the treadmill and reassess what really matters.

So now, I’m making those changes. But what about you? Are you taking care of yourself, or just pushing through until your body forces you to.  Self-care is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s why it’s so important:  

 1. Reduces Stress & Prevents Burnout

   - Chronic stress weakens the immune system, disrupts sleep, and harms mental health.  

   - Self-care (like exercise, relaxation, or hobbies) helps manage stress and prevents exhaustion.  

 2. Improves Mental Health  

   - Taking time for yourself reduces anxiety, depression, and overwhelm.  

   - Mindfulness, therapy, and healthy boundaries foster emotional resilience. 

 3. Boosts Physical Health 

   - Proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise keep your body functioning well.  

   - Neglecting self-care can lead to illness, fatigue, and long-term health issues.  

 4. Enhances Productivity & Focus  

   - Rest and breaks improve concentration and creativity.  

   - Overworking leads to mistakes and mental fatigue—self-care restores energy.  

 5. Strengthens Relationships 

   - When you care for yourself, you’re more emotionally available for others.  

   - Setting boundaries prevents resentment and fosters healthier connections.  

6. Increases Self-Esteem & Confidence 

   - Prioritising your needs reinforces self-worth.  

   - It sends a message that you matter, which builds confidence.  

 7. Helps You Reconnect With Yourself 

   - Busy lives can make us lose touch with our needs and passions.  

   - Self-care (journaling, alone time, hobbies) helps you stay aligned with your values.  

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish — It’s Necessary 

Think of it like charging a battery: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Small, consistent acts of self-care lead to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

Read a book, go for a walk, put the phone down, hydrate, take time to eat, laugh, understand all the worrying in the world isn’t going to change anything and learn to say no - but ultimately, make time for you. And to all our clients, Im sorry if you don’t see us too much on social media, it’s not really my thing, to be honest I preferred Yellow Pages!  But in reality about 80% of our new clients come via referrals, and for that, I am eternally grateful. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support x