If your job is demanding, jou've probably wondered at some point if you're burning out. The constant stress and pressure in health and social care especially can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But ignoring the signs of burnout can have serious consequences, affecting not only our performance but our wellbeing and our relationships too.

In this quick dip episode, Rachel introduces the Stress Curve and how it can help you recognise if you're nearing burnout. She explains the different stages of the curve and provide practical steps you can take to prevent burnout and perform at your best. It's about finding what works for you and making small changes that add up a big impact.

Listen to this episode to

• Recognise the signs of burnout and its consequences, so you can prioritise your wellbeing and relationships.
• Learn from real-life experiences and to prevent burnout, tailored to the unique challenges faced by people in healthcare.
• Discover the stress curve model as a tool to assess your current position and make small, impactful changes to improve your wellbeing and performance.

Episode highlights

• [00:01:43] Check your battery level
• [00:02:43] Symptoms of burnout
• [00:03:47] The stress curve
• [00:05:59] Not enough pressure to perform
• [00:07:29] Dropping off peak performance
• [00:08:26] Early signs of burnout
• [00:09:18] Take a snapshop [MIDROLL]
• [00:10:26] Where are you on the stress curve?
• [00:13:01] What factors are contributing to how you feel?
• [00:13:32] What are your early warning signs?
• [00:15:38] What small steps can you take?
• [00:17:14] Stay in your zone of power

Resources

• Download a copy of the graph
• Watch the video to see the graph
• THRIVE Weekly Planner
• More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
• Surprising Ways to Avoid Burnout – Episode 188 with Nick Petrie
• Embrace Your Capacity, Not Your Limits – Episode 176 with Dr Sarah Coope
• Is it ‘Normal’ Not to Cope? – Episode 143
• Download the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.
• Yerkes–Dodson law

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Connect with Rachel

Have any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:

• LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris
• Twitter: @DrRachelMorris
• Email: [email protected]

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Permission to Pause

A free 60-minute sanctuary for doctors – a quiet hour in the middle of winter where your role can fall away and you can reappear.