In today’s demanding professional landscape, knowing how to help someone with burnout has become an essential skill—for leadership, collaboration, and true connection.
Burnout is no longer a rare occurrence; it has quietly become a shared struggle for many women navigating high-stakes roles and relentless expectations.
As women leaders, we are often balancing immense responsibilities while carrying an unspoken desire to uplift those around us.
But what if burnout could be more than just a personal challenge to overcome?
What if it became a call to create deeper support, authentic sisterhood, and a culture where wellbeing is honored as success itself?
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that stems from prolonged stress.
It’s the result of constantly feeling overburdened without sufficient time to rest or recharge.
When someone is burned out, they might:
- Feel physically and emotionally drained
- Struggle with irritability, anxiety, or anger
- Experience “brain fog” or difficulty concentrating
- Have trouble relaxing or falling asleep
The Signs of Burnout
Burnout manifests differently for everyone, but the symptoms typically fall into four main categories:
1. Physical Symptoms
Burnout takes a toll on the body. Common physical signs include:
- Headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue
- Digestive issues or stomach upset
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lowered immunity and frequent illnesses
2. Emotional Symptoms
Someone experiencing burnout might feel:
- Overwhelmed by even minor challenges
- Irritable or overly sensitive
- A sense of emptiness, sadness, or despair
3. Mental Symptoms
Burnout can affect cognitive functions, leading to:
- Difficulty focusing or staying organized
- Forgetfulness or poor memory
- Reduced problem-solving skills
4. Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral changes are also common, such as:
- Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
- Increased reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms (like overeating or alcohol)
- A noticeable lack of motivation or drive
What Causes Burnout?
Burnout is rooted in chronic stress that the body isn’t given the chance to recover from.
Here are some key contributors:
- Workplace stress: Long hours, high-pressure environments, or lack of recognition.
- Caregiving roles: Balancing the emotional and physical demands of caring for others.
- Perfectionism: Unrealistic self-expectations and fear of failure.
- Everyday overload: Managing multiple responsibilities without time to recharge.
When stress becomes unrelenting, the body’s natural stress response—which typically helps us adapt to short-term challenges—goes into overdrive.
Over time, this prolonged activation can disrupt sleep, digestion, immunity, and emotional balance, all of which contribute to burnout.
For healthy ideas for dealing with work stress, we suggest our article “5 Tips: How to Deal with Stress At Work.”
How to Help Someone with Burnout: Building a Supportive Sisterhood
Addressing burnout isn’t about offering quick fixes—it’s about creating lasting change through mutual support.
When women leaders unite to support each other, they cultivate resilience, reduce isolation, and promote wellbeing.
Here’s how to help someone with burnout while fostering a culture of support:
1. Start the Conversation
Sometimes, the most profound help begins with a simple question: “How are you really doing?”
Create a safe and judgment-free space where your colleague or team member feels comfortable opening up.
Listen actively and empathetically, validating their feelings without offering premature solutions.
2. Encourage Rest and Boundaries
Burnout often arises when self-care takes a backseat to obligations. Encourage the person to prioritize their physical and mental health.
Suggest they take breaks, say no to new commitments, or delegate tasks when possible.
Even small gestures, like recommending a restorative lunch break, can make a difference.
3. Offer Practical Solutions
Take actionable steps to alleviate their workload or stressors.
Can you delegate tasks, provide additional resources, or adjust timelines?
Collaborative problem-solving reinforces the message that they’re not alone in facing challenges.
4. Suggest Calming Activities
Activities that nurture the mind and body can help restore balance.
Simple ideas include:
- Spending time in nature
- Gentle yoga or meditation
- Journaling or creating art
- Listening to soothing music
- Just breathing while mindfully savoring herbal tea
5. Promote Professional Help
If burnout is severe, encourage them to seek support from a therapist, counselor, or healthcare professional who specializes in stress management.
Why Women Supporting Women Matters
When women leaders rally together, they create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual.
Sisterhoods offer emotional strength, practical advice, and a network of allies ready to step in during tough times.
Knowing how to help someone with burnout becomes a shared responsibility, rooted in the belief that we rise by lifting others.
In a sisterhood, celebrations are shared, setbacks are softened, and growth is exponential. By having each other’s backs, women leaders don’t just survive—they thrive.
And in doing so, they redefine what leadership looks like, proving that success is sweeter when it’s achieved together and in a nourishing way.
Practical Steps to Build Sisterhood
- Mentorship and Advocacy: Take a proactive role in guiding and championing other women. This could mean sharing your experiences, providing advice, or advocating for their ideas in important meetings.
- Create Safe Spaces: Whether through formal networks or informal meetups, create opportunities for women to connect, share, and support one another.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and applaud the successes of your peers. Celebrate milestones, both big and small, to foster positivity and motivation.
- Normalize Rest and Recovery: Model healthy boundaries and work-life balance. By showing that rest is essential, not optional, you pave the way for others to prioritize their own wellbeing.
For more tips on how to model healthy boundaries and work-life balance, read our article: “Work-Life Balance for Women: Lifestyle Guide”.
The Power of Togetherness
As women leaders, understanding how to help someone with burnout isn’t just a skill—it’s a responsibility.
By fostering a culture of care and collaboration, we can create workplaces that value humanity as much as productivity.
Let’s build a sisterhood that empowers women to succeed not at the expense of their health, but in harmony with it.
When women leaders support one another, they create an unstoppable force for change.
Together, we can combat burnout, elevate each other’s potential, and redefine the very essence of leadership.
How to Help Someone with Burnout: Collaboration Over Competition
At Wellbody Wellbeing, we advocate creating a life that feels deeply nourishing, supportive, and truly wealthy.
We believe that women supporting women is not just a value, but a powerful movement toward collaboration over competition that transforms lives.
For more supportive information on ending burnout, we suggest our article: “How to Beat Burnout Without Quitting Your Job and Regain Your Energy”.
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