ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM BURNOUT?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It can affect people in various professions and life circumstances and can be caused by ongoing stressful situations, such as a demanding job, financial stress or relationship problems. Unlike acute stress, which is a normal response to a short-term stressor, this can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health if left unaddressed.

Research has suggested that women tend to experience burnout more frequently than men. There are several reasons for this:

1. Women tend to take on more work and responsibilities, both at work and at home. This can lead to an overwhelming workload.

2. Women often face discrimination and inequality in the workplace.

3. They may be less likely to receive support from their partners, colleagues and employers, which can make it more difficult to manage the stressors.

4. Women are often expected to be caregivers and may feel pressure to balance work and family responsibilities.

5. Hormonal changes throughout menstrual cycles and during pregnancy can also increase susceptibility to burnout.

It's important to recognise that burnout is not caused by a weakness or failure, but rather by a combination of internal and external stressors.

It's also important to acknowledge that it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and that seeking support and self-care strategies can be effective in managing and preventing it.

Here are my tips to help women avoid burnout:

1. It's important to set clear boundaries. This can include creating a schedule that allows for time to relax.

2. Engage in activities that help you recharge, such as exercise or spending time with loved ones.

3. It's important to have a support system in place, whether it's friends, family, colleagues or professional support.

4. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or commitments if they are causing excessive stress or overwhelm.

5. Taking short breaks throughout the day can help to reduce stress and increase productivity. This can include taking a walk, stretching, or simply taking a few deep breaths.

6. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can reduce stress and increase resilience.

7. If workplace stressors are contributing to burnout, it may be helpful to address them directly. You can do this by speaking with a supervisor, seeking additional resources or support, or reevaluating job responsibilities.

Remember, it's important to prioritise your wellbeing. By recognising the signs of burnout and implementing self-care strategies, you can protect your mental, emotional, and physical health.

JACQUI is a life coach and author specialising in women’s burnout recovery. She helps women create sustainable habits to speed up their recovery and live in their brilliance. hello@jacquimeyer.com

The annual Hilton Arts Festival will be held at Hilton College, just outside Pietermaritzburg, from 11 to 13 August 2023. Now in its 31st year, it is the largest festival in KZN and one of the leading festivals in SA. This year’s event will take place five weeks earlier than usual, which organisers hope will result in better weather. “Our aim is to bring the pick of SA theatre to KZN over the weekend,” says artistic director Sue Clarence. “It isn’t simply a drama festival. There are dollops of comedy, music of several different genres, an extensive fine art exhibition, exciting arts-related workshops, fun activities for kids, upmarket craft, and a collection of classic cars - from a vintage Rolls Royce to modern Ferraris. There is live music, street theatre, and a wide variety of food on sale. Naturally, there is a beer tent as well!”

Lovers of theatre must make sure to book for the shows they want to see: Hansard, starring Fiona Ramsay and Graham Hopkins, which according to one reviewer “is the best piece of theatre to be seen in a decade”, along with other performances. The comedy line-up includes The Mambas with John van de Ruit and Ben Voss, the irrepressible Macbob duo, Aaron and Lisa McIlroy, and many more. From Cape Town, Aldo Brincat brings The Moon Looks Delicious From Here about a young immigrant boy growing up in the 60s and My

That’s Life, with Midlands favourite Erin Fourie, includes a wide variety of songs from Sinatra, Beyonce and Adele to Ella, Etta and Amy Winehouse.

The international birding company, Rockjumper’s exhibition, lectures, guided walks and drives on the estate offer an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Midlands and Ed Schroeder will speak on another KZN jewel, through his photographic book on Nguni cattle. SA-made films It Has to Do with Emila and the Best of 48 Hour Film 2022 will be screened. The 48-hour group will also make a movie at the festival over the weekend. KZN’s Greig Coetzee has given permission for the movie he made during the lockdown in London, The Water Rats to enjoy its African premiere at the 2023 Hilton Arts Festival.

And for the very first time, Retro Rides Revival is coming! Attendees can expect to see beautifully restored vehicles and rare models from some of the world's most renowned manufacturers.

Entrance for the weekend is a once-off cost of R100, valid for three days.

Weight and Why I Carry It a no-holds-barred look at the pertinent issue of body image. Brendon Peel, internationally renowned magician and winner of Britain’s Got Talent jets in with two bags of illusion and mindbending tricks – Impossible and Shenanigans of the Mind

The music component of the festival has been expanded due to the stunning new facilities at the school. People can grab the opportunity to Be A Pop Star and have the experience of recording their own voice or they can Lay Down a Beat working with cutting-edge software to create music. Ticketed music shows offer a wide variety of choices.