How to avoid burnout as we return to busy lives

It’s no secret that the pandemic sent waves through the working world, with a volatile economic climate causing uncertainty and flux – and mandated home working upending our everyday lives. But, despite the challenges, for some, the pandemic has been a chance to reset and examine what we really want.

For example, almost half of those surveyed in Bupa Global’s 2021 Executive Wellbeing Index[i] have decided to work fewer hours in an effort to recalibrate their work-life balance, and 37% have encouraged more flexible work practices to help employees focus on a world outside work.

However Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, Clinical Director for Mental Health at Bupa Global, warns of the risk of burnout as the world opens up; “There is a danger that we over commit to meetings, work and travel now that the world is opening up, to overcompensate for ‘time lost’ during lockdown. People need to be mindful of the impact of their excitement and enthusiasm to return to work or travel, take on new tasks or challenges, as over a period of time this could lead to burnout.”

So, how can people protect their wellbeing and avoid burnout in a post-pandemic world?

Setting boundaries

As offices reopen, it will be important to set new boundaries to help prevent work days lengthening and the erosion of down time, something that many people have enjoyed over the last 18 months. “There is a risk that as we go back into the office, we are still going to be on standby outside work hours and we may lose that demarcation between work and home life. It’s important to make the boundaries between home and work life clear to avoid working before you arrive at the office and once you’ve gone home to relax,” Dr Vandenabeele says.

Employing self-care strategies

For some, preventing burnout could also be about finding time to keep up – or start new – self-care strategies. For example, Bupa Global’s 2021 research found that nearly half of respondents worldwide listed exercise as their preferred mental health coping strategy, so it will be important to think about how to integrate exercise into new routines. For example, those who have come to enjoy a morning or evening jog should consider an active commute.

“It’s important to really reflect on which elements of life did change for the better and to implement these into routines moving forwards.” Dr Vandenabeele says.

Taking preventive measures

For some, the pandemic has been a wake-up call, and many are prioritising good health now as well as planning preventive precautions for the future.

Private Client by Bupa can help support people with this aim.

Private Client by Bupa curates exceptional health and wellbeing services bringing them together in one simple package with one single point of contact. From our award-winning medical cover at home or abroad provided by Bupa Global; to rich, proactive, preventive wellbeing benefits; to a Global Virtual Care app giving you access to video consultations in the comfort of your own home.

For more information on Private Client by Bupa, please visit bupaprivateclient.com or call us on 0371 346 0407.

Call may be recorded. Private Client by Bupa is a premium service providing expertly curated health and wellbeing plans insured by Bupa Global.

Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Global Virtual Care is not regulated or authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority nor Prudential Regulation Authority.

[i] Bupa Global Wellbeing Index 2021