Let's be honest about this important issue, "Burnout" has become increasingly prevalent among professionals more then ever before. According to recent research by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 2023), work-related stress, depression, and anxiety accounts for 51% of all work-related ill health in the UK, affecting 875,000 workers.
Understanding Burnout
Burnout isn't simply feeling tired or stressed—it's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to high job demands and chronic

workplace stress. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2019) officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon, characterising it by three dimensions:
Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
Increased mental distance from one's job or cynicism
Reduced professional efficacy
A Case Study in Professional Burnout
Helen, a 42-year-old senior manager in client services within a leading Digital marketing agency, exemplifies a typical burnout scenario. Working 60+ hour weeks, constantly available on email, and managing a team of 15, she began experiencing chronic insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Her performance started slipping, and she felt increasingly detached from her work—classic burnout symptoms. Through implementing the strategies outlined below, Helen was able to recover and create sustainable work practices.
Evidence-Based Recovery Strategies
1. Cognitive Restructuring (NLP Perspective)
Research by Maslach and Leiter (2016) shows that changing thought patterns is crucial for burnout recovery. Using Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques:
Identify and challenge negative self-talk patterns
Reframe overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks
Practice future pacing to visualise positive outcomes
2. Stress Management Through Self-Hypnosis
A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (Moore et al., 2019) demonstrated that relaxation techniques significantly reduce burnout symptoms. Key hypnotherapeutic approaches include:
Progressive muscle relaxation
Guided visualisation
Self-hypnosis anchoring techniques for instant calm
3. Boundary Setting (Coaching Framework)
Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology (Sonnentag et al., 2022) highlights the importance of work-life boundaries. Essential steps include:
Establishing clear working hours
Creating transition rituals between work and personal time
Learning to say "no" effectively
4. Recovery Activities
The British Journal of Management (Fletcher et al., 2021) emphasises the importance of strategic recovery activities:
Engaging in daily mindfulness practice
Scheduling regular physical exercise
Maintaining social connections outside work
Implementation Plan
Week 1-2: Assessment and Awareness
Document energy levels and stressors
Identify trigger situations
Begin basic relaxation practices
Week 3-4: Tool Implementation
Learn self-hypnosis techniques
Practice NLP reframing exercises
Establish initial boundaries
Week 5-6: Habit Formation
Integrate new practices into daily routine
Develop maintenance strategies
Create support systems
Measuring Progress
Research by Bakker and de Vries (2021) suggests monitoring these key indicators:
Sleep quality
Energy levels
Work engagement
Emotional resilience
Professional Support
While self-help strategies are valuable, research indicates that professional support significantly increases recovery success rates. A study in the Journal of Occupational Health (Williams et al., 2020) found that individuals receiving professional coaching were 65% more likely to overcome burnout successfully. At MTR Performance coaching we now provide a remote online service via video call so you can receive the support you want, when you need it most. Get in touch, today to find out more.
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References
Bakker, A. B., & de Vries, J. D. (2021). Job Demands–Resources theory and self-regulation: New explanations and remedies for job burnout. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 34(1), 1-21.
Fletcher, L., Carter, M., & Lyubovnikova, J. (2021). Recovery from Work-Related Stress: A Review and Integration of Research. British Journal of Management, 32(2), 453-472.
Health and Safety Executive. (2023). Work-related stress, anxiety or depression statistics in Great Britain, 2023. HSE.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
Moore, K. S., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of occupational health interventions for burnout: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 24(1), 88-107.
Sonnentag, S., et al. (2022). Breaking the cycle: The effects of role boundary management strategies on daily recovery experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107(4), 531-547.
Williams, R., et al. (2020). The impact of coaching interventions on occupational stress and burnout. Journal of Occupational Health, 62(1), e12134.
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. WHO.
Author: Mark Tanchoco Reid, Founder of MTR Performance Coaching
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional with any health questions you may have. Do not begin a new medical regimen, or ignore the advice of a medical professional, as a result of information contained within this website.
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