"Le burnout concerne le travail mais il s'agit aussi du mode de vie."

Burnout isn’t just something that happens at your job. It’s deeply intertwined with how you live your life—your routine, your habits, your overall approach. Sure, you might think it’s all about that never-ending to-do list or your boss who just won’t quit, but there’s more to it.

Historically, the concept of burnout was first coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. Back then, it was primarily associated with people in helping professions—doctors, nurses, and social workers. These were folks who gave so much of themselves that they eventually had nothing left to give. But over time, we’ve come to realize that burnout isn’t limited to these roles. It can strike anyone who’s juggling too much, whether it's at work, at home, or in the community.

Think about Amy. She’s a marketing manager at a mid-sized firm. Her days are packed with meetings, deadlines, and constant emails. But it doesn’t stop there. After work, she’s racing to pick up her kids, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and managing the household. Weekends? They’re filled with soccer games, birthday parties, and running errands. Amy is exhausted, and it’s not just because of her job. It’s her entire lifestyle that's wearing her out.

Now, how do you apply this understanding? Start by recognizing that burnout prevention is a holistic effort. It’s about setting boundaries at work, sure, but it’s also about carving out time for yourself outside of it. Maybe that means saying “no” to extra projects or delegating tasks at home. It might involve prioritizing sleep, exercise, or simply making time for a hobby you love. Small changes can have a big impact—don’t underestimate them.

Imagine this: You’re at a coffee shop with your friend, Sam. He’s telling you how drained he feels. He’s overwhelmed at work and feels guilty for not spending enough time with his family. So, you share the story of Amy with him. You suggest he takes a step back and looks at his entire lifestyle. Maybe he needs to talk to his boss about reducing his workload. Or perhaps he should set aside a couple of nights a week where he doesn’t bring work home. You remind him it’s okay to ask for help with the kids or take a break from some of their extracurricular activities.

Burnout is sneaky. It creeps up when you’re least expecting it. But by being aware of the broader picture—by understanding that it’s not just work but how you live your whole life—you can take steps to prevent it. It’s about balance, about making sure you’re not pouring from an empty cup.

Remember, it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to take care of yourself. Your well-being is crucial, not just for your job, but for every part of your life. So next time you feel that familiar weight of exhaustion, take a look at the bigger picture. Adjust, tweak, simplify—do what you need to do to keep burnout at bay.