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Burnout Survivor Finds Peace Under an Oak Tree
29 Jun
Summary
- Burnout symptoms emerged after two to three years of intense work.
- Meditation outdoors provided a unique sense of connection.
- A four-day work week was adopted to support staff well-being.
Natalie Fee, who directed the charity City to Sea for ten years, has spoken about her struggle with burnout. She first noticed symptoms of severe stress approximately two to three years into her tenure, exacerbated by work and personal challenges.
Initially experiencing profound physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, Natalie found solace during the first COVID-19 lockdown. She began meditating outdoors, finding a distinct sense of peace and connection with nature while seated beneath an oak tree.
Occupational burnout is a health condition resulting from prolonged stress. Experts emphasize prevention through self-care, regular breaks, setting boundaries, and managing controllable stressors to maintain well-being.
While the charity supported staff with initiatives like a four-day work week, Natalie found meditation to be the most effective personal recovery method. She described feeling "extremely tired" and "very blue" during her burnout period.
