Navigating Burnout: A Candid Account from Fay, Founder of Socialuxe UK
Burnout, a relentless state of physical and emotional exhaustion, can be debilitating when tied to the pressures of business or a demanding role. Ignoring the signs can lead to further harm, impacting your overall well-being and professional capabilities. Fay, the resilient founder of Socialuxe UK, opens up about her personal battle with burnout as a female entrepreneur.
"Summer 2022 marked one of the lowest points in my life. Unable to work, eat, or sleep properly, I felt like everything was falling apart, and I was a failure.
Pushing myself to the brink—long hours, no social life, and isolation—I spiraled into mental and physical exhaustion. Morning anxiety became a nauseating routine, making each day a struggle.
Unable to function, I ceased work, refunding clients, and incurred significant financial losses. With over two years of running SocialuxeUK, I felt no better off than when I started. The business I poured my heart into seemed destined to close.
Stuck in a hole, unsure of recovery, I headed home.
Heading Home to Heal & Pressing 'Pause' on Socialuxe UK
Realizing I couldn't just "snap out of it," I stayed with my parents. Yet, home offered no magic cure. Acknowledging I was the only one who could save myself, I faced the daunting task of reclaiming my strength.
Logging out of business accounts, I stripped back to basics—focusing on eating well, sleeping, and giving my mind respite.
Getting My Appetite Back & A Full Night’s Sleep
Starting with small snacks, I triumphed over the challenge of eating. Progressing to full meals, I then tackled sleep, discovering solace in "Headspace - Unwind Your Mind" on Netflix. Achieving a restful night marked a turning point.
Finding Peace of Mind
Realizing that true rest requires mental peace, I embraced activities bringing joy and happiness. Nature walks, painting, and small achievable tasks provided a break from the relentless thoughts, proving I was not a failure.
Being Kinder to Myself
Changing my inner dialogue became paramount. Treating myself as I would a friend, I shed self-punishment for self-care.
Delegating Tasks & Rediscovering Motivation
Over a month later, thoughts of returning to work were daunting. Sophie, my loyal support, stepped in, offering to manage social media for free. Delegating this task alleviated stress, reigniting a spark.
Reassessing services, I revamped my business, focusing on sustainable offerings and digital products. Sales improved, social media activity resumed, and my lectures at London College of Fashion brought inspiration.
Setting New Boundaries as a Consequence of Burnout
Continuing my journey, I established boundaries—set working hours, weekends off, and regular breaks. Weekly therapy sessions and discovering new interests became integral.
Recognizing early signs of burnout, I prioritize self-care without guilt. Progress, not perfection, guides my path.
A Transformative Journey
While the journey from burnout to recovery was challenging, it was transformative. Prioritizing well-being, learning to balance work and life, has been a profound lesson.
If you're experiencing burnout, know it's temporary. Be kind to yourself, seek support, and take it one day at a time. You will emerge stronger, just as I did."
Follow @socialuxeuk on Instagram to keep up to date with Fay on her business journey. Explore socialuxeuk.com to learn more about Socialuxe UK.
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