I just had lunch with a freshly graduated physical therapist friend who landed a job at a thriving, local practice. Four months in, and she’s already struggling with burnout. There’s much she loves about her work, but the intense demands of the industry include back-to-back clients, without breaks in between, and extensive followup notes that require after-hours to complete. By the end of the day, she feels like a scooped out shell without any time for the personal interests that replenish her spirit.

If you can relate, you’re not alone.

In a 2021 survey, 50% of physical therapists said they experienced burnout. For massage therapists, “… burnout rates have been shown to range between 30% to 70%, with physical and emotional exhaustion commonly cited.” And according to SalonSpa Connection, 23% of self-employed hair stylists are burned out.

In industries dedicated to self-care and wellness, you can’t miss the irony: we spend our days helping others feel their best and struggle with burnout ourselves.

From physical therapists to hairstylists, massage therapists and estheticians, the rising tide of depletion in the health, wellness and beauty fields screams for a better way. And I’m here to say, there is one (!) 📣

Why Are We Burning Out?

As wellness practitioners, we operate at the intersection of physical demands, emotional labor, and business pressures. We stand for long-ass periods of time, perform repetitive movements, and attempt stellar body mechanics, all while simultaneously acting as defacto therapists and confidants, cheering on the clients we care for deeply.

The physical toll is significant: muscle strain, back and neck problems, hand issues, and repetitive stress injuries are common.

But it’s the emotional labor that takes a silent toll.

We’re expected to maintain a positive, energetic presence throughout our workday, sometimes absorbing clients’ stress while projecting calm and confidence. We listen to personal stories, provide a safe space, and lotsa support – all while delivering our skillset.

“Human Giver Syndrome”

In the book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily Nagoski, PhD. and Amelia Nagoski, DMA coin the phrase, “Human Giver Syndrome,” inspired from a book by Kate Manne. They describe how givers (females) are expected to be “pretty, happy, calm, generous, and attentitive to the needs of others, which means they must never be ugly, angry upset, ambitious, or attentive to their own needs. Givers are not supposed to need anything.”

But because of our innate sense of self-preservation, they say our bodies know that Human Giver Syndrome is killing us. “… that instinct for self-preservation is battling a syndrome that insists that self-preservation is selfish, so your efforts to care for yourself might actually make things worse, activiating even more punishment from the world or from yourself, because how dare you?”

You’re Not Powerless

What they describe, of course, is a biproduct of the historical patriarchal system we’re still challenged with overcoming. But, before we go further, I want to be clear: this is not a “woe is us” stance.

Nope.

We’re eah responsible for our own happiness, including our schedules, our output, time off, and our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

We have the power to change this. Sometimes we just need a little guidance to get there. The first step is to recognize the symptoms. Because those warning signs are calling your name way before you feel like a scooped out shell.

8 Signs of Burnout for Wellness Professionals

• Physical & mental exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
• Difficulty sleeping, insomnia
• Increased cynicism, impatience, or detachment toward clients and their needs, including feeling irritated by their stories and requests
• Loss of satisfaction in work that previously brought joy and fulfillment
• Persistent headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues
• Difficulty maintaining personal self-care routines including skipping meals, neglecting exercise, and not following the healthy lifestyle habits you recommend
• Decreased attention to detail in treatments, documentation, or even sanitation protocols
• Forgetting steps in treatment protocols or making uncharacteristic mistakes

If you see yourself up there, don’t freak. Good news is on the way. Because when we’re talking about burnout, we’re talking about being in state of perpetual flight or flight; chronic stress. And there are ways you can break the cycle and get off that ‘go-round.

Breaking the Stress Cycle

In Burnout, the authors explain that in order for your nervous system to feel safe, you’ve got to “complete the stress response cycle.” So, how do we do this?

The best way is to talk to your body in a language it understands: “body language.”

They write, “Physical activity is the single most efficient strategy for completing the stress response cycle.” But it’s far from the only way. Six more “evidenced-based strategies” include breath work, positive social interactions, laughter, affection, crying, and creative expression.

How uplifted do we feel after a good laugh with friends? Or after a good shower cry? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Or when we’re able to shift from depletion into creation — even if it’s making a nourishing meal?

These are beautiful choices for ending the stress cycle. And when it comes to sustainability, we need to couple those choices with a bit more support.

“Don’t set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm.” ~ Penny Reid

Establishing Boundaries for Sustainability

• Prioritize your physical wellness between clients with stretching and breath work
• Schedule 10-20 minutes before work for some strength-training, yoga, or walking
• Prioritize breaks between clients — it’s a game-changer
• Say no to last-minute bookings when you’re at capacity
• Meal prep your lunches to avoid ordering crap when you’re rushed and hangry
• Prioritize rest on your days off

The Path Forward

The wellness industry thrives on transformation. But it’s time for its own metamorphosis. Individual actions alone won’t solve the burnout crisis. By acknowledging the reality of burnout and taking concrete steps to prioritize the practitioner’s wellbeing, we can create a more sustainable future for professionals – one where we can continue to help others while maintaining our own wellbeing. It begins with:

• More education about burnout and prevention in our schools and trainings
• Higher industry standards for reasonable working hours with sufficient breaks
• Support for fair pricing that reflects the true cost of services
• Greater awareness and overall support for practitioners’ mental, emotional and physical health

If you’re ready to find a better way that serves your clients while prioritizing your wellbeing so you can enjoy the life you’ve imagined, book a discovery call to find out how I can help you build a practice that aligns with your values and vision.