Credit: The NETWORK

Luxembourg-based international professional women's association The NETWORK kicked off the new year with an event dedicated to "Combatting Burnout" at QoSQo restaurant in Luxembourg-Ville on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

The event had been initially scheduled to take place two weeks earlier but was postponed (like several other events in Luxembourg) due to adverse weather.

Introducing this workshop event was The NETWORK's President Mariana Florea, who presented statistics on women experiencing burnout - surveys show that the number of women experiencing burnout is often higher at the beginning of the year.

The panellists were: Emilie Zimer, HR Director at Luxinnovation; Catherine Henrotte, founder, Director and coach at SOLU4CO; Christel Heintz, micronutritionist at AminVital; Laura Abbracciavento, sophrologist and coach at Sophro-Coaching; Silvija Zagar, body-centred therapist and coach at Time for Mindfulness.

They addressed some of the misconceptions surrounding burnout, for example that those experiencing burnout are not resilient or they should simply be better organised. Another misconception is that it only happens to perfectionists.

The panellists also spoke about the progressive nature of burnout, the risk factors (it can be the result of undefined roles and responsibilities, for example), how to prevent it and how to address it. Emilie Zimer advised against coming back early from sick leave as the individual will likely be overwhelmed and unable to perform their work tasks.

Some tips for combatting burnout included: creating structure and monitoring the situation; taking care and focusing on one’s health first, job later; being more aware of one's workload and knowing when to say "No"; creating a community for oneself. Catherine Henrotte added that the sooner one acts, the better.

Similarly, Silvija Zagar stressed the importance of being aware of oneself and reconnecting with one's inner world to understand inner pressures.

Christel Heintz spoke about the role of vitamins and minerals and being aware of what food one consumes in preventing chronic stress which can turn into burnout.

The evening continued with a relaxation exercise; Laura Abbracciavento emphasised the need to relax "in a conscious way" to find balance in one's life. Guided meditation was cited as a useful tool.

The event concluded with a networking reception.