In today’s fast-paced world, where the lines between work and personal life are ever-blurring, experiencing burn-out has almost become a rite of passage for many professionals. However, for some, the solution isn’t always about taking a step back. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah Mitchell, a management consultant and passionate knitter, who shared with me her surprisingly effective strategy for combating burn-out.
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Sarah’s story begins like many others. “I was juggling multiple roles,” she explained. “My main job was in management consulting, which I love, but it’s demanding. On top of that, I had started a work advice column as a fun side project. Before I knew it, the column had taken off and became a significant part of my professional obligations.”
Despite her love for both roles, Sarah found herself feeling overwhelmed. “By 2017, I was constantly dealing with deadlines. I felt like I was always writing on demand, whether I was in the mood for it or not. I tried cutting back on clients, but it didn’t help. Even taking a whole month off in December each year didn’t make a difference. I’d come back in January still feeling exhausted.”
Like many, Sarah initially believed that the key to overcoming burn-out was through relaxation and downtime. “I’d disconnect and try to rest, but it never seemed to recharge me in the way I hoped. It was baffling because I genuinely loved my work; I just couldn’t shake the exhaustion.”
The breakthrough came when Sarah took on a volunteer project that was completely different from her usual work. “It was a lifesaver,” she recalled. “The volunteer work required me to use a completely different part of my brain. I was learning new things, doing math, and even delving into science and medicine. It was nothing like what I’d been doing for years.”
The project not only provided a mental reset but also sparked an unexpected revelation. “I realised that it wasn’t the busyness that was burning me out; it was the mental monotony. I’d been wearing the same grooves into my brain day after day. By starting new grooves with this volunteer work, I felt rejuvenated.”
But that wasn’t the only trick up her sleeve. Sarah discovered that intentional relaxation was crucial. “My other advice is to spend at least 10 minutes a day intentionally relaxing,” she said with a smile. “For me, that means knitting. It might sound odd, but knitting is my meditation. It allows me to relax actively, rather than just trying to rest passively at home.”
Sarah elaborated on her knitting practice, describing it as a form of creative therapy. “When I knit, I focus on the rhythm of the needles, the texture of the yarn, the pattern slowly forming in my hands. It’s a tangible, calming activity that lets my mind wander while still being engaged.”
The act of knitting provided Sarah with a sense of accomplishment and a mental break from her professional life. “It’s amazing how doing something so simple can have such a profound impact. Knitting helps me clear my mind and return to work with a fresh perspective. It’s the same principle as my volunteer work—engaging different parts of my brain.”
Sarah’s journey is a testament to the idea that overcoming burn-out isn’t always about doing less. Sometimes, it’s about doing differently. “I’ve added more to my plate, but it’s different, and that difference has made all the difference,” she quipped.
As our conversation wrapped up, Sarah shared one final thought: “This approach might not work for everyone, but it’s been a game-changer for me. Finding what truly relaxes you and engages you in new ways is key. For me, that’s knitting and learning. For someone else, it might be painting or playing an instrument. The important thing is to try and see what works.”
In a world where burn-out is increasingly common, Sarah Mitchell’s story offers a glimmer of hope. Sometimes, the path to recovery isn’t about scaling back but rather about exploring new avenues and rediscovering joy in the unexpected.
Elaine Cooper
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