I've never had anyone come to me in burnout yet who hasn't complained of not being able to switch off.

We think it is a work problem but it's not, it's a brain problem.

It is not even actually a problem, it's just our brain trying to protect us, creating fear if we don't check our emails or do more work and then we reward it by doing it which then perpetuates the cycle.

Suddenly we tell oursleves that we have a job that means we can't switch off but really this is just our ego talking. Our ego needs to feel needed and convinces us that we are indispensable and that if we are not working all the time everything will fall apart.

What we are actually creating is an environment perfect for burnout and exhaustion, not just for us but for everyone that looks up to us and works under us. People do what they see not what you tell them.

The simple truth is that if you don't switch off it will cost you. If you want to keep telling yourself that you can't switch off then just accept the price. That price might be your health, your partner or your relationship with your kids but everything has a price tag and you have to accept it.

When you remove your ego from the equation and allow yourself to switch off you think clearer, make better decisions and are more productive which means you don't have to work such long hours. What does your ego think of that though, if you were coming into work at a reasonable time, finishing at a reasonable time and not working in the evening?

Is there a part of you that wants to be seen as the person that never switches off, that works longer hours than everyone else? Is it secretly a badge of honour? It was for me and I'm glad I got that ego in check because it led me to feel burnt out and resentful.

If you want to learnt o switch off then have a listen to this.