After years of working under pressure and challenging herself to do more, Nathalie has experienced the hell of burnout. But this experience allowed him to take a step back on life, on his job, and finally, gave him the opportunity to find his way.
One day, my body and my mind let go
I worked for 20 years in major pharmaceutical and cosmetic groups. I had a lot of responsibilities, I was still under pressurebut I liked that. And then, I started to wonder about the meaning of my life. I had two young children that I did not see much and I found less interest in my work. In spite of all my efforts, I had more and more trouble concentrating. I felt tired, but I was napping at the weekend, it did not help me recover. At night, I woke up at 2 am and thought about my job. I spent more and more time there, while not feeling effective. I was in denial of what was happening to me. I told myself “you have two children, a great career, you do not have the right to be tired …”. No way for me to slow down! And then one day, I was too exhausted and I stopped for 9 months – 9 months, is it a sign? – which allowed me to be reborn to life.
Little by little, I learned to breathe
At first I took sleeping pills, but I spent my days sleeping. It’s like my body and brain are not working anymore. I felt nil, but my friends were there to reassure me. Their caring gaze helped me. Then I looked for non-drug solutions and sophrology. It taught me to breathe, to visualize the highlights of my life and I regained self-confidence. I understood that it was my good student, perfectionist, who had led me in this state, and that my qualities were still present, but dormant. I slowly started to play sports. And then, I started accepting dinner invitations again, whereas before, I only thought about my job. It is important not to refuse hands outstretched. Thus, with two friends, Marie, a professional dietary supplement and Christophe, a doctor, we created a company to help people under stress and burnout. His name, NMC Lab, is formed from the initial of our three first names. The loop was complete!
I now know how to preserve myself
Finally, I feel like I’m doing something that makes sense. I also learned to preserve myself. I take more time for myself: before leaving in the morning, I spend ten minutes doing sophrology exercises and a little less time to blow dry. During the day, I try to take a break between two tasks and in the evening, before falling asleep, I remember the day, I look for the positives and I thank the life. It helps me manage my nocturnal cogitations.
I try to prioritize the people and activities I love. I also take time for my daughters. And when I’m tired, I allow myself to say it. Before, I struggled against fatigue and I screamed for them to pack their things. Today, they do it on their own and are full of attention for me. The other day, they even prepared the meal … “
The look of Catherine Vasey, psychologist. *
“We can cure burn-out and keep no harm”
They have learned to put more limits and are clearer about the life they want. “
