In late 2022, London-based author Emma Gannon experienced a sudden panic attack during a spa weekend, marking the onset of a severe burnout that would redefine her approach to life. Her new book, A Year of Nothing, chronicles this transformative period, offering insights into how she pared back her commitments to recuperate and rebuild her resilience.
Recognising the Signs of Burnout
Gannon recalls that her burnout caught her by surprise, despite outward success in her career and strong relationships. In hindsight, she identifies subtle warnings: an inability to relax on holiday, glued to her phone for doomscrolling, reluctance to socialise with close friends, and physical symptoms like aching eyes and hair thinning. These signs culminated in regular panic attacks and feelings of dissociation, forcing her to confront her exhaustion head-on.
Listening to Your Body's Signals
When your body says stop, it is crucial to listen, Gannon emphasises. She describes how a small inner voice protested against her performative identity, signalling a need for change. By acknowledging these physical and psychological tells, individuals can take proactive steps before reaching a breaking point.
Practical Steps for Recovery
After her diagnosis, Gannon adopted several strategies to navigate her recovery, which she now shares as actionable advice for others facing similar challenges.
Paring Back to Necessities
Gannon cancelled non-essential commitments, including quitting a successful podcast and missing a friend's wedding. She acknowledges the privilege in being able to step back but stresses the importance of simplifying life. "Make everything very small," she advises, suggesting that reducing expenses and building savings can create flexibility, such as opting for part-time work if needed.
Embracing Sobriety and Self-Care
Noticing how alcohol numbed her emotions, Gannon stopped drinking to better confront her unhappiness. She highlights the value of self-nourishment, comparing it to caring for a friend with a wholesome meal. This shift towards intentional self-care became a cornerstone of her healing process.
Reconnecting Through Music and Passions
To reconnect with suppressed emotions, Gannon recommends creating playlists of melancholic or meaningful songs. Music helped her "feel all my feelings" after being in survival mode. Additionally, revisiting teenage haunts and hobbies allowed her to reconnect with past passions, reminding her of youthful dreams and interests that had faded.
Fostering Supportive Friendships
Burnout provided clarity on friendships, with Gannon valuing those who accepted her without judgment. She shares an example of a friend watching films in silence, highlighting the power of non-judgmental presence. "It's the opposite of trying to fix someone," she notes, emphasising ambient support over solutions.
Finding Respite in Nature and Movement
Even in urban settings, Gannon found benefit in seeking out green spaces or climbing hills for a change of perspective. She also explored gentle exercises like yoga and therapies such as reflexology, which helped release emotions and provide mental breaks. These practices contributed to her overall sense of wellbeing and recovery.
Building Long-Term Resilience
Now recovered, Gannon is more attuned to her energy levels and quicker to respond to signs of depletion. She advocates for regular check-ins with oneself, treating it as a friendly conversation to stay grounded. "Every week or so, I do a little check-in," she says, underscoring the importance of ongoing self-awareness to prevent future burnout.
Emma Gannon's journey from burnout to resilience offers a compassionate roadmap for anyone feeling overwhelmed. By listening to her body, simplifying her life, and reconnecting with what truly matters, she demonstrates that recovery is not only possible but can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced existence.
