In the latest "Create Your Kindspace" episode, host Caroline Laurenson sits down with Dr Jill Williams, a remarkable figure who has become an influential voice in psychology and mental health advocacy. Their conversation offers a raw and insightful look into overcoming personal and professional hurdles, particularly the pervasive issue of burnout.

Jill’s Journey into Psychology

Jill’s story begins in an unexpected place: the aisles of Tesco. As a single mum, she craved intellectual stimulation, which led her to the Open University. This decision sparked a love for psychology, propelling her from part-time work to achieving a PhD. Transitioning to teaching, Jill found joy in guiding mature students, who brought a unique perspective and dedication to the classroom. 

“Within four years, I had my Open University psychology degree, and I wasn't prepared to stop learning then I was definitely hooked. So, I went to my local university there and did a master's in psychology, and from there on I went to do a PhD as well, in looking particularly at human emotion and motivation."

Turning Burnout into a Beacon

Diving into the heart of their discussion, Jill shares her insights on burnout, a condition she describes as having both personal and organisational roots. She emphasises the importance of open communication in the workplace to mitigate stress and unrealistic expectations.

“Sometimes it's worth confiding in somebody you trust in work, because very often people feel like they're the only ones that are struggling and when you start to talk about it, you will very often find that other people are struggling too. And sometimes that kind of solidarity gives you the confidence” Jill shares, advocating for vulnerability and mutual support in overcoming challenges.

Jill's own encounter with burnout not only reshaped her career trajectory but also ignited her passion for mental health advocacy. She highlights the significance of recognising burnout’s warning signs and prioritising self-care and balance. She urges a revaluation of what it means to be productive, advocating for a balanced approach that includes rest, hobbies, and activities outside of work. She introduces Nick Petrie’s concept of "the opposites," engaging in pursuits that differ from our professional tasks to rejuvenate our minds and bodies.

"It's not always just rest that we need. We need something that replenishes us somehow.”

Jill introduces a lesser-known counterpart to burnout—rust out, a state of under-stimulation and boredom at work. This condition arises not from excessive workload but from a lack of engaging tasks, leading to a feeling of stagnation.

"We all have different arousal levels or stress levels that work well for us," Jill explains, highlighting how both overwork and underwork can lead to stress, albeit in different forms.

Exploring the 'Uptrained Brain'

Jill's 'Uptrained Brain' programme offers a solution for those navigating the murky waters of work-related stress and burnout. Designed with the insight of a seasoned mental health therapist, the programme aims to empower individuals with tools and understanding to manage stress and cultivate wellbeing. It's a five-stage programme aimed at helping people cope better with work stress and burnout.

Understanding Stress and Burnout: The first step educates participants about the dynamics of stress and burnout, offering 'first aid' techniques for immediate relief. This foundational knowledge helps individuals identify and understand their stressors, setting the stage for deeper exploration and healing.

Silencing the Inner Critic: Jill addresses the issue of self-criticism and the lack of self-care, which often exacerbates stress and burnout. She advocates for self-compassion, not as a means of lowering standards but as a realistic approach to personal expectations.

"Self-compassion is not about being soft; it's about being realistic.”

Changing Unhelpful Behaviours This stage focuses on identifying and altering behaviours that contribute to stress, such as procrastination, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. By recognising these patterns, participants can break the vicious cycle that fuels dissatisfaction and unease.

"We're looking at those vicious circles that our behaviour can drive without us realising.”

Managing Mental Landscapes: Jill introduces techniques for managing worry and rumination, crucial skills for anyone struggling to 'turn off' work-related thoughts. This step equips participants with strategies to navigate their mental landscapes more effectively, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Crafting a Future Blueprint: The final stage consolidates learning and planning for future progress, ensuring participants can sustain their wellbeing beyond the programme. This 'future blueprint' acts as a personalised guide for continued growth and resilience.

Speaking Up and Stepping Back

When asked about the first step towards recovery from overwhelming stress, Jill champions the act of reaching out. "I would always advise them to speak to somebody else first," she suggests, underlining the importance of sharing one’s struggles. She also touches on the potential benefit of taking time off, not as a solution but as a means to gain perspective and recognise the disparity between one's professional and personal selves.

“Time off is not the answer, but sometimes it can be useful, because when you have a bit of distance, you can see things more clearly and you can see the difference between you in work and you out of work.”

Jill further delves into the internal narratives that often exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress. She encourages individuals to scrutinise their belief systems, questioning the validity of their self-imposed expectations of perfection and the fear of making mistakes. "These are probably not helpful or realistic beliefs to hold," Jill remarks, offering a gateway to recognising and re-evaluating the mental frameworks that contribute to stress.

From Stress to Strength

This conversation with Jill explores the intricate landscapes of work-related stress, personal growth, and the essence of self-care. Her insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing burnout through a combination of personal resilience, organisational commitment, and societal awareness, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced approach to work and life.

Listen to the Full Podcast: Explore the depth of Jill's knowledge and experience in the latest "Create Your Kindspace" episode.

Learn More About 'Uptrained Brain': Discover Jill's comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the tools to manage stress and enhance their wellbeing.