Fighting Burnout: Insights from a Leading Anti-Burnout Expert

At Huckletree, we host regular thoughtful talks and presentations for our Members. 

This month, we invited one of the UK's leading burnout experts to discuss the growing concern about burnout in the UK. 

Bex Spiller, founder of the Anti-Burnout Club, says, "1 in 3 people feel burned out regularly, but many of the warning signs go unnoticed until it’s too late.”  

In her fascinating session, Bex covered the hidden signs of burnout that most people miss, why they matter, and some simple yet effective strategies for people to protect their energy and build resilience.

 

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term stress and pressure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises it as an occupational phenomenon. However, burnout can also occur alongside other life pressures, such as parenting or caregiving responsibilities. 

The 2025 Burnout Report from Mental Health UK found that many workers across the country are at high risk of burnout, with 9 in 10 British adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress last year. Let's take a closer look at the problem of burnout and hear what our anti-burnout expert had to say.

Recognising and Preventing Burnout: Three Key Tips from Bex

Bex says, "Believe it or not, but I love stress! Stress can be so good for us. It can help us feel motivated to become the best versions of ourselves and get stuff done. What I don't love is piles and piles of stress that we have no control over. When we start to feel overwhelmed and like nothing we do makes a difference, that's when we need to focus on burnout prevention." 

1. Stress and burnout are two very different things. Feeling stressed sometimes is fine, but as long as you rest, you feel refreshed. If you're feeling depleted and no amount of rest is helping, that could mean you're burning out.

2. Look at the things that make you feel most stressed right now. Are they in or out of your control? Focus on the ones that you can control and try to rebalance that aspect of your life. 

3. The to-do list isn't going anywhere, so it's important to fit micro-moments of self-care into your days to prevent burnout. That might be mindful moments in the shower, star jumps whilst you're waiting for the kettle to boil, or something else entirely. It has to work for you.

The Symptoms and Causes of Burnout

Symptoms of burnout can include:

• • Constant exhaustion

• • Sleep disturbances 

• • Frequent headaches, muscle or joint pain 

• • Gastrointestinal problems and changes in appetite 

• • Frequent illness due to lowered immunity 

• • Persistent feelings of worry and anxiety 

• • Irritability 

• • Difficulty concentrating

• • Decreased productivity

• • Social isolation

• • Increased absenteeism from work

According to Mental Health UK, these are the top causes of stress and, therefore the biggest risk factors for burnout among British workers: 

• • A high or increased workload (unpaid)

• • Worries about redundancy/ job security

• • Regularly working unpaid overtime 

• • Feeling isolated at work

• • Working overtime or taking on a second job to cope with the increased cost of living

Huckletree hosts regular expert-led talks on workplace and culture issues, empowering our Members to grow professionally and personally. Be sure not to miss our next event.

About Bex Spiller

Bex Spiller of the Anti-Burnout Club is a burnout expert on a mission to help individuals and teams thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing. With a TEDx talk under her belt, two books on overwhelm and burnout, and features in outlets like BBC, Sky News, and Metro, Bex is passionate about tackling burnout with science-backed strategies that actually work (not just fruit bowls and desk yoga).

She’s worked with organisations like the NHS, Women's Aid and Macmillan to help teams spot burnout before it spirals and find balance, even in high-stress environments. Her practical advice and relatable style make her a sought-after speaker and consultant for teams looking to balance productivity with better wellbeing. 

Bex is also the founder of the Anti-Burnout Club (ABC), a platform offering talks, workshops, free online courses and other free resources on burnout and related topics.