Over the past few modules, we've explored what burnout looks like, how it affects the brain and how to recover. Now we're shifting focus to prevention. Burnout doesn't happen over night. It builds over time through a combination of stress, over- commitment and unmet needs. 

As you get ready to move forwards now it's important to think about putting tools and strategies in place to help prevent future burnout. But it's even more important to take forwards an understanding of what burnout is and why your needs are very real and very valid. Preventing burnout starts with an awareness of the patterns that lead to it. For many neurodivergent individuals, burnout often begins with taking on more than we are capable of. Think carefully about what this means. It doesn't necessarily mean taking on too much in the traditional manner of working long hours or being in a very stressful situation. It means that we are working or experiencing stress beyond our personal capacity. And our capacity is influenced by how our brain works and by a lifetime of stress levels being topped up again and again. If we think about a glass of water, where stress and overwhelm has been slowly dripping into it, we've reached a point where there isn't room for anything else. So, this is what I mean by working out your personal capacity. How much room is there for dealing with any more ongoing stressors? And what is the impact going to be, if you continue to do things in the same way. 

We've looked at the importance of recognizing those early warning signs that we're heading towards burnout, the ones that we might usually ignore or miss. 

And we've explored the importance of putting boundaries into place and thinking about your energy levels as being finite. All of these measures and asking for accommodations at work are fantastic, but it can be a bit of a catch 22 situation trying to put them into place sometimes. When you're already burnt out, it can feel like you're just surviving and there's always that sense of hope when you're feeling better, that it's not going to happen again. But what I hope you've gained from this course is an awareness that if things don't change significantly, there's a possibility you'll end up in that state of burnout again. Because burnout is often related to the workplace it's worthwhile seriously considering the accommodations that you might want to ask for. I know from my own experience that if I was working for someone else, it would be impossible for me to avoid burnout without asking for significant accommodations.

As we head towards the end of the course, it's worthwhile taking time, if you're up for it, to think about any bigger changes that you might want to consider over time. Are there situations that consistently cause you to end up fatigued and stressed? Can you find workable accommodations around these situations or do you feel your life could benefit from a different direction? Have you tried already to put smaller changes into place and how do these feel? If they're not quite hitting the mark, what do you think is going to be necessary to avoid burnout in the future? Whilst it's really tempting to bury our head in the sand, when you've got the time, and when you feel up to energy-wise, perhaps have a think about any more significant life changes might be necessary. To avoid becoming so burnt out in the future. 

Learning coping strategies and tools to prevent and manage burnout are incredibly important. But the key takeaway I'd like you to go away with is the importance of self-compassion and acceptance. Preventing burnout isn't about fixing yourself. It's about understanding and meeting your needs. Self-acceptance means recognizing that burnout is not a failure. It's the signal that something needs to change. When you approach your wellbeing with kindness and patience, you can begin to create an environment where growth and balance are possible. Self-acceptance and compassion aren't tools for recovery. 

They're the absolute foundation of preventing burnout in the first place. By treating yourself with care and respect, you can create a sustainable path forwards. That prioritizes your wellbeing. Remember the strategies and tools we've looked at in the course, aren't about perfection. They're about progress. Each tiny step you take towards self-awareness balance and compassion brings you closer to a life where you can thrive. Thanks for joining me on this journey, take care. 

And I wish you all the best as you move forward.