Navigating Burnout: The Importance of Community and Support

By Tina Poulsen Hansen, Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach

It’s remarkable what becomes possible with the right support. Things that once felt out of reach, or entirely impossible, can become manageable, even hopeful, when we are surrounded by people who truly understand.

But when it comes to burnout, that kind of understanding isn’t always easy to find.

The Loneliness of Burnout

Navigating long-term burnout can strain, and sometimes shrink, our usual support systems. Friends and family may care deeply, but genuine understanding is often lacking. The emotional and physical toll of burnout is complex, and without lived experience, even the most well-meaning people can struggle to offer the kind of support that truly helps.

Societal narratives don’t help either. There’s a persistent myth that burnout can be “fixed” with a holiday or a few weeks off work. But recovery is rarely that linear, or that quick. For many, the journey is longer, slower, and more layered than expected. And that can feel isolating.

Tina Poulsen Hanson, a Certified Burnout Coach with Balanceology, knows firsthand how vital community becomes in these moments. In her work, she’s seen how meaningful support can change the trajectory of recovery.

Two Powerful Forms of Support: Sharing Circles & Fan Clubs

Tina highlights two types of supportive communities that are especially powerful when navigating burnout: Sharing Circles and Fan Clubs.

Sharing Circles: You Are Not Alone

Sharing Circles, whether formal support groups or informal gatherings, bring together people with similar lived experiences. They offer understanding without explanation, compassion without judgement. In these spaces, stories are shared, tools are exchanged, and hope quietly begins to return.

There is power in hearing someone say, “Me too.”There is healing in realising, “I’m not the only one.”

“In a Sharing Circle, you find people who are walking up the same mountain, at the same pace as you.”

Fan Clubs: Believers and Encouragers

A Fan Club is a circle of people who cheer for us - on the bad days as well as the good. These are the ones who believe in our capacity to heal, even when we forget it ourselves. They hold space when our energy is low, remind us of our progress, and gently challenge the beliefs that once led us to burnout.

A true Fan Club listens with unconditional positive regard. It holds up a mirror so we can begin to see ourselves more clearly, without the distortions of shame, pressure or perfectionism.

 “In a Fan Club, you’ll find people who might be further along the path - but who always come back to help you climb too.”

Recovery Doesn’t Have to Be Solitary

Burnout can feel like a solitary mountain climb, but it doesn’t have to be. Sharing Circles and Fan Clubs provide connection, perspective, and steady encouragement. They help us reframe progress, move at our own pace, and find our way forward with less fear and more support.

Explore Coaching or Train With Us

Tina Poulsen Hanson is a Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach and a valued member of the Balanceology Associate Network. She offers 1:1 coaching to support individuals through the emotional, physical and psychological journey of burnout recovery.

To work with Tina - or to explore becoming a Certified Burnout Coach through Balanceology’s CPD-accredited training - click here to find out more.

🎧 Further Listening

To explore more about the importance of connection in burnout recovery, listen to The Big Connect an episode of the Art of Balance Burnout Podcast by Balanceology.

In this conversation, Balanceology Founders Jayne Morris and Dylan Cox discuss the transformative power of human connection, and why we heal best in community - not in isolation. A grounding and inspiring listen for anyone seeking deeper support.