Searches for ‘occupational burnout’ have surged by 367% in London over the past year, signalling a significant growing struggle among city residents to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
On a mission to get people across the nation back into nature and ‘touching grass’, a new study from Bainland Lodge Retreats reveals that the capital tops the UK’s burnout index, with nearly two in three Londoners (62%) currently experiencing symptoms of burnout.
The analysis examined metrics from regional search data, the amount of green space available, to responses from a nationwide survey capturing the emotional and physical toll of stress across the UK. They have also partnered with a leading psychologist to offer practical strategies for managing burnout.
New study names London as the most burnt-out UK city
The data found that more than half of the UK (54%) are currently experiencing some level of burnout, with this being 8% higher in the capital, as 62% of Londoners reported burnout.
Notably, 40% of those in London agree their burnout symptoms have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic and searches for ‘covid burnout’ have soared by 1050% over the past five years.
Over 6 in 10 Londoners are currently suffering from some level of burnout
With 62% of Londoners reporting symptoms of burnout, 1 in 4 (25%) admitting to working even when they know they should rest.
London holds the highest employment rate in the UK at 78%, with over half (56%) in full-time roles. Despite this already high workload, search trends reveal the pressure is mounting as queries for ‘can you work two full-time jobs?’ have increased by 100% in London over the past year.
London has the highest search volume for ‘stress management techniques’
When asked what the leading causes of stress were in UK adults’ lives, almost 1 in 4 (23%) of Londoners answered ‘work-life responsibilities’, with only ‘lack of sleep’ surpassing this at 29%.
Searches for ‘stress management techniques’ (1,970) and ‘relaxation techniques’ (4,340) are higher among London residents than in any other UK city.
There is just 5 sqm of green space per person in London, the lowest amount in the UK
London offers just 5 square metres of green space per person, the lowest of any UK city. For a population of 7.6 million, that leaves little room to unwind outdoors. Yet, the survey found that 1 in 3 Londoners turn to walking as a way to decompress, revealing a clear need for more accessible outdoor space to help combat rising stress levels.
Psychologist reveals their top tips for managing burnout
Speaking to Bainland Lodge Retreats, Registered psychologist Rod Mitchell of Emotions Therapy Calgary, shares, “Burnout happens when your stress response gets stuck in the ‘on’ position – when your body can no longer tell the difference between a true emergency and a full inbox.”
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Counteract ‘always on’ culture
Our nervous systems weren’t designed for the perpetual alertness of our ‘always-on’ digital culture. Every notification you receive triggers our stress response; it’s like being constantly startled with no chance to reset.
The antidote is to pause and take one deliberate, mindful breath before checking any device. This ‘micro-boundary’ shifts you from reactive to responsive mode, giving your nervous system time to reset.
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Nature is medicine
Mindfulness transforms nature from backdrop to medicine. Many people walk outside but remain trapped in mental loops about work or worries.
True mindful connection with nature happens when you deliberately engage your senses, counting bird sounds, feeling the breeze, and noticing temperature changes. This sensory engagement pulls your nervous system out of rumination and into recovery mode.
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Make time for outdoor moments
If you have a busy workday, I recommend stepping outside between meetings for ‘sensory resets’. Walk to your car and back, noticing the temperature on your skin. Stand on the grass, feeling the texture of the ground through your shoes. Take your coffee to the nearest tree and notice five sounds. Even 90 seconds of this can shift your nervous system state.