#63 - The Cost of Burnout: Lessons from Elaine Batho on The Ceres Podcast

The hospitality industry is known for its relentless pace, high-pressure environment, and long hours—factors that often take a toll on the well-being of those working there. In Episode 63 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous sits down with life coach and wellness consultant Elaine Batho to explore the realities of stress burnout and how industry professionals can reclaim balance.

A Coach Who Understands Hospitality

Some listeners may wonder why a wellness coach is featured on a hospitality-focused podcast, but as Elaine explains, her journey started in the industry. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, she reached the peak of her career only to find herself suffering from burnout, anxiety, and debilitating health issues. Her struggles led her to explore solutions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helped her regain control of her life. Now, she dedicates her career to helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

Understanding Burnout: The Wheel of Life

One of the most compelling metaphors Elaine introduces is the "wheel of life." She explains how different aspects of our lives—finances, relationships, health, and career—must be balanced. When life speeds up, as it often does in hospitality, imbalances become magnified, leading to increased stress and, in many cases, burnout. Elaine highlights how stress doesn't appear suddenly; it builds over time, exacerbated by poor self-care, lack of boundaries, and an inability to recognise early warning signs.

From Crisis to Coaching: The Transition

Elaine's transformation from a hospitality professional to a wellness expert didn't happen overnight. After suffering extreme burnout and panic attacks in her early 30s, she turned to therapy and self-development. Within ten weeks of starting CBT, she had overcome her anxiety, IBS, and panic attacks. Inspired by her own healing, she retrained in multiple disciplines, including yoga, personal training, and life coaching. Today, she combines these skills to guide others through their wellness journeys, particularly in high-stress industries like hospitality.

The Power of Retreats and Habit Building

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of removing oneself from a stressful environment and resetting. Elaine shares how her retreats provide an immersive experience for people to reset their habits but emphasise that change happens daily. A retreat may offer a breakthrough, but lasting change requires daily practices tailored to individual needs. Identifying what works for each person, whether meditation, movement, or social connection.

Practical Strategies for Managing Stress

For hospitality professionals struggling with stress, Elaine offers immediate, actionable advice:

1. Break the Cycle: When feeling overwhelmed, do something to disrupt the stress pattern—step outside, take deep breaths, or even have a quick "dance break."
2. Look at Your Inputs: Nutrition, sleep, and exercise are critical to mental health. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can amplify stress responses.
3. Set Boundaries: Leaders must foster a culture where employees feel supported. This could mean structured breaks, clear job expectations, and recognising when someone is struggling.
4. Encourage Open Conversations: The stigma around mental health often prevents people from seeking help. Employers should create environments where discussing challenges isn't seen as a weakness.

A New Perspective on Leadership

A standout moment in the conversation is when Stelios reflects on a profound quote: "Treat yourself like someone you care about." Many hospitality professionals prioritise their businesses, teams, and families over their well-being. Elaine reinforces that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Leaders who care for themselves set a powerful example for their teams, ultimately creating a healthier work environment for everyone.

Why This Episode Matters

Mental health discussions in hospitality are gaining traction, but there's still a long way to go. This episode of The Ceres Podcast highlights the importance of proactive well-being strategies rather than waiting for burnout to take hold. Whether you're an employer looking to support your team better or an individual feeling the strain of the industry, Elaine's insights offer a valuable starting point.