Enneagram & Burnout what you need to know for the Enneagram 6

Burnout for Enneagram Six

How burnout can happen:

The ongoing need to anticipate risks, dangers and hazards and to develop practical plans to avoid them safely, is typical of Enneagram Six. All of this demands a lot of continual mental and emotional energy resulting in a level of restless worry as one imagines all the bad things that could happen. It’s not uncommon for Enneagram Six to experience insomnia and an inability to rest as the mind becomes super-active, thinking and worrying about possible future scenarios and seeking solutions to anticipated problems. Combined with all of this there can be a doubting of one’s own ability to cope with imagined difficulties. Physical tiredness can ensue as emotional and mental energy tanks run dry leading to high stress and burnout.

Strategies to avoid burnout:

Although it can be helpful to be aware of dangers in the world and have a plan to keep yourself and others safe, over-focusing on this can create an imbalanced view of the world. There are some really positive things in the world as well, and it can be helpful to remind yourself of this. Perhaps a daily ‘gratitude practice’ will help to ensure some balance in this regard. Also, take time to be realistically aware of your own strengths and talents and take confidence from this. Mindfulness practices along with gentle physical stretching and light exercise can be helpful in calming your very active mind and help you to relax a little more

Read more about Burnout for Enneagram 1, Enneagram 2, Enneagram 3, Enneagram 4, Enneagram 5

Learn about the Five Lens Enneagram model