Managing stress and burnout - essentials
Managing stress and burnout - essentials
27 January 2026, 13h30 - 17h
General context
In this introductory session, participants will gain a good understanding of the effect of stress, what function stress has and when positive stress becomes negative. Many people are not aware of the possible stress signals. As a result, they ignore these signals for too long, making the problem worse and worse. Understanding stress in yourself and others can prevent a lot of suffering.
A major cause of stress is lack of recuperation. The second part of this session, therefore, aims to teach a method that ensures that the autonomic nervous system returns to balance by learning to build in moments of recuperation (this is not just relaxing). This will give you more energy day after day, and stress ailments will disappear. Chronic stress keeps our nervous system stuck in action mode. As a result, one no longer comes to rest naturally. Because there is a chronic lack of recovery and recuperation, one loses more energy day after day, and more and more stress complaints arise. Through this exercise we ensure that the relaxing part of our nervous system is activated again so that we restore our natural balance.
- Define the physiological and psychological effects of stress on the body and brain.
- Distinguish between acute and chronic stress based on duration and impact.
- Identify personal stress signals using a structured self-reflection tool.
- Explain how stress influences sleep patterns and recovery quality.
- Apply Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique to reduce physical tension.
- Evaluate your current stress-recovery balance and adjust daily habits to improve it.
This session is a combination of theoretics frameworks on how to recognize stress and exercises to come to relaxation. The participants will get access to an app to further practice the relaxation method of Jacobson after the course.
All VIB staff. This session is an introduction to 2 follow-up sessions. Only if you participated in this introductory session, you can register for the in depth sessions.
More information on the in-depth sessions can be found here:
- Leuven: How to recognize stress and prevent burnout - in-depth sessions
- Ghent: How to recognize stress and prevent burnout - in-depth sessions
This course is also organized in Ghent: How to recognize stress and prevent burnout - introductory session
It surpassed my expectations by far!
Participant edition 2025
I liked the session. The coach explained it in an engaging way and I appreciated how he was open for questions and discussions. I really liked to learn about the different brain states and I also liked the exercise.
Participant edition 2024
Trainers
Eef van Thuyne
As a trainer and coach, Eef supports professionals and teams in strengthening their resilience, communication, and collaboration. Her approach is people-centered, with attention to both individual motivations and group dynamics.
She combines strong communication skills with an analytical mindset and a healthy dose of humor, which helps to break through resistance and foster sustainable behavioral change. Her strength lies in keen observation and reflective feedback, enabling growth and self-awareness to emerge naturally.
Her expertise is grounded in a background in human resources and many years of experience as a training consultant. In addition, she is a certified DISC analyst and certified in Selfcoaching®, with broad knowledge of personal development, leadership, and behavioral preferences. This combination enables her to guide programs that not only inspire but also deliver measurable impact on the performance of individuals and teams.
Program
Introductory session
- What is stress?
- Difference between acute and chronic stress.
- When does positive stress become negative?
- The link between stress and sleep problems.
- Relaxing versus recuperating.
- What stress signals do you have?
- How to restore your stress balance.
- The importance of a power nap.
- Learning to relax.
- How to recognize which phase of relaxation you were in.
Practical info
27 January 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
27 January 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
27 January 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
27 January 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.