It is a global health problem, showing up in doctors, teachers, tech workers, business owners, and carers.
How Burnout Affects The Body:
Nervous System:
→ Body stays in “fight or flight” mode.
→ Can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and emotional exhaustion.
Cardiovascular System:
→ Long-term stress raises blood pressure.
→ Increases risk of heart disease and stroke.
Immune System:
→ Burnout weakens immunity.
→ Makes us more likely to catch infections and recover slowly.
Endocrine System:
→ Cortisol stays elevated.
→ Affects thyroid, sex hormones, blood sugar, and energy levels.
Brain & Mental Health:
→ Focus, memory, and decision-making decline
→ Mood becomes unstable; risk of depression rises.
Gut and Digestion:
→ Stress disrupts digestion and gut bacteria.
→ Can lead to bloating, cravings, and IBS-like symptom.
Signs of Burnout And What Helps:
1. Chronic Fatigue
→ Feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
What helps: Plan time to rest. Don’t wait until you crash.
2. Emotional Numbness
→ Not feeling connected to things you used to care about
What helps: Talk to someone. Write down how you feel.
3. Mental Fog
→ Finding it hard to think or stay focused
What helps: Take short breaks. Try a short walk or Pomodoro timer.
4. Motivation Loss
→ Avoiding tasks, even simple ones
What helps: Remind yourself why the work matters to you.
5. Sleep Disturbance
→ Difficulty in falling asleep or waking up tired
What helps: Reduce screens and caffeine before bed. Keep a calm evening routine.
6. Work Detachment
→ Feeling distant or negative about work
What helps: Set clear boundaries. Start with one small “no.”
Identifying burnout early and taking the necessary steps to reverse it, is important to avoid serious complications.