Body pain, constant fatigue, loss of hope, stressing over small things, irritability, change in appetite, lack of interest in work or hobbies or family, anger outbursts, brain fog, memory loss, emotional outbursts!
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
All and more of such symptoms can point to burnout!
Hustle culture has us running marathons in flip-flops, juggling a million tabs at work, all while pretending we’re thriving on caffeine and sheer willpower. We skip meals, silence burnout alarms, and wear exhaustion like it’s a badge of honour. If our calendar isn’t full, we feel like we’re falling behind — like we’re missing out on some invisible race. We say “health is important,” but still strain our eyes late into the night to finish one more project.
Competition has the world strung tight on stress. We’ve become addicted; to the pace, to the pressure, to the dopamine hit of ticking boxes and chasing achievements. But wait… what about living? Enjoying a moment. Taking a breath. Resting without guilt. Being present with where we are, instead of sprinting toward the next chapter or goal. We rarely pause to celebrate our wins, or even notice them. We are a generation of burnout — wired, tired, and achy.
But newsflash: even superheroes need a day off!
NUMBERS DON’T LIE!
77% of professionals say they’ve experienced burnout at their current job.
– Deloitte, 2021
Burnout costs the global economy an estimated $322 billion annually in turnover and lost productivity.
– World Health Organization (WHO)
Nearly 50% of workers report feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the end of their workday.
– Gallup, 2023
1 in 4 employees say they don’t feel supported by their employer in managing stress or mental health.
– McKinsey Health Institute, 2022
Younger workers (Millennials and Gen Z) are the most affected, with over 60% reporting feeling burned out frequently.
– Microsoft Work Trend Index, 2022
I was one of these people that experienced burnout for several years. I gave away my everything to work, all the while my personal and mental life quietly crumbled behind the scenes. I changed jobs, quit teams, but burnout repeated itself, it came back on my next job.
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a legit warning sign. You feel fatigued, hopeless, foggy-brained. You snap at people you love. You drink more coffee, and get more irritable. You keep pushing yourself harder to “prove your worth” at the same job you’re secretly hoping will finally see you. It’s a vicious cycle. And I was hooked on it.
Apart from the obvious reason that there is something deeper that was going on behind my burnout, I had to learn to go easy on myself. From choices that I made, day-in day-out at my workplace. To start with we need to first accept that this type of patterned burnout and stress is unhealthy.
What could help you change this cycle?
Therapy, healing, medication, time off, vacation can help. In an ongoing life, we also need to build foundational rituals for self-care, soul-nourishing activities like meditation, exercise, breathing, walking, art, music, massage, yoga and so many more.
When your body and brain are running on empty, grinding harder isn’t the answer. Because real strength isn’t about how much you can cram into a single day. It’s about knowing when to pause. When to heal. When to reboot. My favourite things to reboot:
Be honest with your friends and family. It could all start with just this one line:“I’m struggling. I need help.”
And remember, even when you feel numb, dumb with pain, or trapped in hopelessness…Even when you’re wired for robotic perfection…You’re not a machine. You’re a human being with limits, with feelings, with a deep need for some good old-fashioned crying, pampering, sharing, caring, love, kindness and joy. So go on. Give yourself permission to rest. You’re allowed.
So the next time hustle culture whispers, “Keep going. Grind harder,” smile and say, “Nah. I’m accepting that I’m human today.”
Repeat to yourself – “I embrace my human-ness today, I am human, I am the soul”.
Looking for personalised guidance on balancing work, reboot from burnout, or managing stress?
We’re here to help! Reach out via Contact Us or WhatsApp for expert coaching and support. Let’s create a personalised plan to get you reset from burnout, a life with positive energy for sustained growth.
1. Why is accepting rest important for mental health?
Rest gives your brain a chance to recharge so you’re not running on fumes. It’s like plugging your phone in before it dies.
2. Where do I start?
You can start with one session, which can include getting to know struggles, fears and needs. We often integrate energy healing using psychotherapy to provide relief without too much talking. Then, we dive into small changes to everyday rituals.
3. How does taking time off improve productivity?
Time off resets your brain, so you come back fresher and faster. You get more done with less stress.
4. What are simple ways to incorporate healing practices into a busy life?
Sneak in little things like deep breaths, quick stretches, a walk outside. Even tiny pauses make a big difference.
5. I need help without going through the sessions?
Certainly, asking for help can be daunting. You can find free resources on our website to help you start – https://serenovacoaching.com/free-resources/
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. Join me for a discovery session.