Kathy, a 48-year-old CEO, once vibrant and driven, now felt utterly depleted. Years of juggling single parenthood and a demanding career had taken their toll. More recently, weight gain and a lack of sleep had her unable to recognize herself.
She lacked joy in her daily life and felt numb even when others around her were filled with joy. Then one morning, even a strong coffee and shower couldn’t shift her into gear. Kathy’s tears wouldn’t stop falling that fateful morning.
As she canceled meetings and reached out for help, Kathy faced a stark reality: She was experiencing burnout. Work-related: daily workload Individual health: physical and mental limitations Personal life: caregiver responsibilities and time constraints In its early stages, burnout manifests as physical exhaustion, increased susceptibility to illness, headaches, poor sleep, or chronic pain. As burnout advances, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety may emerge.
In later stages, these symptoms can be accompanied by substance abuse. 1. Prioritize Self-Care Start with 15 minutes of quiet meditation, focusing on deep breathing and your surroundings.
Spend time in nature, observe animals, or engage in activities that ground you physically. Shifting attention away from mental rumination and toward physical sensations can ground people in the present moment and reduce stress. Do something on your off-time that engages your other senses.
This could be cooking, taking photos while out on a walk, si.