The Silent Strain: Let's Talk About Work Burnout

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Hey friend, can we get real for a second? In today’s always-on world, burnout at work isn’t just “one of those things” we need to just accept as part of life — it’s a full-blown crisis for so many of us. And it’s not just about being tired. Burnout is that deep mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that creeps in when stress never lets up. If we don’t catch it early, it can drain our energy, kill our focus, and leave us feeling stuck, resentful, and totally wiped out.

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Mental Fatigue: Signs of Burnout at Work or School

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Burnout doesn’t show up overnight — it sneaks in quietly. Maybe you’re tired all the time, having trouble sleeping, forgetting little things, or just feeling fatigued and unmotivated every day.. Emotionally, it can feel like you're disconnected or trapped, and work starts to feel meaningless or even toxic.
And here’s something no one talks about enough: anxiety makes you tired. That constant undercurrent of stress not only affects your mood — it physically wears you down because your nervous system is constantly activated. When your body is constantly under stress from work, school, or life in general, it keeps you from activating your parasympathetic nervous system which helps you rest, digest, and recover.

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What’s Really Causing It?

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It’s not always about working too many hours. Burnout is more often about how we’re working and what’s missing. Some common triggers include:

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• Workload Overload: Too many tasks, not enough time.
  
  
• Zero Control: No say in your schedule or how you get work done.
  
  
• Lack of Recognition: Doing your best and feeling invisible.
  
  
• Toxic Vibes: Negative, isolating environments.
  
  
• Unfairness: Bias or favoritism that kills morale.
  
  
• Value Clashes: When your job doesn’t align with what you believe in.

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The Pandemic’s Mental Health Wake-Up Call

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COVID-19 didn’t just change how we work — it pushed burnout to the forefront. Many industries saw emotional exhaustion skyrocket. But there was a silver lining: more organizations began asking how to prevent employee burnout in the workplace and started taking it seriously.

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That’s where the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) comes in. It’s the gold standard for understanding burnout, measuring three key dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. Studies even show that higher MBI scores are directly linked to lower overall well-being. Burnout isn’t just “feeling stressed” — it’s a real health risk.

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Unfortunately, the MBI has been misused in some workplaces — simplified into a single score or used to label people unfairly. That’s not what it was designed for. Burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a reflection of broken systems. When used properly, though, the MBI helps organizations make thoughtful, compassionate changes by understanding where the real problems lie.

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So… What Can We Actually Do?

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First off, you’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. Here are some steps to help you reclaim your energy and peace:

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• Set Boundaries: Protect your off-hours. Say “no” when you need to.
  
  
• Prioritize Self-Care: Move your body, eat nourishing food, and rest.
• Find Ways to Activate Your Parasympathetic Nervous System: Try guided meditations, breathing exercises, or spending time outdoors to help your body recover.
  
  
• Reach Out: Talk to someone — a friend, family member, or therapist. Community support can work wonders on our mental and physical wellbeing.
  
  
• Check Your Compass: Is it time to pivot or explore something new to help you feel more in alignment with your passion, values, or joy?
  
  
• Speak Up: Share your concerns at work if you feel safe doing so. Ask for what you need, whether it’s taking a mental health day, taking advantage of mental health work benefits, or asking for help tackling work that may feel overwhelming.
  
  
• Try New Support Tools: One option? At-home ketamine treatment. Joyous low-dose ketamine treatment has shown promise in helping people manage burnout and depression by reducing anxiety, lifting mood, and reigniting a sense of well-being. It’s not a magic fix, but it can be a powerful part of your healing journey.
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Burnout isn’t a badge of honor — it’s your mind and body waving a red flag. It deserves your attention. When you notice the early signs, honor them. You’re worthy of a life — and a job — that doesn’t leave you drained.

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You’ve got this. And you don’t have to go it alone. 💛

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