Burnout: When the will works longer than the body can keep up

There is something highly dramatic about the word “burnout.” It conjures up images of emptiness, exhaustion, and incompetence. But burnout is often more subtle than we think. It doesn’t always start with a dramatic crisis or shock, but rather creeps up on us mostly because we don’t listen to ourselves. We push ourselves forward, because we have to be able to do this , we want to be able to do it. But little by little, everything becomes heavier.

Burnout is defined as chronic stress that cannot be overcome. It’s not just tiredness – it’s the feeling of being drained, mentally and physically. It affects your work, your relationships, your body and your mind. You can be in the right place with the “right task” and still be completely exhausted.

In his book The Burnout Society, philosopher Byung-Chul Han points out that we live in a society of self-pressure. We want to be “the best version of ourselves,” but that demand can become a calling that never rests. This energy—this inner drive—can burn us out if we don’t know how to regularly extinguish it.

But how do we know that we are on the path to burnout? Here are some signs:

• You are always tired, even after sleep.

• You experience impaired concentration and decreased self-confidence.

• You feel numb to what used to bring you joy.

• You withdraw, even from people you love.

It's not weakness to respond to these signs. It's courage. Recovery begins with self-examination—and sometimes with acknowledging that you need support.

Three questions to ponder:

1. How is your stress manifesting itself these days – in your body, thoughts, or mood?

2. What keeps you going – and when does it get fuel?

3. What would be the smallest change that could bring you closer to balance this week?

If you are looking for ways to change and improve your well-being, I offer coaching for people who want to find more peace, clearer focus, and energy to live their lives wholeheartedly.

You can contact us if you would like to explore whether such a conversation is suitable for you.

If you're there, drop me a line at brb@brbadventure.com .