Burnout: When Your Body Pulls the Emergency Brake

What it is, how to recognize it, and how to truly recover

Do you constantly feel tired, drained, and as if you have no energy left—even after rest?

It might be more than just stress or exhaustion. It might be burnout.

Burnout is not fatigue. It’s not weakness. It’s not just stress. It’s a serious condition, widespread yet still poorly understood. Sadly, more and more people are living with burnout without even realizing it.

In this article, I’ll help you understand what burnout is, how to recognize the signs, why it differs from anxiety and depression, and what you can do to begin feeling better—starting with your body and awareness.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a work-related stress syndrome, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon. It results from unmanaged chronic stress linked to the workplace.

According to the WHO, burnout presents in three key ways:

• Physical and emotional exhaustion – Your body and mind feel completely depleted.

• Mental distancing from work (cynicism, detachment) – You feel disconnected from your job and others.

• Reduced professional efficacy – Your performance drops, even when you’re trying your best.

  
  

❗ Burnout is not classified as a medical condition (according to the WHO), and for this reason, it’s not always recognized in national healthcare systems. Only countries that have made a specific legal or institutional recognition offer structured diagnosis and support.

For example, countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, and Hungary have formally recognized burnout, allowing access to tailored healthcare, recovery programs, and legal protections. In many others, recognition varies greatly, and support can be limited.

Burnout ≠ Anxiety ≠ Depression

Let’s make the distinctions clear:

• Depression is a mood disorder that requires medical and psychological intervention.

• Anxiety is a response to deep-rooted fear, manifests physically, and needs emotional regulation.

• Burnout is an adjustment disorder caused by a prolonged imbalance between stress and recovery.

  
  

Often, it’s the body that gives out first; you can’t think clearly anymore, and your body shouts: “Enough.” That’s where it all begins.

Personal traits that increase the risk of burnout

Beyond external factors, certain personality traits heighten the risk of burnout:

• Perfectionism – constantly setting the bar too high

• Excessive responsibility – feeling that everything depends on you

• Extreme altruism – always putting others first, forgetting yourself

• Need for control – struggling to let go

• Unlimited ambition – pushing forward without pause

  
  

These traits aren’t “wrong,” but if left unmanaged, they can become dangerous. Often they form in childhood as a response to high expectations, rigid rules, pressure to perform, and the need for approval.

Our modern culture—which glorifies productivity, success, and speed—only reinforces the tendency to ignore our limits.

👉 The good news? You can transform these traits into conscious strengths by learning to recognize and nurture them.

Healing from burnout: start with the body

Step 1 – Stop (the hardest part)With burnout, your sympathetic nervous system stays constantly activated. You live in a state of alert, even on the couch. Stopping isn’t relaxing—it’s difficult. But it’s the first essential step.

Step 2 – Deactivate stressSleep and vacations aren’t enough. Your body must learn to recover daily. Practices like mindfulness and other body-centered techniques are key.

Step 3 – Mindfulness and body awarenessMindfulness means being fully present without judgment. It helps create a sense of internal safety where your body and mind can finally slow down. Can you still feel when your body is tense? When was the last time you truly felt at home in yourself?

Step 4 – Reprogram your mindOnce your body regains balance, it’s time to work on your mental world:

• Change automatic patterns

• Challenge limiting beliefs

• Build healthier habits

  
  

My personal story

Ten years ago, I experienced burnout myself. I felt completely depleted, lost weight, lacked energy and joy. I wanted to become a mother, but I had nothing left to give.

Since I couldn’t find answers around me, I began to look within.

Step by step, I started to rediscover myself. I trained as a stress coach, deepened my practice in mindfulness, and later specialized in clinical neuropsychology and emotional well-being.

The birth of my daughter was a turning point. I chose a new path—one focused on my health and her future. That choice changed my life. Today, I guide others through the same journey of awareness, healing, and growth.

A story that might be yours too

Marika, a remarkable woman I had the privilege to support, was always ready to help others and known for her brilliance and care. But behind her strong presence, she felt empty and exhausted. Together, we worked through an intense process, step by step, focusing on her body, her emotions, and letting go of what no longer served her. Marika didn’t go back to her old life—she transformed into a more authentic, confident, and fulfilled version of herself.

Conclusion: You are not alone

Burnout doesn’t have to be the end. It can be the beginning of something new. An invitation to change your pace, your priorities, your perspective. A way back to yourself. Want to reclaim your energy? Take the first step today. You don’t have to do it alone.

💌 Reach out if you want support.

📲 Share this article if it helped you—it might make a real difference for someone else.