Burnout Prevention
Category: Mindfulness at Work & Leadership
Tags: Mental Health, Exhaustion
Overview
You aren't just tired. You are cynical. You feel ineffective. Burnout is not 'too much' stress; it is 'not enough' care.
Definition
Burnout is an occupational phenomenon characterized by exhaustion, cynicism (depersonalization), and inefficacy.
The Science
HPA Axis Collapse
In burnout, the adrenal system crashes into hypocortisolism. You lose the biological capacity to care.
The Practice
The Three Ms
- Micro-Breaks: 5 mins every hour.
- Meaning: Reconnect with 'why'.
- Mastery: Do something you enjoy but are bad at.
Common Pitfalls
- Thinking a vacation will fix a broken system.
- Isolating yourself.
Key Takeaway
You can do anything, but you can't do everything.