Burnout is frequently described merely as being “exhausted” or “stressed.” Nevertheless, it signifies a more profound concern—a fundamental failure of our mental operating system, particularly the executive function of the brain. As someone who has undergone this experience, I can confirm its crippling consequences. Once a high achiever, I discovered that my capacity to perform competently was vanishing as my executive function essentially ceased to operate. Experiencing burnout does not reflect weakness; instead, it reveals that your system is overwhelmed. Descending into the abyss of burnout deprives you of clarity, joy, purpose, and even essential cognitive abilities. Executive function, functioning as your mind’s CEO, enables you to plan, prioritize, and commence tasks. Burnout interrupts this vital ability, obscuring decision-making and actions.
The sensation of being burned out is evident as a decline in momentum and decisiveness, coupled with an ever-present sense of despondency lacking an obvious source. Once-enjoyable tasks turn into a draining ordeal. The art of prioritization, crucial for top performance, becomes inactive and is supplanted by indecision. Everyday duties transform into hurdles; client inquiries remain unresolved, team meetings seem unproductive, and emails grow daunting.
Even though driven by nature, burnout dismantles your capacity to start tasks. Concepts for new projects remain unaddressed, as the divide between thought and action feels impossible to bridge. I often find myself engaged in preparatory tasks, like organizing my workspace, to evade more mentally demanding work. Appearing productive yet idling, plans linger in theory, and business ideas accumulate digital dust.
The guilt stemming from shifting from a committed worker to an underachiever creates a self-critical loop, exacerbating exhaustion and serving as fuel for further burnout. This cycle of dread keeps you trapped, barely keeping pace with minimal functioning tasks such as paying bills. Essential memories fade, crucial life domains become erratic, and self-doubt festers as memory reliability diminishes. Communication falters, and problem-solving abilities decline, leaving only habitual, autopilot tasks.
Despite escalating sadness, recovering from burnout is attainable. While your brain isn’t irreparably damaged, it’s calling for rest. The road to recovery doesn’t involve working harder but instead requires hitting the reboot on your system.
First: Tackle small, manageable tasks to generate momentum. Deconstruct intimidating tasks into tiny pieces. A substantial report may appear overwhelming, but writing a title is attainable. With an overflowing inbox, begin with one email. Small victories restore competence and rejuvenate initiation abilities. Lower life’s expectations to recalibrate your standards.
Second: Delegate executive function duties since your mental CEO is absent. Utilize tools to assist memory and task completion; depend on calendars and reminders. Simplify routine choices like meals and outfits to conserve mental energy for more important issues.
Lastly: View rest as a necessary maintenance step, not merely a reward following task completion. Intentionally disconnecting—from work, screens, and stimulating activities—facilitates neuronal recovery. Genuine rest permits your nervous system to address cognitive debt, providing mental rejuvenation.
Understand that you are not a limitless productivity machine but an individual whose worth is not reliant on output. Prioritizing your well-being is essential. Your clarity, creativity, and peace of mind are priceless assets. Shield them from burnout’s grasp and preserve your influence on the world you are meant to impact. While time and circumstance influence us all, we determine how our minds and bodies engage with and shape our surroundings.
Seleipiri Akobo is a physician executive.