By Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri
This year 2025, I have been invited several times to speak on burnout and its impact on health and productivity. The frequency of those invitations is telling as it is a reflection of the growing crisis of exhaustion that many individuals, professionals, caregivers and leaders are silently battling.

Once the year starts to wind to an end, the symptoms of burnout are more visible. While people may feel drained from the hustle and bustle of life and routines, they keep pushing.

They keep showing up in spite of feeling irritable, unmotivated, uninspired and disengaged. They are unable to sleep, eat poorly and even routine tasks become daunting and overwhelming.

Quite unfortunately, we live in an age that glorifies the hustle culture, encourages people to run on empty to keep up appearances, in spite of the detrimental effect to their health and well-being. Burnout is however not a badge of honour, it is a message.

It is your mind and body, calling for help, loudly, finally.
The WHO describes burnout as a ‘syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job and reduced professional efficacy.”

Burnout signals that your physical and emotional resources are depleted and that if left unchecked, you are at risk of depression, anxiety, stress related disorders, serious physical health challenges such as hypertension, diabetes, suppression of your immune status and chronic fatigue. Burnout doesn’t announce itself in a uniform or with flashing lights.

It quietly wears people down and often affects the most committed and conscientious people who care deeply and perform excellently.
Preventing burnout is essential as it doesn’t allow us as individuals spiral out of control. To ensure this, we must do the following:

• Recognise the signs early as you listen to your body and your mind.
• Set healthy boundaries and say no or not now without feeling guilty.
• Prioritise rest by engaging in restorative activities
• Reconnect with your purpose to reflect on what truly matters to you
  As the year gradually winds down, it’s tempting to keep going and not pay attention to our minds and bodies. It is however important to be mindful of our energy and our emotions so that we don’t burnout. Let’s commit to finishing this year alive and in health, as well as beginning the next year stronger.
  Remember there is no health without mental health