In today’s fast-paced world, people constantly juggle work demands, family responsibilities, and social commitments.
The hustle may look glamorous on the outside, but the reality often leaves the body drained, the mind unsettled, and emotions stretched thin.
This state has a name many of us know all too well: burnout.
Unlike ordinary tiredness, burnout is a complete shutdown, a severe form of exhaustion that impacts physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Those affected may lose motivation, struggle with sleep, snap at loved ones, and even watch their relationships slowly unravel.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) expert Dr Hisham Dzakiria points out that burnout doesn’t discriminate.
It can strike anyone, regardless of age or profession, and often builds up when prolonged stress goes unchecked.
“Burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a signal from the body and mind for us to pause, take a breath, and find balance again,” he said in a report by Sinar Plus.
Studies link burnout to overwhelming workloads, job stress, and the absence of healthy boundaries between career and personal life.
If ignored, it can spiral into depression, heart disease, or declining productivity.
Dr Hisham explained, “Among the common symptoms are prolonged fatigue even after resting, loss of interest in work or hobbies, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a tendency to give up easily.
“I want to emphasise that burnout is not a personal weakness, but the body’s reaction to uncontrolled stress.
“The important thing is not just to recognise burnout, but to learn how to heal yourself and maintain energy and spirit in daily life.”
So how do we fight back? It starts with small but consistent steps.
Setting work boundaries helps ensure office stress doesn’t bleed into home life. Getting sufficient sleep restores mental and physical freshness.
A brisk 20-minute walk can spark a surge of endorphins.
Stepping away from gadgets, especially before bedtime, is still one of the most effective ways to recharge.
Engaging in simple, calming hobbies like reading, painting, or gardening also works wonders to restore emotional balance.
And while self-care is essential, so is leaning on others. Sharing struggles with family, friends, or counsellors can ease the emotional load and remind us we’re not alone.
This was the spirit behind the “Jom Rawat Burnout” programme held on Sept 10 and 11, where 300 staff from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) participated.
According to Dr Hisham, the initiative aimed to highlight the early signs of burnout while teaching strategies to manage stress, rebuild inner strength, and encourage healthier living.
With programmes like these, mental health is finally being acknowledged as just as vital as physical health.
And while burnout may never fully disappear from modern life, having the right knowledge, strategies, and support can make it manageable.