Burnout has slowly crept into our lives, and for many, it feels like a silent epidemic. We all know the feeling—overworked, overtired, and always chasing after that next deadline. But the real question is, why aren’t we doing more to stop it?

In this week’s Business Story of the Week, hosted by Joshua Lori, we dive into the phenomenon of burnout, exploring its causes, effects, and, most importantly, how to combat it. Joshua interviews Michael Levitt, the Chief Burnout Officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network, and a global expert on burnout and workplace culture. Michael has made it his mission to help people recognize the signs of burnout before it’s too late.

Why Burnout is Taking Over

It’s no secret that the modern work environment is more demanding than ever. Michael points out that we live in an “always-on” culture where the lines between work and life are constantly blurred. From the moment we wake up to the moment we close our eyes, we’re bombarded with emails, deadlines, and tasks. As Michael notes, it’s no wonder burnout is affecting more people today than it did decades ago.

What’s interesting is that burnout isn’t new. Michael references a book written in the 1980s by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger called Burnout, which highlights many of the same issues we face today. The fact that a book from 40 years ago is still relevant today shows just how deep-rooted this problem is.

But here’s the kicker: we’re finally starting to talk about it. 🗣️ More organizations are recognizing the impact of burnout on their employees, but talking isn’t enough. We need action.

The Impact of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just affect your productivity; it impacts your physical health too. Lack of sleep, for instance, is one of the first signs. Michael shares that when we don’t get proper rest, we start to accumulate stress, which leads to a whole host of problems: cognitive decline, poor digestion, irritability, and more. And let’s be real—when you’re exhausted, the quality of your work suffers. 😴

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of prolonged stress. Think about it: every small stressor from yesterday adds up to today’s pile, and before you know it, you’re carrying the weight of an entire week’s stress on your shoulders.

How to Prevent Burnout

Here’s the good news: burnout can be prevented and, if caught early, you can recover from it faster than you think. But you have to be proactive. Michael offers several tips to prevent burnout from spiraling out of control:

1. Sleep 🛌: It might sound simple, but sleep is crucial. This is when your body repairs itself, both physically and mentally. If you’re not getting good sleep, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
2. Communication 🗣️: So many workplace issues stem from poor communication. If you’re overwhelmed at work, talk to your manager about expectations and timelines. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to speak up.
3. Schedule Downtime 📅: We’re all busy, but it’s important to carve out time for things you enjoy—whether that’s watching a movie, going for a walk, or catching up with friends. Life isn’t just about work!
4. Prioritize Health 🥗: What you eat and how you move affects your overall well-being. Make sure you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients and getting some form of exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block.

By making small changes, you can regain control of your life and avoid burnout. Michael’s book Burnout Proof goes into even more detail on how you can protect yourself from the dangers of burnout. 💡

Let’s start prioritizing self-care, balance, and clear communication at work. It’s time to eradicate burnout for good. If you want to learn more, check out Breakfast Leadership and follow Michael for more insights.