A constant, prolonged period of stress can lead to an individual becoming ‘burnt out’, resulting in mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.
Burnout can lead to problems sleeping, and also weakens the immune system, leaving the person more susceptible to minor illnesses. In the long term, burnout can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, and even substance abuse.
High performing individuals and burnout
Very often, ‘burnout’ can be work-related. “Executive burnout” is a commonly used term and tends to affect wealthy high achievers who struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance due to extensive responsibilities and day-to-day pressures.
What is Stress?
Everyone experiences short periods of stress from time to time due to difficult life events or things not going to plan. However, it is when stress becomes chronic that it becomes a real problem, affecting the brain’s ability to function and regulate emotions. A stressed person may feel exhausted, irritable, and emotionally drained.
Chronic stress also dramatically increases a person’s chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and gastrointestinal problems, amongst many other conditions.