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Burnout isn’t just about being tired – it’s a nervous system in overdrive. In the United States, studies show that 66% of the workforce is burned out, with some reports as high as 85%. Younger generations are hit hardest, and women carry the heaviest burden due to caregiving, emotional labor, and workplace inequities. Globally, burnout rates are climbing too – from 63% in Southeast Asia to Australia recently named the most burned-out nation.

In this episode, I explore what burnout really is: a chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. We’ll look at the early signs of nervous system dysregulation – from a racing mind and overscheduled calendar to emotional numbness, lack of empathy, and disconnection from joy. I also dive into the health consequences of chronic stress, including cardiovascular problems, autoimmune flare-ups, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

I share my personal story of hitting burnout while running multiple businesses and parenting during the pandemic, pushing myself until my nervous system shut down and chronic illness took over. That painful chapter became my wake-up call – the beginning of reconnecting with my body, realigning my energy, and rebuilding my life around authenticity, purpose, and nervous system care.

Burnout isn’t an individual failure. It’s the outcome of living in a culture that prizes productivity and hustle over human alignment. But healing is possible. When you learn to spot the signs, reclaim your energy, and build tools for nervous system regulation, you create space to live and work with greater alignment, clarity, and purpose.

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If you’re ready to move beyond burnout and reconnect with yourself, explore my burnout and alignment coaching designed for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and parents who are tired of doing it all alone. You’ll find resources on nervous system healing, energy alignment, and purpose-driven business coaching at https://www.jesscallahan.com/entrepreneurs or connect with me on Instagram at @jesscallahan_

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Sources:

https://www.apollotechnical.com/statistics-on-workplace-stress/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2025/02/08/job-burnout-at-66-in-2025-new-study-shows/