When Will We Stop Normalizing Exhaustion?
I recently reposted a reel that made me laugh out loud because it hit so close to home. My friend and I recognized that feeling of utter exhaustion, the kind where you’re so drained that even laughing about it feels like a relief. But why are we laughing?
Why do so many of us relate to this feeling yet do nothing to change it?
Why do we, as a society, continue to normalize exhaustion?
The Hidden Causes of Burnout
Burnout and chronic exhaustion don’t just appear out of nowhere. Many of us carry unresolved traumas that manifest in our behavior—whether it’s people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, or setting poor boundaries. These traits, driven by our fight, flight, or fawn responses, push us faster into exhaustion. We can’t recharge because we’re constantly giving away our energy before we have a chance to recuperate.
The problem isn’t just with the individual—it’s systemic. When will the world understand that emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and mindfulness should be part of our primary education system?
Soft skills like leadership and work-life balance should be fundamental in all educational programs, not seen as optional or secondary.
The Ripple Effect of Burnout
Burnout and depression don’t only affect the individual. The entire family and community surrounding the person suffer too. Children, for instance, don’t just listen to what their parents say—they mimic what they see. Trauma replicates itself from generation to generation until someone finally breaks the cycle. When someone starts to see life from a new perspective and recognizes these generational patterns, they can begin to break free.
Tragically, stress has led to some heartbreaking consequences. Consider the devastating cases of parents who, overwhelmed by stress, have forgotten their children in cars. This tragic outcome is a stark reminder that chronic stress isn’t just harmful—it can be deadly. These parents aren’t careless; they are victims of a system that normalizes exhaustion to the point where their cognitive functions fail under pressure.
This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Imagine if our educational systems prioritized teaching emotional intelligence and resilience from a young age. We’d have happier, healthier individuals who could contribute positively to their communities. Instead, we keep people busy and stressed, numbing them with repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
Why Do We Normalize Exhaustion?
Why do we keep reposting “funny” reels about exhaustion and then go right back to our hectic lives?
Why is it considered normal to need a drink after work just to wind down?
Why do some educational programs resist change, even when it’s clear that incorporating soft skills could drastically improve the well-being of their students?
I’ve heard people argue that there’s no time to squeeze in soft skills training in programs like dentistry, where so many hard (technical) skills are needed. But consider this: Harvard University conducted a study back in 1918 and found that 85% of success in professional life is due to soft skills, with only 15% attributed to hard skills. Yet, many educational programs still emphasize the opposite. Why?
And why do our educational systems take for granted that every child comes from a home where they are taught self-love, self-care, self-awareness, and boundaries? In a perfect world, perhaps this would be true. But in our reality, many children lack these fundamental skills, and the education system often fails to fill in the gaps. Instead of assuming every child has a solid emotional foundation, shouldn’t we be equipping all students with these essential life skills? If we did, we might prevent the exhaustion and burnout that plague so many adults today.
The Impact of Stress on Our Lives
We know that chronic stress is one of the largest “diseases” in the world right now, yet we do little to address it. The effects of stress are profound. For example, in a tragic case, Gabriel Fernandez, a young boy who was tortured to death, had his thymus gland shrink due to extreme stress during his final months of life. The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the immune system, especially in children, and its atrophy is a clear indicator of the unimaginable trauma he endured. Similarly, stress inhibits our brain’s ability to develop new neurons and connections, severely limiting our potential.
In a documentary about Jane Goodall’s time with chimpanzees, we see how mother apes nurture their young with love and patience until they can take care of themselves. This is how strong individuals are created. We should take a lesson from the animals we often deem inferior: prioritize love, patience, and support in our communities.
A Call for Change
Sometimes, I wish I could win a lot of money—not for possessions, but to make a real difference in the world. But perhaps, just maybe, writing this article can reach someone who wants to collaborate and make the world a better place. Be the change you want to see in the world. I’m here with open arms, ready to help.
A quote I heard once said, “Naïve people think they can change the world, and that’s why they do.” This reminds me of the story about Isaac Newton. When Newton brought home a note from his teacher stating that he was too stupid to be in school, his mother told him that the note actually said he was too clever for school. Newton, as we know, went on to become one of the most influential scientists in history.
Education: The Foundation of Mental Health
Education is like the early development of our children’s brains—it’s in these formative years that we can set the foundation for good mental health. But why do we assume every student already knows how to care for themselves emotionally? What happens to those who don’t? We must stop ignoring the gaps and start integrating these essential life skills into our educational systems.
Because if we don’t, what kind of world are we creating?
A world where exhaustion is normalized, where children grow up without the tools they need to thrive, and where adults are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered mental health.
Education shapes our children’s brains. It’s in those early years that we can set the patterns for mental health and well-being. And yet, when I think about the resistance to change, I sometimes wonder why I bother. But then, I realize—if we only care for ourselves, what kind of world are we creating?
We have a beautiful profession in healthcare, but if we don’t take care of it properly, the reality will be much different from the theory. Why not bring together a group of people from different cultures, ages, and experiences to discuss how to improve work-life balance and mental health in the world and set new rules and laws for improvement?
Final Thoughts
We need to stop normalizing exhaustion and start making real changes. As someone once said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” Let’s find better ways to carry our loads—together.
I’m looking forward to meet you at my speeches about Work Life Balance in:
Ibiza 25 October
You can buy my book about my personal journey through stress, burnout and transformation here.
You’re always Welcome to Book a Free Meeting With Me Here
Big warm hug,
🦋 Christina
🌸 Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out from work? It’s important to take a step back and assess how you’re managing your work-life balance.
Ask yourself these questions:
– Are you setting clear boundaries between work and personal time?
– Do you make time for self-care activities like exercise and hobbies?
– Are you facing unrealistic deadlines and expectations at work?
If you’re struggling to find that balance, take our Dentist Burnout Prevention Assessment to see where you can make improvements: https://dentistburnoutpreventionassessment.scoreapp.com
Remember, your well-being should always come first! 🌸
