Burnout!

Neetu Raina

Upon completing “The Burnout,” I took a profound pause, wiping away tears wrought by the emotional journey. A heartfelt salute to individuals born in ‘70s and ’80s, particularly women, resonates deeply, given the book’s revelation that burnout is more prevalent in the female demographic. Closing my eyes, I reflected on the authenticity of these sisters’ narratives. While acknowledging that burnout affects both genders, the book scientifically underscores women’s heightened vulnerability to this phenomenon.

For women, navigating the divide between societal expectations and personal identity proves to be an exhausting journey. The constant pressure to embody the best version of oneself can lead to a spiral of memories. Just when we believed we could take a breather from the hardships that befell our community, striving for independence, we realize we’ve grappled with a significant issue of self-esteem. We allowed others, including our loved ones, to define us, motivated by a desire not to burden parents who we believed had already suffered. Now, inadvertently, we’ve become a generation striving to provide the best for our children, yet we let their expectations dictate our lives. If a woman dares to voice her concerns, she is often met with a world quick to label her as selfish and needy.

We are a generation that places a strong emphasis on caring for our parents, surpassing the efforts made by previous generations. As we age, we willingly take on the responsibility of looking after them, mindful of the extended life expectancy that reinforces the ongoing commitment to family across generations.

The idea of techniques to complete the biological stress cycle and restore the body to a state of relaxation is debunked; it’s a myth. The only effective approach is breaking the cycle. 

Don’t allow anyone to manipulate you into believing that you are less than you truly are. You are more than the opinions of your partners or anyone else. Reach out, let your friends know when you’re not okay, and be willing to distance yourself from people who cause harm, after giving them a fair chance to be supportive. Cultivate an ecosystem where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment.

With the help of eye-opening science, prescriptive advice, and helpful friends, all women will find something transformative and will be empowered to create positive change. The key will be finding this clan but once you do, you will be blessed.