Mental Vacation Articles
Topics by Category
Decision Fatigue in Burnout: When Every Choice Feels Impossible
Decision fatigue is a core burnout symptom. Learn why burnout makes every choice feel impossible, how it affects leadership, and strategies to regain clarity.
How Cortisol Affects Burnout
Cortisol dysregulation is a biological feature of burnout. Learn how HPA axis dysfunction develops, why adrenal fatigue is a myth, and how to support recovery.
Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout: The Difference
Compassion fatigue and burnout affect helping professionals differently. Learn the key differences and how to recover from secondary trauma and empathy depletion.
Burnout and Imposter Syndrome: The High-Achiever Trap
Burnout and imposter syndrome trap high-achievers in a vicious cycle. Learn why they reinforce each other and how to break free with proven strategies.
Signs of Executive Burnout
Executive burnout hides behind high performance. Learn the warning signs, executive-specific symptoms, and why early recognition prevents severe burnout.
Brain Biology and Burnout
Understand the biology of burnout, how long recovery takes, and why high performers are at risk. Get answers to common burnout questions.
Burnout Recovery Timeline
Burnout recovery takes time. Learn realistic timelines for different burnout stages, factors affecting recovery speed, and what to expect at each phase.
The Biggest Burnout Myths vs. Reality
Burnout myths are real Despite the common beliefs - burnout is not just about “working too much” - it’s a complex condition that affects millions worldwide.
How to Stop Panic Attacks in Severe Burnout
Panic attacks in burnout aren't anxiety: they're nervous system depletion. Learn 5 evidence-based ways to stop them and recover faster. From someone who's been there.
Burnout Test for Professionals: Assess Your Risk Level
A burnout test helps you assess whether you are experiencing burnout and how severe it is. Most professionals wait until they are in crisis before recognizing burnout.
Irritability and Burnout: Why Everything Annoys You
Burnout irritability makes everything annoy you. Learn why emotional dysregulation happens, how it strains relationships, and what you can do to recover.
Physical Symptoms of Executive Burnout You Shouldn't Ignore
Physical symptoms of burnout include chronic fatigue, body aches, sleep issues, and immune problems. Learn the warning signs your body sends and when to act.
Cynicism and Burnout: When You Stop Believing in Your Work
Burnout cynicism is when you stop believing in your work and feel detached from meaning. Learn about depersonalization, loss of purpose, and how to recover.
Why Rest Doesn't Fix Burnout: Understanding Recovery Resistance
Rest alone doesn't fix burnout because chronic stress causes physiological changes. Learn why vacation doesn't help and what deeper intervention you need.
Stage 5 Burnout: When Burnout Becomes Your New Normal
Stage 5 burnout is habitual burnout where chronic depletion becomes your baseline. Learn the symptoms, health risks, and how to break the cycle of burnout.
Stage 4 Burnout: When You Hit Crisis and Can't Function Anymore
Stage 4 burnout is the crisis point where you can't function normally. Learn the symptoms, what happens next, and the recovery steps professionals need now.
Stage 3 Burnout: The Crisis Point Most Executives Ignore
Recognize Stage 3 burnout crisis symptoms executives try to push through. Learn when intervention becomes urgent and how to prevent complete breakdown.
Stage 2 Burnout: When Stress Becomes Your New Normal
Recognize Stage 2 burnout when chronic stress becomes normalized. Learn symptoms, coping mechanisms that fail, and intervention strategies for executives.
Stage 1 Burnout: The Honeymoon Phase You Don't Recognize
Learn to recognize Stage 1 burnout during the honeymoon phase when enthusiasm masks stress. Early warning signs and prevention strategies for executives.
The 5 Stages of Burnout: Where Are You on the Path?
Understand the 5 stages of burnout progression from honeymoon phase to complete breakdown. Identify your stage and intervene before it's too late.