In the modern world, there’s a persistent but unspoken societal expectation that the working world is a battlefield for survival. Anyone who takes time off to relax, recharge, or take stock of things might as well be failing at their job and letting everyone else do the heavy lifting.

The forces of capitalism and consumerism are breeding a culture of burnout. Burnout is a system problem that requires us to first understand the logic of capitalism — a system that promotes short-term gains at any cost with disregard for the long-term consequences on people and societies.

In practical terms, this means businesses and organizations are expected to operate with an eye toward making money as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

As a result, workplaces are designed with quick turnover in mind; the absence of employee benefits is prioritized over employee comfort. The results — workers are overworked, underpaid, and overstressed.

While stress can result from many factors in modern life, it’s become clear that modern capitalism — rather than being an abstract economic system or merely a way of producing goods — is directly contributing to what is happening in workplaces worldwide.

The pressure to perform is unrelenting

In a capitalist world, speed is the new normal. We’re constantly being pushed to do more, faster, and better. And as our workloads increase, so does our stress level.

The modern world requires people to prove their value continually. Because capitalism values productivity above all else, people are often forced to work long hours without any sense of meaning or satisfaction. This cycle of work and stress can become addictive, leading to further mental and psychological problems.

This has led to what has come to be known as the ‘endless rat race’ — a phenomenon in which people are consistently “connected” to deliver at the expense of their well-being.

The stress of being present all the time drains people over time and wears them down until they give up on their careers or burn out completely.

Burnout is a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion. “To be burned out is to be used up like a battery so depleted that it can’t be recharged. In people, unlike batteries, it is said to produce the defining symptoms of “burnout syndrome”: exhaustion, cynicism, and loss of efficacy,” writes Jill Lepore of The New Yorker.

Burnout also leads to physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and reduced concentration ability. And the consequences don’t stop there — burnout has been linked to job loss, lower productivity, and strain on relationships.

Burnout is the high price we pay to thrive

At its best, capitalism allows people to achieve their dreams and achieve their potential. But it’s also a system that can be highly stressful and exhausting. It can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Burnout is the result of working long hours, never taking time for yourself, and feeling like you can’t catch a break. It’s the result of our constant quest for success. The price we pay constantly demands more from us.

It occurs when people no longer have the energy or motivation to continue getting things done. In fact, burnout is so common that it’s officially a mental health disorder. And it’s not just workers who are at risk — anyone who’s constantly pressured and stressed is at risk of burnout.

It’s not uncommon for people who want results at all costs or spend too much time chasing after their ambitions and constantly striving for something better to reach a breaking point.

And while there may be extenuating circumstances that explain why someone falls prey to burnout, there’s little doubt that it can happen even to well-adjusted individuals if they are pushed long enough.

The way we work is not working. Our relationship with time is fragile. Modern life is increasingly becoming dysfunctional.

In the UK, 74% of the working population was “overwhelmed or unable to cope” a few years ago. I dread to think of the figure now.

Burnout is not permanent

We’d all be less stressed if we were more mindful, and intentional about our choices, tasks and responsibilities.

The best way to avoid burnout is to prevent it in the first place. If you work long hours without a break, your body will start breaking down. And when that happens, it’s hard to recover.

So take a breath, relax, and enjoy your work in manageable doses — that way, you’ll avoid burnout and keep yourself safe and healthy.

To overcome burnout, regain your equilibrium and return to your usual level of productivity, you have to take control of your speed.

You have to step outside the productivity wheel. This means disconnecting from work, relaxing, and enjoying meaningful activities outside getting things done.

It also means pushing for better boundaries. Say no more. Don’t overload your calendar. Set limits on how many hours you will work each day, and make sure you take a break every once in a while. This will help you recharge and refresh.

Self-care is the much-needed cure for burnout. Make quality time to relax and decompress. Take some time for yourself.

Do more of the basics: stay hydrated, eat energy-boosting foods to keep your energy levels up, and get plenty of sleep — even if that means going to bed earlier than you’re used to. Too little sleep can lead to fatigue and stress throughout the day.

You can embrace downtime habits like spending quality time with positive social connections and loved ones, walks in nature, listening to a podcast, visiting a museum, reading great books, and practicing niksen (the Dutch art of doing nothing).

“Time spent in nature is the most cost-effective and powerful way to counteract the burnout and sort of depression that we feel when we sit in front of a computer all day,” says Richard Louv.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your boss, friends, or family members about how you’re feeling — they may be able to offer some suggestions or help you get through a challenging period.

And remember what Anne Lamott once said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”