Rethinking Burnout: Why Your Nervous System, Not Just Your Job, Is Overloaded

We often talk about burnout as if it's just about workload or bad bosses, but I think we’re missing some deeper aspects. Many discussions on LinkedIn focus on these external factors, but there’s more at play. Clinical Psycho Neuro Immunology (cPNI) sees burnout as a result of the over-activation of the HPA axis. If that’s too technical, think of it this way: your stress response is designed to save your life in an emergency, not fuel

you through endless back-to-back meetings.

The fight-or-flight response floods your system with adrenaline, preparing you to run from a lion—or, in modern terms, respond to an ‘ASAP’ email. The problem? Office life keeps this system constantly switched on. Adrenaline should be a short-term boost, but when it's running the show all day, it depletes us, leaving us physically and mentally exhausted.

From a coaching perspective, it's worth exploring why someone defaults to this high-alert mode. Is their nervous system wired to always be ‘on’? Do they believe they must muster every ounce of energy just to make it through the day? Some people approach their careers like a battlefield when, in reality, there are calmer and more sustainable ways to work.

Then, there’s the question: why do some people in the same situation not burn out? Could our physical environment be a hidden culprit? In "The Ion Effect" by Fred Soyka, research from the 1970s found that office workers in sealed, modern buildings—where you can’t open a window—experienced more stress, mood issues, and concentration problems than in older, more naturally ventilated spaces. The culprit? Air circulation systems that produce high levels of positive ions (not the good kind). In contrast, nature is rich in negative ions, which boost mood and well-being. Ever felt instantly better stepping outside for fresh air? That’s part of the reason.

Lighting is another overlooked factor. Modern offices (and homes) are packed with LED lighting, which is great for energy efficiency but questionable for human health. John Ott, a pioneer in time-lapse photography, studied how different light sources affect behaviour. In one experiment, schoolchildren became restless and inattentive under fluorescent lighting. When natural light returned, so did their focus. Now imagine what this means for adults spending 8+ hours a day under artificial light, staring at blue-lit screens. Research suggests that just two hours of screen exposure can trigger an insulin response. No wonder we feel like zombies when we finally step outside.

And let’s not ignore the bigger picture: the economic hamster wheel. The cost of living rises, wages don’t keep pace, and many professionals feel like they’re sprinting on a treadmill that only speeds up. If financial insecurity is looming over someone’s head, their nervous system will stay in survival mode, no matter how many mindfulness apps they download.

So, what can we do? Here are a few small (but powerful) steps:

Take regular breaks and get outside—even if it’s just for five minutes. Movement, fresh air, and a change of scenery can reset your system.

Consider blue light filters like f.lux or screen settings that reduce strain on your eyes.

Minimise additional screen time after work. Your nervous system doesn’t need more stimulation.

Pay attention to your diet. Healthy fats—think avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish—are essential for brain function and help regulate the nervous system. Your brain is nearly 60% fat, and without enough of the right kind, neurotransmitter production (including the ones that keep you calm and focused) takes a hit.

Of course, if you’re constantly running on adrenaline because of an unsustainable workload or toxic leadership, no amount of fresh air or omega-3s will fix the underlying issue. In the long run, you may need to reassess your environment entirely.

Now, over to you: How do you think our modern work environments contribute to burnout? What small (or big) changes have made a difference in your own experience?