Why success and performance pressure Is exhausting so many in 2025

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting with a straight face but a storm in your chest— If your to-do list is full but your heart feels hollow— If success surrounds you, but you still feel… unseen and unappreciated

Then this edition is for you.

Welcome to my weekly newsletter, where we name what’s often hidden. In this edition, we’re going beyond deadlines and deliverables—we are talking about The silent burnout behind high performance. We’re talking about the emotional exhaustion so many adults carry alone. Because in 2025, being “available 24/7” isn’t strength. It’s a silent cry for help.

Let’s get honest. Let’s get human. Let’s begin. To the ones who show up, keep it together, and get things done— Even when your heart feels heavy and your soul feels tired—

Let’s have the honest conversation most workspaces still avoid.

The emotional ache no one talks about

You’ve got the title. You’ve got the salary. You don't have the respect. You don't have the joy. You don't have the peace.

You are ----

• Emotionally exhausted

• Secretly anxious

• Deeply disconnected

This is invisible burnout—and in 2025, it’s more common than you think. Especially in India, where toxic work culture and 24/7 availability have become disturbingly normalized.

Why burnout feels invisible in 2025

Burnout doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it whispers:

“You’re fine. Just push through.” “Everyone else is doing it. Don’t be weak.” “You’re lucky to even have this job.” And so, we numb ourselves. Till one day, we land in ICU—or worse, lose our precious life for a JOB! Workplace toxicity can kill us internally, long before it shows physically. And still, asking for help feels… risky.

Why we don't speak up?

🟠 1. Fear of Being “Too Emotional” You’ve been taught that expressing stress means you’re unstable or “not leadership material.”

🟠 2. Shame Around Seeking Help Therapy? Coaching? You fear your reputation might suffer if people knew you were struggling.

🟠 3. Workplace Gaslighting “You’re overthinking.” “You need to toughen up.” These responses make you question your own sanity.

🟠 4. No Safe Emotional Spaces at Work There’s HR—but no heart. Most companies offer no true support for inner wellbeing and it affects a professionals career.

🟠 5. Golden Handcuffs of Success You’ve built too much to risk being vulnerable now. Home Loan, Car Loan, Mutual Funds, Savings, School fees, Medical bills.......So you stay... quietly suffering each day!!!

5 ways you can reclaim your voice & sanity

💚 1. Normalize Support Therapy and coaching are acts of courage. You deserve someone who listens without judging.

💚 2. Prepare a Back Up Plan Have your financial savings organized for a year without pay.

💚 3. Speak Up—With Strategy Use written communication to express boundaries and concerns calmly and clearly. Use your network to stay connected with industry leaders.

💚 4. Start Micro Boundaries No to Sunday calls. No to Midnight emails. Yes to blocked “deep work” hours. These are signs of emotional leadership.

💚 5. Find Your Healing Circle Join safe spaces and communities where your story is heard. Healing begins when we stop doing it alone and break the toxic pattern

🚨 It’s time to end the culture of 24/7 availability

Let’s stop glorifying: ❌ Midnight replies to emails ❌ Skipping meals for meetings ❌ Back-to-back Zooms without a break❌ Burnout disguised as "commitment" and "loyalty" ❌Attending to office calls on family vacations ❌ Being on "URGENT" zoom calls every weekend ❌ Always responding to office whatsapp chats

India’s professionals are brilliant and resilient—but not machines. It’s time to build a work culture that honors performance and peace, not toxic hard work.

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Let’s transform the toxic work culture in INDIA in 2025—it starts with YOU!!!

With love & joy,

Madhurima

Self-Growth Strategist | Spiritual Guide