Are You Tired? Or, on the Edge of Burnout? Recognise the Signs and Take Charge NOW...

Have you found yourself wondering lately: "Am I just tired… or is something deeper going on?"

If so, you're not alone – and it's a smart question to ask.

According to the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, stress remains at an all-time high. Globally, 41% of employees report experiencing high daily stress, and here in Australia and New Zealand, that figure jumps to 48%.

High performers often ignore these signals, thinking: “I just need to push through.” But pushing through without pause is what leads so many people to burnout – and by the time you fully recognise it, it’s already taken a toll on your health, motivation, and relationships.

So, let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening in your mind and body… and how to respond with wisdom, not just willpower.

Burnout Isn’t Just Tiredness

Tiredness improves with rest. Burnout lingers, even after a good night’s sleep.

Here are some signs you might be heading towards burnout:

• Emotional detachment or cynicism

• Feeling constantly on edge or overwhelmed

• A drop in motivation or sense of purpose

• Irritability or withdrawing from others

• A sense that no matter what you do, it’s never enough

What makes this tricky is that burnout often sneaks up on high achievers – the people who care deeply, take pride in their work, and are used to solving problems by doing more.

But here’s the truth: we’re not machines.

We are human beings with a nervous system that plays a central role in how we show up, think, feel, perform, and connect with others. And if we want to thrive, not just survive, we must take care of it.

Your Nervous System: The Hidden Driver of Performance

Think of your nervous system as your body’s command centre. It influences everything—from your energy and focus to your ability to make decisions, manage emotions, and bounce back from setbacks.

Our nervous system is constantly scanning for threats, working behind the scenes to keep us safe and in control—even before we’re consciously aware of it.

When we are calm and well-rested, our parasympathetic nervous system (often called “rest and digest”) is active. In this state, we can think clearly, solve problems creatively, and engage with others meaningfully. It’s where our best work—and best selves—reside. But when stress becomes chronic, the sympathetic nervous system (“fight, flight or freeze”) takes over. This system is designed to help us respond to immediate threats. And while it’s effective when we need to act quickly, it’s not built for long-term use.

Unfortunately, many of us are operating from this state all day, every day. Why? Because life feels like a constant stream of pressure.

The Modern Threat Landscape

We may no longer be facing physical predators, but the modern world is full of psychological and emotional stressors:

• Financial pressures and cost-of-living increases

• Fear and uncertainty driven by constant news cycles

• Overwhelm from digital overload and unrealistic expectations

• Lack of downtime or quality rest

• The ongoing pressure to do more, be more, achieve more

This constant “on” state is exhausting our nervous systems. And the effects show up in ways we may not immediately link to stress.

Signs of Cognitive Overload

Ever found yourself walking into a room and forgetting why? Or struggling to focus on tasks that used to be simple? You might be experiencing cognitive overload—a clear signal that your nervous system needs support.

Common signs include:

• Forgetfulness or memory lapses

• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

• Mental fog or feeling ‘spaced out’

• Craving high-energy, sugary, or processed foods

• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts

• Distraction, procrastination, or compulsive behaviours like doom-scrolling or binge-watching

• Turning to addictive habits to ‘numb out’ or cope

If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. This is your body waving a red flag, saying: “I need to rest, reset, and restore.”

The Critical Role of Sleep and Rest

Here’s something many high achievers forget: Rest is productive.

In fact, quality sleep and genuine rest are essential for high performance. During sleep, your brain processes information, clears out toxins, resets emotional regulation, and restores your capacity for clear thought. Skimping on sleep or constantly staying “switched on” chips away at your effectiveness over time.

Without rest, we become reactive instead of responsive. We move into survival mode—short-tempered, scattered, and operating well below our potential.

Rest isn’t just about sleep either. It includes any time where the body and brain can recalibrate:

• Taking short breaks between tasks

• Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness

• Spending time in nature or in silence

• Doing something that brings you joy or calm

• Saying no to unnecessary demands

Let’s Make This a Normal Conversation

Stress is not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal that something matters – and that something may need adjusting.

That’s why in every sales training program I deliver, I include a dedicated session on understanding stress and building resilience. Without fail, it’s one of the most popular and powerful sessions I run.

Why? Because people are craving real talk and real tools.

We need to make this an everyday workplace conversation – not a one-off wellbeing day. We’re all human, we all experience stress, and the sooner we recognise it, the sooner we can take steps to recover, recharge, and reconnect.

So What Can You Do?

If this is resonating with you, it’s time to be intentional. Restoring your nervous system isn't indulgent—it’s essential.

Here are a few practical ways to start:

1. Appreciate the positive intention of stress. It is actually trying to protect you and warn you of a potential threat.

2. Become aware of the early warning signs. Notice what is happening in your body that is telling you that you're off track.

3. Prioritise sleep like a deadline. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Wind down properly and protect your evenings from stimulation.

4. Take micro-breaks. Even 2–5 minutes of slow breathing or stretching can calm your system.

5. Limit doom-scrolling and digital clutter. Give your brain a chance to recover by unplugging.

6. Eat to nourish, not numb. Choose whole foods that support stable energy.

7. Name and normalise stress. It’s okay to admit you’re overwhelmed. That awareness is the first step to change.

8. Connect. Supportive relationships are one of the most powerful buffers against stress.

9. Seek help if needed. Coaches, therapists, and wellbeing programs can provide strategies to help you restore balance.

Final Thoughts: From Pressure to Possibility

We can’t eliminate all stress, but we can change how we respond to it. By understanding how your nervous system works—and what it needs—you empower yourself to lead and live with greater clarity, capacity, and compassion.

Your best performance, best leadership and best relationships all begin with your wellbeing.

You don’t need to push harder. You need to pause and recharge smarter.

And when we get this right, everything becomes much easier.

The better it gets, the better it gets!

At Shine Executive, we love supporting organisations to create a high-performance culture by bringing out the best in their people. We can help your people succeed personally and professionally.

Our Neuroscience for Success, High Performing Teams, Sales Leadership and Psychological Safety workshops are here to help build cohesive, engaged, productive and effective teams.

We are here to help with speaking, consulting, training, conferences, coaching or offsite events and specialise in the following areas:

High Performing Teams | Leadership | Sales Training | EQ & Neuroscience | Financial Services Sales & Service | DISC Personality Profiles | Five Behaviours of Cohesive Teams | Positive Psychology | GROWTH Coaching | Executive Coaching | Stress Management & Resilience

Our bespoke people and performance solutions are created to meet your unique business needs, time available and working environment - so if you have something that's important to you why not Book your free 30 minute call now to discuss. We'd love to hear from you.

Ready for Sales & Service Excellence in your business? I can help you build YOUR Sales Playbook that will set your people up for success, scale your business and delight your customers. Visit www.shineexecutive.com.au/playbook to download your free excerpt and find out how to unlock your business's potential.

Or contact us at naomi@shineexecutive.com.au or +61 423 936090.

Naomi Oyston has more than twenty years leadership experience within the Corporate, Financial and SME Business sectors.  She has had extensive executive level success, with direct responsibility for leading Customer Service Excellence, Sales Performance, Performance Coaching, Organisational Culture, Productivity and Leadership capability within multiple major corporations.

Passionate, engaging and insightful, Naomi specialises in helping business leaders to create High Performing teams through a combination of mindset, toolkits and skills that are street proven to deliver results that matter.