Exhaustion and burnout: what can you do?
Written on 10/11/2025 by Pauline de Santarome
Burnout affects a considerable number of our contemporaries: more than four out of ten French people are affected, regardless of their family and professional situation.
France ranks third in terms of work-related depression.
According to occupational health experts, the number of illnesses linked to overwork or poor working conditions has increased by 50% in ten years.
To counteract the negative effects of this worrying situation, it is essential to take care of yourself and listen to yourself.
A few simple measures can be taken to improve the situation of people suffering from burnout.
What causes burnout? 😤
In the vast majority of cases, overwork is linked to excessive workload, but it can also be linked to a state of permanent exhaustion, which can result from difficult times we are going through.
This may be what is known as acute burnout, i.e., a short, intense period of exhaustion, usually linked to external factors (a very tight deadline at work, coinciding with a personal event such as moving house, for example).
We can also talk about occasional overwork (for example, in jobs with a strong time-sensitive nature, periods of intense activity are recurrent).
Finally, chronic overwork, defined as significant overwork over a long period of time, is the most difficult to manage. This is the case, for example, when working in a very stressful and tiring work environment.
Intense and prolonged overwork can sometimes lead to burnout or even severe depression. It is therefore essential to treat this condition and take it seriously.
How can I tell if I'm overworked? 😶
The symptoms of overwork are not always easy to spot: many people suffering from overwork believe that the situation is "normal," and habit has led them to trivialize and minimize their exhaustion. From their point of view, it is not a cause for concern, but simply a state of fatigue that will resolve itself over time.
However, clear symptoms can be a warning sign:
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Constant fatigue;
- Mood disorders;
- Sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep at night and intense fatigue during the day. Sleep is no longer restorative.
- Appetite disorders (overeating or, conversely, undereating) leading to weight changes.
Paradoxically, overwork, which mainly affects perfectionist and conscientious employees, leads to professional problems: people suffering from overwork find it more difficult to take initiative, concentrate, and encounter relationship problems with their teams due to their nervousness.
These may also include physical symptoms:
- Back pain;
- Itching and eczema;
- Migraines;
- Muscle pain.
In addition, when we are very tired, our bodies are more vulnerable: people suffering from overwork are therefore more likely to catch a dangerous illness.
If you think you are suffering from overwork, don't let the situation get worse. Act quickly and consult a healthcare professional.
How can you combat burnout?🏃
If you are suffering from overwork and experiencing physical effects, it is essential to take control of the situation before the effects become even more severe. If the overwork is not too severe, it is sometimes possible to remedy the situation by restoring a good work-life balance.
- Be sure to maintain a healthy sleep schedule: for adults, the ideal amount of sleep is 7 to 9 hours per night.
- Exercise regularly: flexibility-based sports such as yoga or Pilates are generally very effective in restoring energy levels.
- Pay attention to your diet: dark chocolate is excellent for stress and for regaining energy; citrus fruits and green vegetables are also good for boosting your energy levels.
- In cases of intense long-term overwork, rest is sometimes essential to regain energy. Consult your doctor and explain the situation so that they can provide you with effective support. If they deem it necessary, they will prescribe sick leave so that you can rest and recharge your batteries.
What natural remediescan help combat burnout? 🌱
Santarome Bio's Stress Control Bio dietary supplement is an excellent ally in cases of overwork. Available in ampoule or capsule form, it gently combats the effects of stress thanks to a combination of four plants and three buds:
- Lemon balm promotes relaxation and helps you fall asleep.
- Organic bitter orange has relaxing properties and is often used to combat stress.
- Hawthorn helps reduce nervousness in adults.
- Saffron helps maintain mental well-being and can be useful in cases of overwork.
