When the soul says STOP
Burnout does not happen overnight. The body and mind give warning signs well in advance, but we often drown them out with our responsibilities.
We should pay attention when the following symptoms appear:
- fatigue that does not disappear even after the weekend,
- irritability or cynicism towards work,
- loss of joy from things that used to bring pleasure,
- frequent headaches, heart palpitations, sleep disorders,
- "emotional shutdown" – nothing matters, nothing is enjoyable.
According to experts from the INEP Institute of Neuropsychiatric Care, it is precisely at this stage that burnout can be reversed—through appropriate therapy, adjustments to daily routines, and conscious rest. A timely response can prevent the development of chronic stress or fatigue syndrome. If you are looking for affordable help without waiting, Terapeuti.org is also a great choice, where you can easily choose a therapist according to topic, form, and personal preferences.
- Did you know that... the brain consumes up to 20% of the body's energy, which is more than any other organ? During prolonged mental stress, it runs on credit, which it then collects in the form of fatigue or illness.
Prevention starts with breath and sleep
Mental health care does not begin with a therapist, but with small, everyday things that give your mind space to process stress.
What works in the long term:
- Conscious breathing – deep breathing activates the vagus nerve, which slows down the heart rate and reduces stress hormone levels.
- Quality sleep – people who sleep less than six hours a day have up to a 40% higher risk of developing anxiety.
- Microbreaks – take five minutes away from screens every two hours. Get up, breathe, look out the window. Your brain will thank you.
Breathwork courses with Helena Řezková help reconnect your breath with your body and release inner tension. The SleepFactory program from Klinika TES is a 21-day app based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps improve sleep habits through personalized recommendations and relaxation recordings.
- Tip: Try an evening digital "quiet time" – an hour before bedtime without blue light, social media, and emails. Your sleep quality will improve after just a few days.
When you need to find your way again
It's not always a crisis – sometimes we just feel a bit lost. That we're moving forward in our work or life more out of habit than conviction. Where therapy looks for causes, coaching helps find solutions.
Experts from Mindtrix guide employees toward greater self-reflection and mental resilience—teaching them how to make conscious decisions rather than decisions born of exhaustion. The Center for Systemics and NLP helps change unconscious behavior patterns that often stand between us and our peace of mind.
- Did you know that... regular coaching increases job satisfaction and reduces team turnover? Try it out—even a small change in thinking can bring great peace of mind.
Reset instead of escape
Sometimes the best therapy is simply to disappear for a while—away from people, noise, and responsibilities. Not to run away, but to consciously rest. To give your mind and body space to breathe again.
Instead of a quick wellness break, try a mindfulness retreat – a quiet weekend that will teach you to be mindful of the present moment. Mindfulness and meditation – Vnitřní prostor organizes relaxation stays combining meditation, breathing, and gentle movement. If you prefer more active relaxation, Jóga Bedřichov combines yoga with the mountain nature of the Jizera Mountains – ideal for anyone who needs to switch off their mind through movement.
- Did you know that... spending time in nature reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol after just 20–30 minutes? Imagine what a whole weekend could do!
When companies (finally) take care of their employees
The year 2025 confirms that mental health care is becoming part of corporate culture. Many employers today offer benefits that go beyond sports or meal vouchers—they focus on wellbeing and burnout prevention.
Benefit Plus has long connected employees with experts—from therapists to coaches to mindfulness instructors. Mental health is not just about solving problems, but about education, self-awareness, and cultivating inner balance. Everyone can choose the form of support that suits them best—whether they need to work through a difficult period, recharge their batteries, or learn how to deal with stress.
October as an invitation to change
October, Mental Health Awareness Month, is not just a reminder that we should take care of ourselves. It is an invitation to really start doing so: listening to our bodies, acknowledging our fatigue, and asking for help before it is too late.
Mental health is a 21st-century skill.
Devote some of your benefit points to mental well-being. Investing in peace and balance is an investment that will pay off the fastest.