The Burnout Paradox: Breaking Free

Burnout is often described as the defining feeling of the post-pandemic world – but why are we all so exhausted?

Some grapple with perfectionism, while others are overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. From confronting our inner critics to understanding how the drive for productivity can stifle freedom, cultural historian and burnout coach Anna Katharina Schaffner combines insights from science, medicine, literature, and philosophy to examine the causes and history of burnout, offering fresh strategies to combat stress and negativity.

A former academic who experienced burnout herself, Schaffner is now a coach and writer. She is the author of The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths, The Truth About Julia, and Exhausted: An A–Z for the Weary.