Neurons don’t Negotiate | Eman Elimam | TEDxTSMU

Burnout & Well-being in Healthcare - Healthcare professionals often treat burnout and sleeplessness as a rite of passage, but this is neurologically damaging [2][3] - Chronic stress, fueled by the desire to be good enough, rewires brains, impacting decision-making, empathy, and self-regulation [7][8] - Sacrifices made by healthcare professionals can turn them from caregivers into casualties of their own profession [10] - Constant exposure to stress can shrink the hippocampus, impairing memory and learning [14] - Chronic lack of sleep affects cognitive function, impulse control, and problem-solving, while increasing anxiety and irritability [16] - Overconsumption of caffeine, while temporarily boosting alertness, can increase cortisol levels, exacerbating the stress cycle [16] Solutions & Recommendations - Self-care, stress management, and emotional boundaries are essential tools to protect against burnout [17] - Finding balance involves small choices, such as engaging in activities outside of work [18] - Recovery can involve activities like walking in nature, spending time with loved ones, or simply allowing the brain to reset [19] - True healing starts within, and healthcare professionals should prioritize their own well-being [21]