Use food as fuel to fight burnout

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Burnout has only been an official medical diagnosis since 2019, but the term has been front and center in workplace discussions over the past two-plus years. The stresses of living through a global pandemic, along with the work, family, and lifestyle changes this entailed, have pushed many people to the edge. In fact, a 2021 American Psychological Association survey found that 79% of adult employees reported feeling work-related stress. But as employers continue to battle this trend, what many don’t realize is that employee nutrition can be a key tool for reducing stress and easing burnout.

Consider that with 95% of serotonin produced in the gut, helping employees address the way they eat can play a significant role in reducing the impact of burnout. Individuals who more often consume low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruits and berries, and white meat are less likely to feel burned out than others who more frequently consume junk food. Meanwhile, people who stick to a diet of healthy food experience fewer mood fluctuations and have an overall happier outlook and an improved ability to focus.