Data in Latin America reflects this reality: 46% of workers report having experienced burnout in the last year, and 14% experience it frequently. In this context, self-care becomes a fundamental tool to protect overall health. Furthermore, there is a direct link between the gut and the brain that demonstrates how altered digestion can directly affect concentration and mood. Heacleff Gutierrez, Science Head for the region at Opella, emphasizes that self-care must extend to working hours. Over 45% of Latin Americans suffer from work fatigue: The importance of breaks and rest
Burnout, recognized by the WHO as an occupational phenomenon, affects nearly half of workers in Latin America, highlighting the need to incorporate self-care as a sustainability strategy in the work environment. 'Stopping for a minute, breathing, and listening to your body is not a waste of time: it's the best investment to keep performing well with well-being,' said Gutierrez.
Six Micro-actions for Sustainable Well-being
With the aim of promoting physical and mental balance during the workday, Heacleff Gutierrez shared six self-care recommendations, practices that Opella promotes under the vision that well-being is a simple decision within everyone's reach.
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Integrate breaks and pay attention to signs of physical discomfort. This does not decrease productivity, but sustains it by preventing physical and emotional exhaustion.
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Sleep and disconnect enough. Rest at the end of the day is vital for the body and mind to achieve effective recovery.
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Take care of your digestion. Eating calmly and at regular times helps prevent heartburn or a feeling of heaviness. A balanced digestive system favors concentration and maintains energy.
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Address mild symptoms. Preventing the worsening of ailments like fever, allergies, or muscle pain through timely relief is an essential part of responsible self-care.
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Ventilate workspaces. Renewing the air in enclosed environments reduces exposure to allergens and mitigates respiratory discomforts.
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Take short breaks to move. Relieving muscle tension through movement is one of the most frequent causes of body pain.
The Silent Impact of Burnout
Burnout manifests when the body and mind operate without the necessary rest and recovery. This phenomenon, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2019, originates from unmanaged chronic stress. Its initial symptoms are often silent but significant, and include:
• Constant fatigue and loss of appetite. • Physical discomforts such as muscle contractures and digestive disorders. • Weakening of the immune system. • Hormonal alterations that can impact metabolism or the menstrual cycle.
Studies confirm that fatigue, muscle pain, digestive discomfort, and insomnia are common symptoms of prolonged stress.
The modern approach to work must prioritize people's well-being over mere performance measurement.
