Ep 83 | The Hidden Burnout Signs High Achievers Miss with Dr. Romie Mushtaq

You may still be performing at a high level, meeting deadlines, caring for your family, and keeping everything moving. But does that mean your brain is actually doing well?In Episode 83 of Mpowered Living, host Ann Sheu sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a brain doctor, researcher, chief wellness officer, and author of The Busy Brain Cure, to examine the less obvious ways chronic stress can show up in high achievers.Dr. Romie describes what she calls a “busy brain”—a state associated with chronic stress on the path toward burnout—and why symptoms like anxiety, difficulty focusing, disrupted sleep, brain fog, and growing irritability can be easy to normalize when you’re used to pushing through.Drawing from her research, her work with organizations, and her own experience with severe chronic stress, she and Ann explore what happens when the expectations placed on our brains keep increasing without a corresponding shift in how we care for ourselves.In this episode, they discuss:• How Dr. Romie defines a “busy brain” and the warning signs people often overlook• The difference between acute stress and the chronic stress many professionals live with• How digital distraction and constant device use can affect attention and sleep• Why Dr. Romie starts with a “brain score” before introducing new wellness habits• How leaders can practice empathetic listening without immediately trying to fix someone’s problem• Why listening to employees can uncover workplace issues that traditional surveys may missDr. Romie also introduces her 3-30-3 Brain Reset, explains why her approach adds habits gradually rather than all at once, and shares the personal health crisis that made this work deeply personal for her.This conversation is especially relevant for leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and high performers who are functioning on the outside but finding it increasingly difficult to focus, unplug, sleep, or feel fully present.Connect with Dr. Romie Mushtaq:Website: https://drromie.com/ Busy Brain Test / Brain Score Assessment: https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test/ Book: https://drromie.com/book/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DRROMIEMUSHTAQ TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKAFdJ8ZHY