Burnout and compassion fatigue remain pervasive challenges among healthcare professionals,
particularly those operating in high-stakes environments such as emergency departments, rural
clinics, and maritime healthcare. Chronic stress disrupts key neurobiological processes, which can
impair cognitive function, emotional regulation, and decision-making abilities. In addition to burnout,
healthcare providers are increasingly vulnerable to compassion fatigue, a condition characterised by
secondary traumatic stress and emotional exhaustion stemming from prolonged exposure to patient
suffering. This paper explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying burnout and compassion
fatigue, highlighting the impact of stress on the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus.
To address these challenges, evidence-based strategies, including micro-recovery moments, mindfulness
meditation, breath control techniques, and cyclical breathing, are examined as practical interventions to
promote resilience. Furthermore, the role of self-assessment tools in early recognition and intervention
is discussed, providing healthcare professionals with structured methods to evaluate their well-being.
By integrating neuroscience-backed self-regulation strategies into daily practice and workplace culture,
organisations can foster resilience, ultimately enhancing both provider well-being and patient care
outcomes. This paper underscores the critical need for systemic changes to mitigate the psychological
toll of caregiving and ensure long-term professional sustainability
