Linna, 32, a marketing director at a Beijing, China-based company, earned the nickname "the tireless one" from her colleagues. She had just completed three consecutive months of overtime to secure the year's largest project. However, on the very night of the celebration party, the director was rushed to the emergency room.

Holding test results that showed no illness or injury, Linna asked her doctor, "I frequently experience heart palpitations. Although my indicators are normal, I feel like I'm about to break down."

Doctor Luu My Yen, Head of the Psycho-Cardiology Center at An Trinh Hospital, Beijing, stated that Linna's condition is a classic example of psychosomatic illness (the interaction between psychological and physical states). When psychological pressure exceeds one's tolerance, it uses the nervous system as a "loudspeaker," broadcasting signals as physical pain.

Photo illustration: Korea Times

The paradox of "phantom illness, real pain"

Medical statistics from An Trinh Hospital reveal that approximately 35% of patients seeking treatment for discomfort receive entirely normal health results.

Doctor Luu explained that the human autonomic nervous system divides into two branches: the sympathetic (stress response) and the parasympathetic (recovery). When working at high intensity for extended periods, the sympathetic system is continuously stimulated, while the parasympathetic system becomes inactive.

This silent imbalance rarely appears in blood test results or X-ray images. Instead, the body "goes on strike": rapid heartbeat, erratic blood pressure; gastric reflux, spasms; pounding headaches, persistent insomnia, and frequent minor illnesses.

Characteristics of this syndrome include diverse symptoms that migrate throughout the body and are directly proportional to stress. When at work, the body feels exhausted, but during time off, one feels perfectly healthy, as if never ill.

Four "prescriptions" for regaining balance

To escape this state of subtle exhaustion, health experts recommend that individuals proactively re-establish their life balance:

Keep an "emotional journal": Categorize pressures into "changeable" and "unavoidable." When negative waves strike, drink a cup of warm water or take three deep breaths. This action acts like a "pause" button, helping the autonomic nervous system reset.

Choose appropriate recovery exercises: Do not force an exhausted body to endure high-intensity gym workouts. Prioritize healing sports such as brisk walking, swimming, and yoga.

Nourish nerve cells: Increase intake of foods rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 (salmon, nuts) to soothe damaged nerves. Concurrently, reduce coffee and refined sugar consumption.

Seek professional help: If self-adjustment proves difficult, consult psychological clinics. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or short-term prescribed nerve-regulating medication can help the body break free from this vicious cycle.

Do not mistake a normal health check-up for a "get out of jail free card" and wait until the body is completely broken down before frantically trying to fix it. A peaceful mind and a resilient body are the true foundations for success.

Bao Nhien (According to Hon Nhan va Gia Dinh)