Based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) developed by Christina Maslach and Susan E. Jackson, burnout has three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and (lack of) personal accomplishment. Transcendental Meditation® is a scientifically-validated method of decreasing the emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout especially.

Brief Description of Burnout’s Dimensions

Emotional exhaustion is how used up you feel due to overworking. Depersonalisation is how distant or disconnected you feel towards your boss or clients. Lack of personal accomplishment is how unsatisfied you are with your work.


What Exactly Is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation® is a simple natural effortless technique that is practised for just 15-20 minutes twice a day by sitting comfortably. The technique is always taught in a one-on-one setting by a certified teacher over a four-day course consecutive day course.

Research shows that practising Transcendental Meditation improves relationships in the workplace and increases job satisfaction. TM also reduces stress, which is the leading cause of procrastination, and feeling dissatisfaction with one’s achievements.

The Continued Prevalence of Burnout Today

  • 77% of the global workforce has experienced burnout at their current job (Hubstaff).
  • 48% of workers across the world are currently suffering from burnout (BCG). 
  • 82% of employees are at risk of burnout in 2024 (Fortune).
Graph - Deep Rest During TM


These statistics show that burnout isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s becoming a near-universal problem for those working today. What’s worse, women have long been more likely to suffer from burnout.

  • In a 2022 survey of 5,000 women, nearly 50% felt burned out (Deloitte).
  • In a 2023 poll of 10,243 workers, 46% of women vs 37% of men reported higher burnout (Future Forum).
  • In 2024, a new study revealed that women experienced up to 26% higher burnout (BCG). For women in leadership roles, over 50% felt constantly burned out (Spill).

Why Consider Transcendental Meditation for Burnout

One of the reasons why Transcendental Meditation for women is so important is the technique’s proven effectiveness in reducing burnout.

For a 2022 randomised control trial of 80 participants (more than 80 per cent were women), the Transcendental Meditation group had significant reduction in emotional exhaustion.

In a 2021 single-arm pilot study of 31 emergency clinicians (61 per cent female), Transcendental Meditation training led to significant reductions in burnout, with medium to large effects on all dimensions.

Research also shows that Transcendental Meditation reduces emotional exhaustion which can lead to feeling ‘drained’ and ‘lethargic’. 

The 2021 randomised controlled study of 78 participants (over 65% were female) showed significant reductions in emotional exhaustion for the group assigned to the Transcendental Meditation program.

In a 2014 randomised controlled study of 40 school staff (52% were female while 48% were male), there was a significant decrease in emotional exhaustion and an increase in personal accomplishment (i.e., a decrease in lack of personal accomplishment).

Transcendental Meditation


How Does Transcendental Meditation Avert and Reduce Burnout?

According to a 2024 journal article, neural mechanisms of Transcendental Meditation contrast that of burnout. Specific brain regions have lower activity during burnout and higher activity during Transcendental Meditation. Daily practice of Transcendental Meditation could, therefore, prevent the likelihood of burnout.

Both the 2021 randomised controlled study and a 2019 journal article found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improved resilience. The 2019 journal article further stated that resilience has an inverse relationship with burnout. Thus, it’s even more likely that Transcendental Meditation practice assists in averting burnout.

Learn more about how Transcendental Meditation increases resilience.