Burnout is a term that gets thrown around a lot—but it’s not just about feeling busy or overwhelmed. It’s a real state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that builds over time, often from prolonged stress without enough recovery.
While burnout is commonly associated with work, it can also show up in your relationships, routines, and even your approach to health and wellness. It’s the feeling of running on empty, even when you’re doing everything “right.”
What burnout feels like
Burnout doesn’t look the same for everyone, but there are a few common signs to watch for:
– Persistent fatigue, even after resting
– Brain fog or difficulty focusing
– Feeling detached, unmotivated, or emotionally flat
– Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
– Going through the motions without feeling present
– A sense of dread around things you used to enjoy
You might still be functioning — going to work, showing up to workouts, checking things off your list — but without much energy behind it. Over time, that can chip away at your wellbeing, even if it doesn’t feel urgent at first.
Why it happens
Burnout is usually the result of prolonged stress without enough time, space, or support to recover. It builds slowly, especially in people who are high-functioning, highly motivated, or used to powering through discomfort. The body and mind can keep up for a while—but not indefinitely.
And while self-care can help, burnout doesn’t always resolve with a single day off or a green juice. It requires a deeper reset: more rest, less noise, better boundaries, and often a shift in pace or perspective.
What to do if you’re there
The first step is noticing it. If you’re identifying with the signs above, try to carve out space for recovery — even in small ways:
– Prioritize sleep, even if it means saying no to something else
– Take breaks from screens and overstimulation
– Opt for nourishing meals over convenience when you can
– Move your body in a way that feels restorative, not depleting
– Do one thing that feels genuinely good—not productive—every day
– Talk to someone, if you need to
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. But it might mean you’re doing too much, too often, without enough support underneath it. Slowing down isn’t the opposite of progress — it’s what makes it sustainable.
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