Burnout Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Burnout doesn’t hit all at once. It creeps in slowly, like a shadow growing longer until it consumes everything. By the time you realize it’s there, you’re likely deep in it, running on fumes and wondering why you can’t just snap out of it. But the truth is, burnout isn’t something you can fight your way through. Recovery isn’t quick, and it isn’t easy—but it’s necessary.
I know this because I’ve been in burnout for nearly a decade. For years, I ignored the signs. I kept pushing, working harder, convincing myself that rest was a luxury I couldn’t afford. And now? I barely have the energy to move. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Burnout is brutal, and the path out of it can feel impossibly long. But it’s a journey we can’t ignore.
How Burnout Happens
Burnout builds over time, fed by constant stress, unrelenting pressure, and the belief that we have to keep going no matter what. It’s not just about working too much—it’s about working too much without enough support or recovery.
Here’s how it typically unfolds:
The Push. It starts with doing more than you can handle, often because you feel like you have no other choice. Deadlines, responsibilities, and expectations pile up, and you keep saying “yes.”
The Signs. Exhaustion, irritability, brain fog, and physical aches creep in. You might ignore them or chalk them up to temporary stress.
The Collapse. Eventually, your body and mind start to rebel. You feel completely drained, unmotivated, and unable to keep going—but you try anyway.
The Plateau. Burnout becomes your baseline. You function on autopilot, getting through the day but never really living.
The longer burnout goes unaddressed, the harder it is to recover. And if you keep pushing through it, you risk making it worse.
Recognizing Burnout
The first step to healing is admitting you’re burnt out. It’s not easy—it might feel like failure, weakness, or admitting defeat. But recognizing burnout isn’t giving up; it’s the first step toward taking your life back.
Ask yourself:
Am I constantly tired, no matter how much I sleep?
Do I feel emotionally detached from my work, relationships, or passions?
Am I struggling to concentrate or find joy in things I used to love?
Do I feel like I’m just going through the motions, with no end in sight?
If the answer is yes, it’s time to pause. Burnout isn’t something you can ignore forever.
The Hard Truth About Recovery
Here’s the part no one wants to hear: recovery takes time—a lot of time. You can’t undo years of overwork and neglect with a weekend off or a spa day. Real recovery requires patience, rest, and a willingness to reimagine how you live and work.
And yes, it might take years. But the longer you fight against it, the longer the recovery will be. Burnout is your body and mind’s way of saying, Enough. Ignoring it only deepens the damage.
What to Do When You’re Burnt Out
Acknowledge It. Say it out loud: “I’m burnt out.” This isn’t weakness—it’s awareness.
Rest Without Guilt. Rest is not lazy; it’s essential. Give yourself permission to take breaks, say no, and prioritize recovery.
Seek Support. Talk to someone—a therapist, a friend, a loved one. Burnout thrives in isolation, but recovery happens in connection.
Set Boundaries. Learn to protect your energy. Whether it’s at work, with friends, or in your daily routine, boundaries are your lifeline.
Take Small Steps. Recovery isn’t all or nothing. Start small: drink more water, get outside, or take a short nap.
Give Yourself Patience
This is the hardest part. In a world that glorifies hustle and instant results, giving yourself patience feels counterintuitive. But healing isn’t a race—it’s a process.
I won’t sugarcoat it: I’m still in it. A decade of burnout doesn’t disappear overnight. But I’m learning to stop fighting it, to stop punishing myself for not being able to “power through.” Recovery is messy and slow, but it’s worth it. Everything is effected - my quality of life, my relationships, how well I can care for others, my writing - OMG. My writing. I want to weep over that one. I didn’t give myself the grace to recover. I didn’t feel I had the time. And now? I’m such a raw husk right now, it’s insane.
If you’re in the thick of burnout, give yourself grace. You didn’t get here overnight, and you won’t get out overnight either. But you will get out. One step, one rest day, one boundary at a time.
It’s Okay to Pause
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’ve been pushing too hard for too long. And the only way forward is to stop, breathe, and let yourself heal.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be perfect or productive right now. You just have to give yourself permission to recover.
Burnout is your body and mind’s way of asking for care, and the best thing you can do is listen. So pause. Rest. And trust that healing—no matter how long it takes—is possible.
You’re not failing by slowing down. You’re saving yourself. And that’s the bravest, most important thing you can do.
