Okay, let’s be real for a second. Burnout? It’s way too easy to fall into. I know because I’m living proof of it. Over the past week, I felt that familiar wave of exhaustion hit me. I had been pushing myself too hard—too many projects, too little rest, and honestly, I was drained. I kept thinking I could push through, but let’s just say… that didn’t exactly work out the way I’d hoped. The good news? I figured out how to reclaim my energy, and I want to share what’s been working for me. So, if you’ve been feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or like you’re constantly on the edge of burnout, keep reading, I got you. If you’re wondering how to recover from burnout, these tips might help you.
What Even Is Burnout?
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired after a long workday (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s that deep, soul-draining exhaustion that takes over when you’re stressed, overworked, and stuck in a cycle of doing all the things without giving yourself a break. If you’re working non-stop, juggling multiple responsibilities, and barely carving out time for yourself—yeah, you’re probably heading towards burnout.
In your mid-20s, it feels like everyone expects you to have your life together, right? The job, the social life, the side hustle, the personal growth—it’s a lot! It’s easy to feel like you’re always on, always doing something. But all that constant action can leave you feeling empty inside. And burnout is the result. Learning how to recover from burnout is essential to getting back to feeling like yourself.
Signs You’re Probably Burnt Out (And Not Just Tired)
It’s important to know when burnout is creeping in. Here are a few signs that you might be heading towards full-on burnout:
- You’re Always Tired, Like, No Matter WhatIt doesn’t matter how much sleep you get—you wake up tired. By the end of the day, you’re practically falling asleep on your laptop. This kind of exhaustion isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional, too.
- Nothing Feels Fun AnymoreThat project you used to love? You can’t even bring yourself to work on it. Hobbies? Meh. Even spending time with friends or your favorite Netflix show feels like a chore. If you’ve lost interest in the things that once lit you up, burnout might be to blame.
- You’re Easily IrritatedYou know that feeling when everything, even the little stuff, sets you off? That’s burnout talking. Your patience is thin, and it feels like your fuse is just too short.
- It’s Hard to FocusTrying to focus on work or anything, really? Nope. Your mind keeps wandering. You’re in meetings or doing tasks, and your brain is just elsewhere. It’s tough to get anything done when your energy is all over the place.
- Your Body Is Literally Telling You to StopWhen burnout kicks in, it doesn’t just affect your mind—it takes a toll on your body. You might get headaches, stomachaches, or notice you’re getting sick more often. Your body is trying to tell you something—it’s time to slow down.
Reclaiming My Energy: The Things That Actually Work
I’ve been there. And it’s not pretty. But here’s the thing: I’ve figured out how to reclaim my energy and start getting back to feeling like myself again. It takes work, and it’s not an instant fix, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re figuring out how to recover from burnout, here’s what has helped me, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Set Some Real Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
The first thing I had to do was set boundaries. And, honestly, it was hard. I’m a people-pleaser, and saying “no” feels like the hardest thing ever. But you know what? It’s a must. I’ve learned that I can’t say yes to everything, especially when I’m already running on empty. Now, I’m much more selective with where I spend my time. If something doesn’t align with my priorities, I don’t commit. It’s honestly liberating.
2. Rest Like It’s a Priority (Because It Is)
I don’t care what anyone says, sleep is everything. And I had to accept that. I used to power through my exhaustion, thinking I could just push through it. Spoiler alert: that doesn’t work. I’ve started scheduling time for proper rest—whether that means going to bed early, taking naps, or just chilling with no screens for a bit. Reclaiming my energy starts with good rest, and I’ve learned to stop ignoring that.
3. Get Moving (Even When You Don’t Want To)
Exercise doesn’t just make you look good—it makes you feel good, too. When I’m burnt out, the last thing I want to do is work out, but I make myself do it anyway. It’s not about going hard in the gym; sometimes it’s just a walk around the block or a short yoga session. Moving my body helps me feel re-energized and clears my mind.
4. Take Breaks (For Real)
I’m one of those people who can get hyper-focused on work and forget to take breaks. But I’ve realized that breaking is actually the secret to maintaining my energy. I’ve started using the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work, then a 5-minute break). It keeps me productive but also gives me the chance to rest and recharge. Breaks aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity.
5. Practice Self-Care Like It’s Your Job
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (though, let’s be real, those are amazing). It’s about checking in with yourself and doing what makes you feel good. For me, it’s journaling, making my favorite tea, or having a quiet morning to myself before the chaos of the day begins. It’s about making time for the things that make you feel like you again. Reclaiming your energy means prioritizing what you need to feel whole.
6. Talk It Out (Don’t Keep It All Inside)
Burnout can make you feel isolated. But you don’t have to go through it alone. When I’m feeling burnt out, I talk to friends or family. Sometimes just venting makes a world of difference. And if you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional support. Talking about your feelings is such an important part of reclaiming your energy.
7. Create a Balance (Not a Crazy Schedule)
I’m definitely guilty of overloading my schedule, but I’ve learned to create a more balanced one. I’ve started planning my days so that there’s time for work, time for rest, and time for play. Creating a schedule that includes downtime is key for keeping burnout at bay.
Reclaim Your Energy and Recover from Burnout
Burnout doesn’t have to be permanent, but it does require you to take action. By recognizing the signs and doing the work to reclaim your energy, you can feel better and get back to living your best life. It’s all about setting boundaries, taking breaks, prioritizing self-care, and learning how to say “no” when you need to. Learning how to recover from burnout isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it.
So if you’re reading this and you’re feeling burnt out, I get it. But trust me, you’ve got this. You deserve to feel energized and refreshed, and there are so many ways to get back to feeling like yourself again. Take it one step at a time, and remember: You don’t have to do it all alone.
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