When "Just Tired" Becomes Something Else
For a long time, I thought burnout was just a buzzword for people who needed a long weekend. Then it hit me. Suddenly, I wasn't just tired; I was hollow.
I’d wake up after eight hours of sleep feeling like I’d run a marathon in my dreams. Tasks that used to take ten minutes started feeling like climbing Everest. I found myself snapping at people I loved and retreating into a shell, going through the motions of life without actually being there.
The Red Flags We Ignore
Burnout doesn't usually arrive with a bang; it’s a slow leak. If you feel like you’re running on empty, look for these subtle shifts:
- The "Monday Blues" every single day: A total loss of motivation.
- Emotional Hair-Trigger: Feeling unusually irritable, cynical, or detached.
- Physical Rebellion: Chronic fatigue that caffeine can't fix and sudden insomnia.
Usually, this happens when the scales tip too far—too much "output" without any "input." Whether it’s unclear expectations at work or the heavy weight of caregiving, your brain eventually decides to pull the emergency brake.
How I Started My Recovery
Admitting I couldn't "power through" was the hardest part. Recovery isn't about one long nap; it’s about a structural change in how you live. For me, that looked like:
- Setting "Hard" Boundaries: Work hours became non-negotiable. When the laptop closed, my brain closed to work, too.
- Radical Self-Care (Minus the Guilt): I had to learn that resting is actually a productive act.
- Reconnecting with Small Joys: I stopped focusing on "big goals" and started looking for small hobbies that had nothing to do with my career.
A Final Thought
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness or a personal failing—it’s a survival mechanism. It’s your body’s way of saying, "Something has to change." If you recognize yourself in these words, please take it seriously. Be kind to yourself, reach out for support, and remember that choosing your well-being isn't selfish. It’s necessary.