Let’s talk about something that sneaks up on us but not in a good way. It’s not a good surprise, it’s not helpful and it makes you feel like crap. Yep, that dreaded B-word we all know too well. But don’t worry, we’re going to tackle this topic with a smile and maybe even a laugh or two.
What the Heck is Burnout?
Burnout is that moment when your get-up-and-go has got up and gone. It’s when your brain feels like mush, and the thought of doing one more task makes you want to crawl under a blanket and never come out. It’s a state of physical and emotional exhaustion.
Burnout is when do you don’t want to do anything, and I mean anything. You don’t want to eat, chat with friends or even think. You don’t have any energy to do anything. You’d have the same meals all week, just so you don’t have to think, and that’s if you even want to eat. The thought of reading a book and relaxing just feels like another job to add to the list.
There is no energy for anything. ANYTHING. and your Irritability has you screaming into a pillow at least 3 times a day
( If you are doing more, that’s perfectly normal. Don’t worry)
Safe to say, it’s not brilliant
Some other signs to look out for- but not exclusive too…
Coffee Can’t Fix You Anymore
When your trusty cup of coffee, not matter morning, noon or night feels like it’s just mocking you instead of reviving you, it’s time to reassess.
Emails Look Like Ancient Scripts
Trying to decode an email feels like solving the Da Vinci Code. Spoiler: there’s no treasure, just more emails.
Colleague Speak Is Now Klingon
Conversations with coworkers’ sound like they’re speaking in an alien language. “Synergy” what now? If you need to say “Pardon? More than twice and it also looks like you have a migraine while saying it- You can check this box too!
When You Daydream About Naps
If your fantasy life involves snoozing rather than winning the lottery, step away from the desk.
Microwave Meals Are Your Main Food Group
If you can’t remember the last time you used your oven, or if cereal is your idea of gourmet, it’s time for some self-care.
Does any of this sound familiar? Please share you best Burnt-Out stories with me in the comments section I’d love to know how it affects you too!
If any of what I’ve said does resonate with you- here are some helpful tips to help you get back on track.
The Art of Saying “No”
One of the biggest culprits behind burnout is our inability to say “no.” We’re all guilty of it. Someone asks for a favor, and before you know it, you’re agreeing to bake 100 cupcakes for the School Summer fair, or if you look at your diary and there are multiple entries per day, you are taking much on. Or if there are people off work, or given their notice and you try and cover 5 people’s jobs on your own- brace the power of “no.”
Yes it is hard, especially if you’re not used to saying it. Sometimes you also feel like you need to explain yourself too- but you don’t. You need to practice saying it. It feels different at first but trust me, it gets easier. Just try it- Let me know how you get on.
Self-Care is Not Selfish
Now, let’s talk about self-care. And no, I’m not talking about a quick shower and calling it a day. Real self-care means taking time to recharge your batteries. Whether it’s a long bath with a book, a walk in the park, or binge-watching your favourite show guilt-free, it’s important to do what makes you happy. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup! What have you done today for YOU?
The art of doing absolutely nothing is hard to master but you need to do it.
A must read book if you are resonating with this blog – The Burn Out by Sophie Kinsella
Click HERE to see what else I’ve been doing to help the burn out
Laugh it Off
When was the last time your laughed? Not laughed in your head but laughed out loud?
Laughter is truly the best medicine. Find humour in the little things and don’t take life too seriously. Watch a comedy, swap funny stories with friends, or just laugh at your own mishaps. Did you accidentally send an email to the entire office meant for your best friend? Trip up and spill your coffee on your boss or a stranger? Oops! Laugh it off and move on.
Nature Calls- but not in that way!
Get outside. Go for a walk. Get out of the house or office. The power of nature is insanely incredible. Nothing beats it. A 5 min walk will do you the world of good. Even better if you can listen to your favourite music while doing it. For me, personally, I love water. I always try and find a water source but we’re all different.
Talk it out
Talk to your friends, family, therapist or even your pet- Mine is an incredible therapist! Talking is essential, you never know, someone might be able to help and even if they can’t, its good not to overthink about it all. Talking about it stops your brain from making everything 10x worse
Remember life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets by by change
In the end, beating burnout is about recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to care for yourself. Prioritize what’s important, let go of perfection, and don’t be afraid to delegate. Life is too short to be anything but happy and healthy.
Until next time, keep smiling, stay fabulous, and remember to laugh at the little things.
You’ve got this
What are your go-to methods for avoiding burnout? Share your tips and funny stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
I’ve experienced burnout in my career as a nurse. The signs of burnout for me is when I lose empathy and compassion. That’s the sign I need to back off!! Even in retirement, this is true for me.
I like that saying – “you can do anything, just not everything!” That’s good to remember. The importance of saying no is so important. Sometimes I’ll come across people who say no to something, and I think oh come on. Then I think, oh maybe they just have healthy boundaries. Then I realize I need to respect their no, even if I want them to say yes.
For me it’s usually harder to just say no to myself – there are too many things I want to do. I need to tell myself, no I’m going to have to let this thing or that thing go, because that’s the only way I’m going to get to do anything at all
Love this post!!! I have been in burnout many times! I am always trying to do everything. Self care and saying no are so important and lessons I have to remind myself often! It’s easy to just keep grinding on and ignore even your most basic needs – like eating. Thanks for this post it is a great reminder, burnout is real, and what to do to help avoid it!
When I feel burnout, I will find a comedy to watch. That always helps get me recharged. Lately I have been listening to upbeat music and dancing. Now that really works for me.
Sherri
Music works for me too, I try to dance and I do with my daughter but I think it makes her feel better because I’m so bad! lol
I love your sense of humor! I can relate to when words sound like mush. It’s the Charlie Brown’s teacher’s voice! When I’m feeling burnout, I always try to make sure I’ve taken the time to paint my toes. A little bit of bright sparkle goes a long way! Seriously though, it’s cheery, and it means the world doesn’t fall apart if I take an hour off to paint my toes. It kind of puts things in perspective.
Your posts are so much fun and helpful! Thank you for the cheer! I’m glad to hear I’m not alone 🙂
Nakina
A great read! Your sense of humour is fantastic. I can’t say I’ve ever experienced burn out to the extremes that you mention, however I do find reading a book in the bath gets very difficult once you’ve dropped the damn thing in the water a few times. Personally, speaking I get my recharge from playing the piano – but not in the bath.
I think you had a great holiday in the fjords judging by your videos. I hope you feel recharged.
Andy Jacobs recently posted…Catching Up With The Training Sessions
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for this relatable and insightful post on burnout. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Burnout truly is a state where even the simplest tasks feel monumental, and your descriptions are so familiar.
In my experience, the hardest part is admitting that I need help and taking steps to address it. The tips you provided, especially learning to say “no” and prioritizing self-care, are incredibly valuable. I also appreciate the reminder to find humor in everyday life and the importance of getting outside and connecting with nature. I would do more of that if it weren’t so darn hot here in Florida!
Thank you for sharing these strategies and reminding us to take care of ourselves. Life is too short to be anything but happy and healthy. Let’s all try to laugh more and stress less!
Looking forward to reading more from you. 😊
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…The Power Of A Strong “Why” In Affiliate Marketing
Sarah you always have a truly unique way of making your point! I did LOL when I read your heading “Nature Calls- but not in that way!”. I kind of look at keeping fuel in my car the same as feeling Burn Out, I don’t want to run out of gas along the side of the road and with self-care and the others points you make are the fuel that we need to keep from running out of gas along our daily lives or online journey. Can’t wait to hear your next post!
That’s a really good wat to look at it. Thanks Ken. I’ve been that girl on the side of the road ringing for help because I’ve not fueled up! Not anymore. Burn out wasn’t pleasant!
The issue for me is recognizing burnout with depression. A lot of the symptoms you describe are depressive symptoms. I’ve struggled with depression my whole life, so when I start to feel like I’m burning out, I have to ask myself questions to determine if it is genuinely that or something more serious. It’s tricky because I don’t always know my symptoms when it happens, and it seems to take me by surprise a lot. I usually know what it is after doing something fun or changing my state of mind by listening to music or watching TV doesn’t provide me joy or relief. Not eating for me is a tale tale sign of depression versus just feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Vanessa A Lea recently posted…If There Is A Reset Button For Life, I’ve Just Pushed It!
Some of the signs are similar but I think it all depends on how you get there. I have suffered with depression too if I’m honest. For me, with Burnout I feel better once I’ve had a good quality rest, where with depression I didn’t. With burnout, it came after a VERY busy period of time and with depression that wasn’t necessarily true. Thank you so much for your comment. It means a lot when my blog posts are relatable.
Important blog entry Sarah!
I’ve experienced burnout; it’s the reason why I retired from the Army. We all need to listen to both our minds and our bodies, there can’t be half-measures about that.
My mother used to tell me “you can have everything in life — just not all at the same time”. I didn’t understand that until much later in my life but once I did and sought help with my burnout, I found myself at a better place both physically and mentally.
Time to listen and take the time to make this a priority in our lives! Thank you for the reminder.
My mum used to say that too! Great minds. We are in our bodies for a long time, we need to look after ourselves. Thanks Marc
Hi Sarah – You are so incredibly clever on how you write to explain your topic in a way that is not only easy to understand but fun to read! I have a lot of burnout stories and I have a lot of burn in stories. The thing that I hope is that I learned from each opportunity. I love, love, love, your list starting with learning how to say “no.” If I can be perfectly honest, I do struggle with self-care as I often feel guilty that I should be caring for others. However, it’s like they say when you’re on an airplane and they give the safety announcements about the mask should it be needed. Put your mask on first before you assist others. Thank you for your great advice and you’re always great content!
Thank you for this Ernie. I do too struggle with saying “no” I am 100% a people pleaser so this has taken time. One you try it and see the effects of your health, it will feel better long term. I’m still not brilliant with it…..It’s a skill we can build together!
Hi Sarah,
Such a great post! I’ve used much of what you wrote in working through burnout throughout the years. It worked until it didn’t :-). In my last 2.5 years in my career as a career counsellor for a non-profit it was a perpetual state of burnout from start to finish. No end in sight as management was set to increase it until I was pressured enough to quit. It ruined my health, and I ended up not just resigning but leaving the industry altogether. That was in Sept 2023 and haven’t worked since. Only on this affiliate biz. Money’s been tight and scarce sometimes but with my health I can’t go back to most of what I’ve done in past. Right now I’m not burnt out, health much better, and choosing to protect it but not just taking any job. Hoping this biz makes an income soon so I can continue down this road. I could write a drama series from all the messed up experiences I’ve had in different industries over the last 30+ years. I feel like I’m living my best life but just not making income yet… but believing I will soon 🙂
Denny
Hi Sarah, I really love this expression “stay fabulous”. Yes! I want to stay fabulous! 😄 What I thought would have been an emotionally heavy post ended-up in the smile and laughter. Indeed you succeeded being positive throughout your post and this helped a lot to create a good mood. Well, you were fabulous. I really like to laugh and approach serious topics with a take of humour.
Martin
Smartie G, I say (like Reader’s Digest says), “Laughter is The Best Medicine”. It may be nervous laughter but my friend Kim can have a room-full laughing in no time with her laughter. And I bet it certainly helps anyone that may be feeling the blues to have things turned around – feeling an alternate reality of being energized. It’s good to have a laugher in your midst.
Robert Klein recently posted…Problems Found on WordPress
Sarah, Thank you for this insightful post on burnout. Your description of feeling exhausted and overwhelmed really hit home for me. I appreciate the practical tips on saying “no” and prioritising self-care—something I need to practice more. The suggestion to find humor and get outside is a great reminder to take small, enjoyable breaks. I’m going to try these strategies and hope they help bring back some much-needed energy and balance. Thanks again for sharing these valuable insights! Thanks, Atif
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for this post. It’s a good reminder to be mindful of our boundaries and limitations.
Saying ‘no’ is clearly one main aspect of burnout, and I notice when I do it makes room for other things that I can do to avoid burnout.
Humour, having a laugh with friends and family and daily walks is my go to and I have specific goals am working towards managing my wellbeing.