Burnout isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t always look like total exhaustion or dramatic breakdowns. Sometimes, it creeps into your life slowly, leaving you drained, unmotivated, and disconnected from the things that once brought you joy.
In this episode of Work It, Live It, Own It, I explore the hidden side of burnout—the kind that wears you down before you even recognize it. If you feel like you are constantly going through the motions without real fulfillment, this episode is for you.
What Hidden Burnout Looks Like
Hidden burnout is not just about long hours. It happens when you constantly give your energy to tasks, people, and obligations that take more than they give back. Here is what a typical day might look like:
Morning Exhaustion: Waking up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
Notification Overload: Starting the day overwhelmed by emails, messages, and requests demanding attention.
Autopilot Mode: Powering through tasks without feeling accomplished or satisfied.
Evening Guilt: Ending the day mindlessly scrolling, frustrated, and feeling like you did not do enough.
This cycle is not just stress—it is a warning sign that your energy reserves are running low.
Why Traditional Self-Care Isn’t Enough
Burnout is not only caused by working too much; it is about engaging in work and habits that drain your spirit. While self-care practices like spa days and meditation are helpful, they will not solve the deeper issue. Ask yourself:
Relief or Anxiety? If you had an entire free day, would you feel relieved or anxious about “wasting time”?
Guilt and Productivity? Do you feel guilty when you are not checking something off your to-do list?
If you relate to these questions, it may be time to rethink how you recharge.
Three Steps to Reverse Hidden Burnout
1. Identify Your Energy Leaks
Start by listing your daily activities and separating them into two categories:
Energizing Activities: Tasks that leave you feeling motivated, such as mentoring a student or creating something new.
Draining Activities: Tasks that leave you feeling exhausted, such as responding to endless emails or saying yes out of obligation.
Once you identify these patterns, you can begin to limit energy drains and focus on what fuels you.
2. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Many people struggle with saying no because they fear disappointing others. Instead of automatically agreeing to everything, try saying, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you."
This gives you time to assess whether something aligns with your energy and priorities before committing.
3. Build a Real Recovery Plan
Not all rest is truly restorative. Scrolling through social media or binge-watching television may seem relaxing, but they often do not recharge you. Instead, focus on:
Creative Recovery: Engage in activities like painting, writing, or dancing.
Sensory Recovery: Spend time outdoors, take deep breaths, or soak up some sunlight.
Social Recovery: Connect with people who uplift and energize you.
The goal is to choose activities that genuinely restore you, rather than just distract you.
Take Action: Your Burnout Recovery Challenge
It is time to take small, meaningful steps toward recovery. This week, challenge yourself to:
Audit Your Energy: Pay attention to what drains and restores you throughout the day.
Practice Saying No: Decline at least one request without guilt.
Schedule Real Rest: Set aside time for activities that truly replenish your energy.
Burnout thrives when it goes unaddressed. The more we talk about it, the more we can take control of our well-being. Share your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media, and let’s continue this conversation together.
Listen to the full episode of Work It, Live It, Own It for deeper insights, and connect with me to share your experience. You deserve to thrive, not just survive. Let’s reclaim your energy and joy, one step at a time.
