Hello dear friends,
How are you doing? This month is giving me summer vibes, and I love it. The local garden centre is about to make me bankrupt, but I keep admiring plants. Now, I have adopted tending the church garden pots, which gives me more planting space. God help your child.
I had a meeting with someone I consider a mentor, and we talked about my recovery from burnout,so I thought why not share some of the things I have learnt with you guys.
Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty—mentally, emotionally, or physically this month?
You keep pushing, showing up, doing what’s expected, but inside, you’re drained. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing burnout.
In today’s work culture, burnout has become more common than ever. There is less time in to do more work and we are also lacking in social support to help us cope with this new generational stress. Knowing the signs—and how to respond—can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just stress or tiredness. It’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often caused by long-term stress and overworking, especially in environments where you feel unappreciated, overwhelmed, or out of control.
This is why it is important to define it properly, it often starts with slight irritation, feeling unsure what is going on, questioning behaviours around you, questioning your confidence and competence.
It creeps in slowly, often unnoticed until it starts affecting your health, relationships, and performance.
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Common Signs of Burnout
1. Constant Fatigue
Even after a full night’s sleep, you feel tired. You lack the energy to do things you once enjoyed. You can physically feel aches in your body sometimes.
2. Lack of Motivation
Tasks that used to excite you now feel like a burden. You find it hard to get started, let alone stay focused.
3. Irritability or Cynicism
You become easily frustrated or emotionally numb. You start to resent your work, your responsibilities, or even the people around you. You become agitated and anxious about things that used to be ok.
4. Feeling Inadequate or Unaccomplished
No matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. You feel like you’re falling behind—or worse, failing.
5. Physical Symptoms
Headaches, sleep disturbances, recurrent flus, digestive issues, or chest pains can be signs that stress is taking a physical toll.
What Causes Burnout?
- Work Overload: Too many demands with too little support.
- Lack of Control: Feeling powerless or micromanaged.
- Unclear Expectations: Uncertainty about what success looks like.
- Isolation: Lack of meaningful connection or support.
- Neglecting Self-Care: Always giving, never refilling your own cup. Missing health checks, hair appointments, house tidy schedule.
What Can You Do About Burnout?
1. Pause and Acknowledge It
You can’t fix what you’re pretending doesn’t exist. Name it. Accept that something needs to change. This was the hardest part for me. It felt impossible that this was happening to me. I was drained but still moving
2. Set Boundaries
Say no more often. Protect your time, energy, and peace. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for survival.
3. Rest Intentionally
Burnout won’t be fixed by a single nap or vacation. Build rest into your daily rhythm—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
4. Reconnect with What Matters
What fills your cup? A hobby, prayer, journaling, nature, laughter? Make time for joy, not just productivity.
5. Talk About It
Speak to a therapist, mentor, or trusted friend. You don’t have to carry this alone. Sharing your burden lightens it.
6. Realign Your Life
Ask yourself:
- What’s no longer working for me?
- Where am I overstretched?
- What do I need more of?
- Make small but intentional shifts. Sometimes, change starts with a single courageous step.
Final Thoughts: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor
We live in a world that often glorifies hustle and burnout as proof of hard work or passion. But that’s not sustainable—or healthy.
You are not a machine.
You deserve rest.
You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to heal.
Take this as your permission slip to check in with yourself, breathe deeper, and choose wellness over constant doing. Because you matter—and your well-being matters more than your productivity.
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Ready to start your healing journey?
Share this post with someone who needs it, or leave a comment below with your thoughts. Let’s normalize the conversation around burnout—because recovery is possible, and you’re not alone.
Until next time, stay authentic.
Stay resilient, and continue to honour your needs.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
