You’re tired—but not just the kind of tired that a good night’s sleep can fix. You feel drained, flat, unmotivated, and like you’re running on fumes. Even things you used to enjoy feel like a chore. You keep pushing through, but deep down, you know something’s not right. This might not just be stress—it could be burnout.
Burnout isn’t just about being busy or tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged or chronic stress. It can happen in work, parenting, caregiving, or even in relationships. And it often sneaks up slowly, disguised as productivity or “just a rough patch,” until your body or mind forces you to stop.
So, how do you know if what you’re feeling is burnout and not just ordinary fatigue?
Here are some common signs to look out for:
Exhaustion: You feel chronically tired, even after resting. You might find it hard to get out of bed, concentrate, or stay motivated.
Irritability or detachment: You might feel emotionally flat, cynical, or like you're just going through the motions. Small things may irritate you more than usual.
Reduced performance: Tasks that once felt manageable now feel overwhelming. You may find yourself procrastinating, missing deadlines, or struggling to stay focused.
Neglecting your own needs: You stop doing things that support your wellbeing—like exercising, eating well, seeing friends, or even just taking breaks.
Burnout isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a systemic one. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. If you’re recognising these signs in yourself, here are three practical ways to begin turning things around.
1. Start by doing less, not more.
When you’re burnt out, your instinct might be to push harder or ‘catch up’ on everything you’ve let slide. But recovery starts by easing the pressure, not increasing it. Ask yourself: what can I postpone, delegate, or let go of—at least for now? Protecting your energy is not laziness; it’s a strategy for sustainability.
2. Reintroduce small acts of nourishment.
You don’t need a full wellness routine to feel better. Start small. That could mean drinking water before your coffee, stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air, or saying no to one extra task this week. These tiny shifts send a message to your body: I’m listening. I care. I don’t expect you to keep running on empty.
3. Talk to someone you trust.
Burnout thrives in silence. Whether it’s a friend, partner, colleague, or therapist—share what you’re going through. You don’t need to have a neat story or a dramatic breakdown to justify speaking up. Burnout is valid, and connection is one of the best antidotes.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your human needs have been neglected—often for too long. The good news is that it’s not a permanent state. With rest, reconnection, and realistic boundaries, recovery is possible. But the first step is recognising it—and giving yourself permission to slow down.
Our highly trained psychologists can help. Please call our team on 9882-8874 to book in with one of our team members today. Alternatively fill in our contact form here to get in touch.
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