Things You Need to Get Better When You Are Burned Out
Burnout can leave you feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. It’s a state of exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overworking, or emotional overwhelm. Recovering from burnout isn’t just about taking a break—it requires actively restoring balance in different areas of your life. Here are the key things you need to heal from burnout and how to get them.
1. Comfort: Create a Safe and Soothing Space
Why It Helps:
When you’re burned out, you need a space that feels nurturing, where you can relax and recover without added stress. Comfort helps your nervous system relax, reducing stress hormones.
How to Get It:
- Declutter your space to make it peaceful.
- Use soft blankets, comfortable clothes, and soothing scents (lavender, chamomile).
- Engage in comforting activities like listening to music, watching a favourite movie, or journaling.
2. Change: Adjust Your Routine and Expectations
Why It Helps:
Burnout often results from doing too much for too long without change. A fresh perspective or a small shift in routine can reignite motivation and reduce stress.
How to Get It:
- Take a break or switch up your daily routine.
- Reduce unnecessary commitments and delegate tasks.
- If your work is causing burnout, consider discussing workload adjustments with your employer or exploring new career opportunities.
3. Connection: Lean on Supportive Relationships
Why It Helps:
Isolation can worsen burnout. Connecting with loved ones, friends, or a support group reminds you that you’re not alone and can help provide emotional relief.
How to Get It:
- Reach out to trusted friends or family and share how you feel.
- Spend quality time with people who uplift and support you.
- If needed, seek a mentor, counsellor, or therapist for guidance.
4. Energy: Replenish Your Mind and Body
Why It Helps:
Burnout drains your physical and mental energy. Refuelling yourself with proper nutrition, hydration, and activities that uplift you is essential.
How to Get It:
- Eat nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Engage in light physical activity like stretching, walking, or yoga.
5. Rest: Prioritise Quality Sleep
Why It Helps:
Lack of sleep worsens burnout, affecting focus, mood, and overall health. Deep rest is crucial for healing and restoring balance.
How to Get It:
- Set a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7–9 hours of sleep.
- Avoid screens before bedtime; instead, try reading or meditating.
- Use white noise or calming music to improve sleep quality.
6. Relaxation: Engage in Activities That Bring You Peace
Why It Helps:
Intentional relaxation allows your mind and body to recover from constant stress, helping you feel refreshed and centred.
How to Get It:
- Practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation.
- Take relaxing baths with essential oils.
- Spend time in nature, such as going for a walk in a park.
7. Boundaries: Protect Your Time and Energy
Why It Helps:
A major cause of burnout is overcommitting yourself to work, obligations, or relationships. Setting clear boundaries helps prevent future burnout.
How to Get It:
- Learn to say "No" without guilt.
- Limit time spent on draining tasks or toxic relationships.
- Designate specific times for work, rest, and personal time.
8. Joy: Reignite Your Passion and Happiness
Why It Helps:
Burnout often makes life feel dull and uninspiring. Finding joy in small things helps shift your mindset and brings back motivation.
How to Get It:
- Do activities that make you happy (painting, dancing, writing, or playing a game).
- Try something new to break the monotony, like a hobby or travelling.
- Laugh more—watch a comedy, spend time with fun friends, or read something uplifting.
9. Purpose: Reconnect with What Matters
Why It Helps:
Burnout can make you feel lost or detached from your goals. Reconnecting with your sense of purpose can help bring clarity and motivation.
How to Get It:
- Reflect on what truly matters to you.
- Set small, achievable goals to regain focus.
- Practice gratitude by acknowledging what’s going well in your life.
Burnout recovery is not about doing one thing—it’s about restoring balance in multiple areas of your life. By prioritising comfort, change, connection, energy, rest, relaxation, boundaries, joy, and purpose, you can heal and create a life where burnout is less likely to take over.