Am I Burned Out or Just Tired?
Feel familiar? We’ve all experienced burnout.
Signs You May Be Burned Out
The signs of burnout (see below) can feel absolutely awful, but they can be a helpful guide. Your body and brain are not trying to defy you, but to warn you that all systems are shutting down. In reframing the negative experience that usually accompanies feeling awful, we can change our self talk from, “I am so tired, I hate this, my head hurts and I keep yelling at my kids,” to “My body and emotions are giving me signals that something has got to change, and I have the power to make that happen.”
Burnout is more than being tired — it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. For many women balancing careers, caregiving, and personal expectations, burnout can sneak up and leave you feeling disconnected from joy and purpose.
Symptoms of Burnout:
Chronic fatigue, even after rest
Irritability or emotional numbness
Loss of motivation or creativity
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
Negative thinking
Why Women Experience Burnout
Women often juggle multiple roles, carrying the weight of work, family, and social responsibilities. This constant output, with little time for restoration, leads to depletion and disconnection from one’s self.
How to Recover from Burnout
Rest vs. Restoration: Sleep is vital, but true recovery comes from activities that nourish your mind and spirit, like journaling, walking in nature, or reconnecting with loved ones.
Boundary Setting: “No” is a complete sentence. Learning to say “no” protects your energy and helps you prioritize what matters most.
Small Rituals: Create simple daily habits — a morning stretch, tea break, or gratitude practice — to re-anchor yourself.
When to Seek Support for Burnout
If burnout feels overwhelming, therapy can help you uncover root causes and rebuild a life filled with balance and purpose. Together, we can move you from surviving to thriving.
