This week, as I sat at my desk, I noticed an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. It wasn’t the kind of tiredness that a quick nap or cup of tea could fix.

It was deeper—a heavy, all-encompassing fatigue that left me drained and unable to focus. I realized I had overextended myself, running on empty for weeks. Normally, I take one weekend a month to rest—just to stay in bed, do nothing, and recharge.

But for the past two weeks, life’s demands pulled me in every direction, leaving no room to breathe. The burnout I’m feeling isn’t just about work; it’s a blend of everything happening in my life, a storm of unrelenting pressure that has left me feeling stuck and hollow.

I’ve come to understand that burnout doesn’t just happen overnight. It creeps in slowly, fed by our tendency to push through even when our bodies and minds beg us to pause.

It’s the skipped moments of rest, the inability to say no, and the endless mental noise that keeps us awake at night. I’ve been in my head a lot lately, trying to juggle work, relationships, and personal challenges, and somewhere along the way, I lost the balance that kept me afloat.

As I reflected on how I got here, I realized that something has to change. Burnout doesn’t resolve itself; it demands attention, care, and a shift in how we approach our lives.

I’ve been reading about ways to heal from burnout and, more importantly, how to prevent it from consuming me again. For me, the first step is reclaiming my rest.

I need to give myself permission to slow down, to take that weekend in bed without guilt, and to truly rest—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. With that additional bonus of the phone break. Yes my phone will be off.

I’ve also realized the importance of boundaries. It’s hard to say no, especially when you want to be everything for everyone, but I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup.

Choosing what truly matters and letting go of what doesn’t is an act of self-love. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about preserving your energy for the things and people that genuinely matter.

Another thing I’m learning is to listen to myself. When my body feels heavy and my mind races, that’s my signal to pause. Ignoring those signs only deepens the burnout. I’ve started practicing mindfulness—simple moments of breathing deeply or focusing on the present—to quiet the chaos in my head.

These small moments of stillness remind me that it’s okay not to have all the answers or be in control all the time.

Connection is also something I’ve neglected. In the busyness of life, I forgot how healing it is to talk to someone who truly listens. Reaching out to loved ones isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Sharing my burdens, even a little, lightens the load and brings clarity to what I’m going through.

And finally, I’m learning to honor my need for sleep. It sounds simple, but in a world that glorifies hustle and late nights, making rest a priority feels revolutionary. Sleep isn’t just about shutting your eyes; it’s about giving your mind and body the chance to recover and reset.

Burnout is a heavy companion, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. Healing means letting yourself feel, rest, and rebuild at your own pace. It’s about being kind to yourself when you stumble and celebrating the small victories when you begin to feel whole again.

For me, this journey isn’t about fixing everything overnight—it’s about finding balance, creating space for myself, and embracing the idea that taking care of me isn’t just necessary; it’s essential.