All You Need To Know About Burnout and How To Recharge From It

If you’ve been following my content for a while, you know that I write about burnout quite a bit. 

This is because I’ve seen the impact that burnout can have, and am eager to help educate people how to avoid it, and how to recover from it. 

Burnout is not something to take lightly, it’s a serious problem that is literally killing people.

Okay, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

This article is all about how to recharge from burnout, not how to avoid it.

First, a note. 

Before I dive into the recharging aspect, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how you’re feeling. 

If you’re reading this, you’re likely burnt out, headed down a path of burnout, worried about someone you love burning out, or being impacted by burnout in another way.

I want to recognize that burnout is horrible.

What you’re experiencing is real, and challenging to navigate.

Whatever emotions you are feeling are valid.

My hope is that this article will help equip you with ways to recharge from burnout, support someone who is burnt out, or serve you in whatever way you need right now.

Please take your time to read through this. Take notes. Spend time researching how to recharge.

Your overall well-being is worth the time and energy to heal from burnout. 

You are seen, you are loved, and you are valued.

Okay, now let’s get into it. What is burnout?

I did write a whole blog about burnout, but just in case you need a refresher, this is a line from that blog,

“Burnout refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to excessive and prolonged stress. When individuals feel the pressure has been too much for too long, they buckle.”

I’m very passionate about my community understanding the severity of burnout. 

How do you know you’re burnt out?

Well, for starters, if you think you’re burnt out, you’re probably burnt out.

The signs of burnout include exhaustion, lack of motivation, frustration, cognitive problems, and more.

I really like how Mayoclinic approaches burnout. They say to ask yourself: 

• Have you become cynical or critical at work?

• Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?

• Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients?

• Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?

• Do you find it hard to concentrate?

• Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?

• Do you feel disillusioned about your job?

• Are you using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better or to simply not feel?

• Have your sleep habits changed?

• Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints?

They go on to say that if you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing burnout. 

So, how do you recharge from burnout?

One of the most important ways to recharge is to start by recognizing that you’re burnt out. 

It’s easy to always be in denial about how you’re feeling, but once you finally label your experience as burnout, you’re able to begin recharging.

Once you’ve labeled your experience as burnout, I recommend sharing about it with someone you trust. This will help you vocalize your experience, and the person you share with may be able to offer you support or help hold you accountable.

Rather than continuing on with how things were going, try to pinpoint what is causing your chronic stress and what you would need to do to avoid it.

Understanding the root of your burnout will help you better navigate what you need to do to recharge.

You may find it helpful to consider what your options are.

Everyone’s situation is going to be different, so it’s best that you understand what aspects of your life have burnt you out, and then create a plan to help you mitigate unnecessary stress. 

A few ways to recharge from burnout could be:

• Setting better boundaries: This may be with your work, family, friends—whatever is impacting you. You need to prioritize your needs to take the time you need to heal from burnout. For some people, this may look like finding a new job or taking a leave from work, and for other people, this may look like setting up limited communication with negative impacts on your life.

• Unplug and find things you love to do: Take time away from social media and technology to find hobbies that fill you with joy. You may find that a new hobby helps you recharge because you’re able to just do something for fun. Even just a couple hours of an enjoyable activity can help you find better balance in your life. (A few things to try: pottery, hiking, yoga, or baking).

• Find better balance at work: A lot of people experience burnout from their job. They feel that the work they do is meaningless and draining. If this is you, then I encourage you to reframe your mindset around your work. How can you find fulfillment in what you do? How can you shift your current role to better accommodate your goals? How can you separate your personal worth from your job?

Recharging from burnout is a process.

It may take less time for some people than others. 

What’s important is that you’re willing to give yourself the time and space to recharge and heal. 

Be honest with yourself, be honest with others, and prioritize what you need to do to recharge. You’re allowed to be selfish with this. 

Learn more.

If you are struggling with burnout, and you haven’t shared about your experience with someone you trust, I once again urge you to find support.

What you’re experiencing is hard, and it’s even harder when you have to navigate it alone.

Your personal experiences matter. 

You may find great freedom in talking to someone you trust or seeking a therapist. 

Please take care of yourself.