You’re Not Lazy. You’re Burned Out.
Prevention and Recovery Tools That Actually Help
You’re Not Broken. You’re Overextended
If you’ve been asking yourself:
“Why am I so tired all the time?”
“Why do small tasks feel so overwhelming?”
“Why can’t I bounce back like I used to?”
This isn’t laziness.
This is burnout especially the kind that hides behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, or always being the strong one.
Many high-achieving women don’t recognize the signs of burnout because they’re still functioning on the outside. But inside, they’re emotionally drained, disconnected, and inching closer to collapse.
Related: You’re Not Unmotivated. You’re Emotionally Exhausted
What Burnout Actually Is
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical depletion caused by chronic stress especially when you feel like there’s no way to slow down.
It’s when:
Rest doesn’t feel restful
You stop feeling like yourself
The things that used to bring joy now feel like obligations
Burnout is often invisible especially in women who are used to holding everything together.
Signs You’re Burned Out (Even If You’re Still Functioning)
You might be burned out if you notice:
Trouble focusing or remembering
Emotional flatness or numbness
Increased irritability or reactivity
Dreading things you used to enjoy
Difficulty sleeping, even when tired
Crying over “small” things or not crying at all
Everything feels like too much
Going through the motions, but feeling disconnected
Related: It Wasn’t Too Small to Hurt You
Why High‑Functioning Women Miss the Signs
If you're used to being the one others rely on, it can feel unsafe, or even selfish, to slow down.
Burnout often hides behind:
Perfectionism
Overfunctioning
Saying “yes” when you mean “no”
Measuring your worth by productivity
Believing you need to prove you’re struggling to deserve rest
Related: Why You’re Not Broken
Nervous System 101: What’s Actually Happening
Burnout isn’t just in your mind. It’s in your nervous system.
When your body is stuck in survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn), even small tasks can feel like too much.
You’re not imagining it. You’re not being dramatic.
Your nervous system is trying to protect you.
Related: Healing Isn’t a Vibe. It’s a Nervous System Reset
Preparing Internally: You Don’t Have to Prove You’re Worth a Break
You don’t have to crash before you rest.
You don’t have to earn healing.
You’re allowed to exhale before you hit the wall.
That might look like:
Taking up space, even without validation
Letting go without explaining yourself
Choosing softness over hustle
Related: Why Birthdays Feel Heavy
Practical Tools for Burnout Recovery
Try one or two, not all at once. This isn’t about self-improvement. It’s about sustainability.
1. Micro-Rest (90 seconds at a time)
Let your nervous system exhale with small, intentional pauses.
Ideas:
– Step outside for fresh air
– Place your hand on your heart
– Sip water slowly
– Silence notifications for 5 minutes
2. Embodied Self-Compassion
Place your hand on your chest.
Say: “This is a lot. And I’m doing my best.”
3. Boundaries That Don’t Apologize
Try small phrases like:
– “I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”
– “I’m not available for that this week.”
– “I’m choosing rest tonight.”
4. Care for You. Not Just Everyone Else
You deserve your own attention, too.
Related: Self-Care: Prioritizing Yourself
Common Questions About Burnout Recovery
How do I know if I’m burned out or just tired?
If rest doesn’t help and the exhaustion feels emotional, not just physical, you’re likely burned out.
Can burnout make you feel numb?
Yes. Numbness is a protective response when your system is overwhelmed. It’s common, and it can heal.
How long does burnout recovery take?
It varies. But even small steps, taken with support, can make a big difference. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Burnout Prevention Going Forward
Burnout doesn’t have to be your baseline.
Try:
Weekly check-ins: “What do I need more of? Less of?”
Creating margin: Don’t fill every hour. Leave space.
Practicing gentleness: Speak to yourself like someone you love.
You don’t have to wait until the next crash.
You can build a life that sustains you now.
Ready to Recover in Therapy?
If any of this feels familiar, therapy can help you recover before you break down.
I offer virtual trauma-informed therapy for high-achieving women across:
Together, we’ll create space to breathe, feel again, and return to yourself without guilt or shame.