Burnout Isn’t Just Too Much Work

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Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s that deep-down exhaustion: physical, emotional, perhaps even spiritual, where you feel like you’re running on empty no matter how much you rest. You might feel unmotivated, disconnected from the things you care about, or like no matter what you do, it’s never enough.

We often think the solution is to push harder or be more productive. But the truth is, that mindset might be part of the problem.

Here are a few hidden causes of burnout we don’t talk about enough, and you may be able to relate to:

:cyclone: Toxic Productivity

If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, you’re not alone. Many of us have been taught that our worth is tied to what we can achieve or produce. But constantly being in “go mode” isn’t sustainable, and rest isn’t a reward, it’s a basic need.

:high_voltage: The Superhero Complex

Trying to do everything, for everyone, all the time? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we should always be capable, helpful, or high-functioning. But when you try to juggle too many balls, some are bound to drop. And that in no way reflects failure - it’s just how life works. Real strength means knowing which balls are made of glass and which ones can bounce. Sometimes, protecting your peace may also mean putting a few things down, gently.

And remember…

Your priorities will shift with time. Some things might need to be put down, not forever, but just for now. And that’s okay. You don’t have to feel guilty for choosing rest, space, or healing. There is a time and place for everything, and putting something down doesn’t mean giving it up.

:light_bulb: Passion ≠ Protection

Loving what you do doesn’t mean you’re immune to burnout. In fact, the more emotionally invested we are, the more likely we are to overextend ourselves. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak, it often means you’ve been caring deeply for too long without enough support.

:seedling: Try this:

• Instead of asking “How can I get more done?”, try asking “What can I let go of?”

• Redefine rest: what actually recharges you (emotionally, mentally, creatively)?

• Check in with your motivation: Are you doing this because it matters to you, or because you’re trying to prove something?

:thought_balloon: Let’s reflect together:

• What are some signs that tell you you’re nearing burnout?

• What would it look like to choose rest, before burnout forces it on you?

Burnout is a signal, not a failure. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to take a step back. And you’re allowed to protect your peace, even if it means letting a few things go. :yellow_heart:

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Great topic! Here’s a short and simple summary from me :blush:

Burnout can come from:

  1. Feeling guilty for resting – like you always need to be doing something. But rest is a basic need, just like food, water, and sleep!
  2. Doing too much – it helps to prioritize. What must be done, and what can be done occasionally or even let go of (temporarily or permanently)?
  3. Loving something too much – yes, even passion can lead to burnout if we forget to pause and recharge.

Listening to our bodies is so important. Many of us were raised to push ourselves constantly, but it’s okay to work in cycles: push → rest → push again. That rhythm is sustainable.

To answer the reflection questions:

  • Signs I’m nearing burnout: I get easily agitated, and I start thinking about work even before bed or during holidays. When work takes over my thoughts and the main feeling is stress or anxiety (instead of purpose or excitement), that’s a red flag.
  • Choosing rest before burnout hits: For me, it means scheduling rest into my week and actually committing to it. Planning my tasks ahead helps me mentally “let go” during rest time, because I know when I’ll get things done. It also takes effort to not think about work – but reminding myself that I matter too, and that rest makes me more effective in the long run, really helps.
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Hey!

I agree with what you said completely. Sometimes, burnout hits although there isnt much going on. At times, it may be a delayed hit from an accumulation of previous stressors. A brighter side of burnout is that i have now learnt to use it to my advantage - it is a severe signal that something isnt right for me, and i have to let it go.

Recognising the signs of burnout before it hits me fully have helped tremedously. Here are some signs for me:

  • blanking out in the middle of conversations
  • unable to sleep, or sleeping too much
  • unable to eat, or eating way more than usual
  • no longer finding interest in what i love to do

When and if such situation occurs, i take a step back and tell myself to rest. Each and everyone of us deserve to rest and recharge regularly. Please take care everyone!

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Something interesting I thought to share as well! There was a study done on medical residents, but its findings are interesting to all nonetheless :slight_smile:

They found that there were two types of burnout: Circumstantial and Existential

Circumstantial burnout – like the name suggests, from circumstances or the environment
Existential burnout – When burnout has hit the point where there is a loss of meaning and uncertainty in the role.

It’s important to recognise burn out (through some of the signs shared here). But through this article, I also learnt that it is good to think about why we are burnt out, and what are the triggers and thoughts surrounding the burn out. because then we’re better able to understand where it’s coming from.

If anyone is curious here is the article :slight_smile:

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A director and culture champion in my govt agency said this: “burnout is motion without meaning. pace without purpose.” and I resonate. Once we lose sight of the end goal in pursuit of speed and getting it done, we lose the innate drive and motivation behind why we even began the endeavour. So I would say to prioritise the meaning and pace yourself sustainably. Nothing gained hastily was ever worthwhile.

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