How Burnout Feels: Understanding the Hidden Struggles
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich
Burnout can be sneaky. It doesn’t always hit you like a brick wall. Often, it builds up gradually, showing up in small ways that you might brush off as “just part of life.” But burnout is much more than a little stress or a long week. It’s a deep, overwhelming sense of exhaustion that seeps into every corner of your life—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
If you’re feeling worn out, disconnected, or like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone. Many creatives, wellness enthusiasts, and hardworking individuals who are committed to their goals can experience burnout without even realizing it at first. Here’s a closer look at what burnout really feels like and how it might be affecting you.
The Physical Exhaustion
One of the first signs of burnout is the physical toll it takes on your body. You might notice:
Constant fatigue: No matter how much you rest, you still feel drained.
Sleep disturbances: You can’t fall asleep, or you wake up feeling like you haven’t rested at all.
Tension or aches: Your body might feel tight, sore, or heavy, even if you’ve been inactive.
Low energy: Tasks that once felt manageable now feel like climbing a mountain. Even getting through a typical day can feel exhausting.
If you’re always tired, despite doing what you can to rest, burnout might be at the heart of it.
The Brain Fog
Burnout doesn’t just affect your body—it clouds your mind, too.
You might experience:
Difficulty concentrating: Tasks that used to feel effortless now seem impossible to focus on.
Forgetfulness: You’re misplacing things more often or struggling to remember important details.
Lack of creativity: What used to inspire you now feels draining, and your usual creative flow feels blocked.
Overwhelm: Everything feels like “too much.” Simple tasks might suddenly feel like monumental challenges, and decisions feel like they carry a heavy weight.
This mental fog is your brain’s way of signaling that it’s overloaded and needs a break.
The Emotional Drain
Burnout also takes a significant emotional toll, leaving you feeling:
Irritable or moody: Small annoyances feel bigger, and your patience is running thin.
Disconnection: You may start feeling detached from the things and people you care about—whether it’s your creative work, your loved ones, or even your personal well-being.
Sense of hopelessness: It might feel like nothing you do makes a difference, or that you’re stuck in a cycle you can’t break.
Lack of motivation: Even things you used to enjoy no longer excite or inspire you.
When you’re emotionally drained, it becomes harder to tap into your passions or stay connected to your own sense of purpose.
The Impact on Your Relationships
Burnout doesn’t just affect you—it affects those around you. If you’re feeling burnt out, you might notice:
Strained interactions: You might find yourself snapping at others or withdrawing from social engagements, even with people you care about.
Lack of energy for others: You’re too tired or emotionally depleted to show up for those who need you.
Feelings of guilt: You might feel guilty for not being your usual, energetic self, but you simply don’t have the capacity to give more.
When burnout affects your relationships, it can create a cycle of isolation and guilt, further exacerbating the stress.
The Constant Pressure
Perhaps the most telling sign of burnout is the relentless feeling of pressure. Even if you’ve been working hard for months (or even years), it can feel like you’re constantly on a hamster wheel:
Constant worry: You’re always thinking ahead, worrying about the next thing on your list or the next project.
Imposter syndrome: Despite your efforts and achievements, you still feel like you’re not doing enough or not doing it well enough.
Perfectionism: You feel like everything needs to be perfect, but the harder you try, the more exhausted you get.
The pressure can feel like a weight you can’t shake off, making it difficult to feel satisfaction in what you’re doing.
Getting help and support
Burnout is real, and it affects more people than we realize. It can be especially tough for people who are driven, passionate, and always giving their best. If this resonates with you, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in acknowledging it. Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a signal that your body and mind need rest, realignment, and support.
If you’re experiencing the signs of burnout, talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is an important first step. A healthcare professional can help rule out other medical conditions and offer guidance on managing stress, depression, or anxiety. Working with a therapist can also provide valuable tools for emotional support and mental wellness.
Finding Your Flow Again
Once you’ve spoken with a doctor and/or mental health professional and identified the root causes of your burnout, coaching can help you focus on habit changes or lifestyle shifts that support your long-term well-being and creativity.
As a holistic wellness and creative flow coach, I work with clients to build sustainable practices that help restore balance, rejuvenate creative energy, and prevent burnout in the future.
My clients and I look at practical ways to set boundaries, manage energy, and create routines that support both wellness and your passions—without leading to burnout.
✨ If you’re ready to rediscover a sustainable approach to your goals, schedule a free coaching call here. We can discuss steps to help you feel more balanced, energized, and connected again.
Burnout can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Sometimes, it’s a matter of recalibrating and finding your rhythm once again.