Burnout, Breaks & Gentle Beginnings Again

"Burnout isn't a failing - it's a sign you've been strong for too long."

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Burnout Recovery: My Gentle Steps for Healing

A little letter from Me to You,

Somehow, in all that happy summer blur - the mountains, lakes, moon swims, lavender fields - I noticed something quietly shifting in me. Even with mini breaks during the day and my so-called “no scroll Sundays,” my brain was still whirring without my permission (I’m sure you know what I mean).

But here’s the thing I’m really glad about: I recognised it. That not quite myself feeling.

For me, the signs were quiet at first - but they stacked up. I caught myself rereading the same line in a book three times and still not taking it in. My lists grew longer while my joy grew smaller. Even on the happiest days out, my mind was already racing ahead to the next task. I felt tired even after sleeping, restless even in calm places. Those were my nudges - my body’s way of saying: enough. And honestly, that’s a big step. Not weakness, not falling down - just noticing.

I reframed it as: I’ve been strong for too long without a longer break.

I can’t even remember the last full week I had off social media. So when a fellow writer suggested it to me, my eyes rolled so hard I nearly sprained them (really, a whole week?!). But the thought stayed. I kept chanting: “One week off, one week off, really, can I?”

And here I am. I actually did it. A week away. And you know what? You can too, if you really want.

Burnout is Not Your Failing

Let’s say it out loud: burnout is a common response to prolonged stress, not a personal failing.

Your brain is wired for safety - always scanning, always on guard. When we never switch off, that protective wiring keeps firing until our system feels like it’s running on empty. That’s why you feel scattered, tired, uninspired. It’s not laziness. It’s biology.

Acknowledging burnout is the first step. And honestly? It’s the toughest.

“Burnout whispers before it shouts.

The first step is learning to notice the whispers.”

The Whispers of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t usually arrive all at once -  it creeps in quietly, often disguised as “just tired” or “just busy.” But the whispers are there if we learn to listen. Here are some gentle signs that it may be time to pause:

Emotional signs

~Feeling detached, cynical, or unusually negative

~Losing motivation for things that normally bring joy

~Dreading everyday tasks

Physical cues

~Constant tiredness, even after sleep

~Headaches, tension, or stomach upsets

~Feeling wired and exhausted at the same time

Behavioural changes

~Procrastinating more than usual

~Pulling away from people

~Reaching for “quick fixes” (scrolling, sugar, caffeine)

Cognitive clues

~Brain fog, forgetfulness

~Struggling to concentrate

~Rereading the same line without taking it in

Soul signals

~Joy feels dulled, even in places you normally love

~Restless even in calm settings

~Living on autopilot instead of being fully present

If you notice a few of these showing up often, it’s not weakness - it’s wisdom. Your body is asking for a pause. Listening early is the first act of recovery.

“If some of these signs feel a little too familiar, please don’t see it as failure. It’s simply your body asking for a softer rhythm. And noticing it? That’s already the first step back to yourself.”

My Gentle Steps for Recovery

Here’s what I’ve been doing (no pressure, just sharing in case it helps you too):

Acknowledge It: Yes, admitting it’s there. The hardest part.

Distance from Stressors: For me, it was too much social media - chasing every comment, trying not to miss a thing, stressing when I couldn’t keep up. I paused.

Return to Self-Care: I read, I slept properly, I cooked slowly. I even did an autumn clean (inspired by my friend Marina from Africa who’s spring-cleaning right now). I decluttered, sat with old photo albums, laughed with Paula at her first baby sock (smaller than a matchbox!), and let a few tears fall looking at photos of my grandparents.

Reassess Goals & Priorities: I sat down with pen and paper. What still feels aligned? What needs adjusting? It’s never wasted time to check your compass.

Re-establish Boundaries: Clearer work-life boundaries (yes, with myself). Reminding myself of limits, saying no kindly.

Lean on Support: I talk to close family when I need perspective. If you’re in a workplace, colleagues or even professional counsellors can help too.

Make Gradual Changes: Not all at once. Step by step. One gentle change, then another.

Everyday Anchors for Recovery

~A short daily routine: walk, cuppa, journaling, gentle stretch.

~Boundaries: define work hours vs. personal time.

~Play: wiggle dance in the mirror, meet a friend, giggle with kids.

~Gratitude: thank your sofa, your candle, your buttered pasta, your apple crumble.

~Sleep: make a rhythm (even if it’s imperfect).

~Tiny pauses: one breath, a window view, a 3-minute meditation.

~Screen-time timers: so the scroll doesn’t take over.

~Professional help: always okay if you need extra support.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

There’s no one answer. For me, one week made a huge difference. For you, it might be longer. It depends on your lifestyle, your resilience, your work demands.

But the good news is, burnout recovery is possible. With time, small changes, and kindness towards yourself.

Before you go...

If you’re reading this and nodding, maybe it’s your nudge to pause too. To reflect, breathe, and remember that recognising burnout is strength, not weakness. Recovery isn’t a race. It’s your own slow rhythm back to joy. I believe in you. Truly.

And if you feel so, I’d love to hear your reflections - have you ever taken time off to reset? What small steps help you feel like yourself again? Share in the comments or drop me a message. Your story might encourage someone else too.

Take care, lovely.

With calm,Eva

Just a gentle reminder – these thoughts are for personal reflection and growth, not a replacement for therapy or mental health support. If you’re finding things tough, reaching out to a licensed professional can be a really helpful step.

"This was my 'aha' selfie - tired eyes, scribbled lists - and suddenly I heard: "Enough, love. Pause.' Do a silly selfie check: If your face looks zoned, gift yourself a break." :))