Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just so tired,” but not in the usual way of needing a
good nap? I’m talking about that profound, bone-weary exhaustion, the kind that settles into
your very soul. Maybe you’ve shrugged it off, thinking, “This is just how life is,” or “Everyone
feels this way.” If you’ve been feeling like that for a while, there’s a chance you might be living in
a state of burnout and not even realize it. Long-term burnout doesn’t always announce itself
loudly; it often settles in quietly, becoming the background noise of your life, barely noticeable
until it’s too late.
Burnout isn’t a phase that simply passes. For many, it’s constantly stretching for months, even
years. Left unchecked, it’s like a slow-burning fire—consuming your energy and motivation
without you noticing the smoke until it’s all-consuming.
What Does Long-Term Burnout Look Like?
Burnout manifests differently for everyone, but some key signs can help you recognize it:
1. Constant Exhaustion: You feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. It’s as if your energy
tank has a leak you can’t seem to find or fix.
2. Emotional Numbness: You’ve lost the ability to connect deeply to your work, your loved
ones, or even yourself. The highs and lows of life feel muted.
3. Mental Fog: Forgetting appointments, struggling to focus, or making simple decisions
are signs of cognitive overload.
4. Physical Complaints: Chronic headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or
unexplained aches can be burnout’s way of speaking through your body.
5. Sense of Inefficacy: You might feel like nothing you do matters or that your efforts
aren’t enough—a hallmark sign of burnout’s erosion of confidence.
6. Isolation: Over time, you may withdraw from friends, family, or activities you once
enjoyed because they feel like “just another thing” to deal with.
How People Describe Burnout Without Realizing It
Burnout can often hide in plain sight, disguised behind common phrases people use. Here are
some ways people describe what they’re going through without realizing they’re speaking about
burnout:
● “I’m always tired.”
● “I feel like I’m just going through the motions.”
● “Every day feels like the same thing over and over.”
● “I’ve lost interest in the things I used to care about.”
● “It feels like I’m carrying this heavy weight all the time.”
● “I’m just trying to get through the day.”
● “I feel like I’m failing at everything.”
While these might seem like everyday complaints, they’re often subtle indicators that something
deeper is going on—a sign of long-term stress and exhaustion that needs attention.
Dr. Tomi Mitchell: Why Chronic Burnout Becomes the “New Normal”
For many, burnout starts to feel like part of life itself. Over time, it becomes something we
expect or even accept as usual. Here’s why this happens:
● Societal Pressure: Our culture glorifies busyness, and we start to equate exhaustion
with success. Hustle culture tells us we should do more, push harder, and never slow
down.
● Personal Expectations: We set sky-high expectations for ourselves, thinking we must
“do it all” and be everything to everyone. This self-imposed pressure can be draining,
and we don’t even realize we’re burning out until it’s too late.
● Gradual Onset: Burnout doesn’t hit all at once. It sneaks up on you little by little.
Because it develops slowly, it can be easy to dismiss until it’s already consuming your
life.
● Survival Mode: When you’re constantly stressed, your body goes into survival mode,
prioritizing the most basic needs. That means sleep, relaxation, and enjoying life take a
back seat.
Breaking Free: Recognizing and Addressing Long-Term Burnout
The first step in overcoming burnout is acknowledging that it’s there. Here are a few ways you
can begin the process of reclaiming your well-being:
1. Check-in with Yourself: Take a moment to reflect. Are you just surviving, or are
you truly thriving? It’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’re
really feeling—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
2. Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust—a friend, a therapist, or a coach. Sometimes,
an outside perspective can help you see things more clearly and recognize patterns
you’ve gotten used to.
3. Set Boundaries: Saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person; it’s one of the most
powerful ways to protect your energy. You can’t give from an empty cup, so protect your
time and energy from things that drain you.
4. Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Make rest a priority, not an afterthought. As you
schedule meetings and deadlines, schedule time to recharge. Rest is just as productive
as work.
5. Reassess Your Goals: Take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to you. Are
you spending your energy on things that align with your values, or are you stuck in a
cycle of obligations that no longer serve you?
6. Celebrate Small Wins: Reclaiming your energy and joy is slow, so don’t rush it.
Celebrate the small victories, and acknowledge the steps you’re taking, no matter how
small they seem.
The Takeaway: Don’t Settle for Just Surviving
Long-term burnout can be sneaky. It might start out feeling like everyday tiredness or a normal
part of life, but it’s not something you should settle for. It’s possible to break free and regain your
energy, joy, and sense of purpose.
You don’t have to just get through life— you deserve to live it fully. Recognizing burnout is the
first step, but addressing it will allow you to reconnect with the life you want to live.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. It’s never too late to make a change; you don’t have to wait
until the fire burns you out completely. You deserve to feel good again—and you can.
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