Anyone who knows me knows that sleep is one of my favorite things to do. Not because I'm lazy, but because sleep is one of the best self care tools that you can give to yourself. (No, for real, I wrote an entire article about the merits of sleep, find it here.)
But what do you do when even after a solid 7-9 hours of sleep you STILL wake up feeling bedraggled, exhausted, and as though you need to zombie walk to the kitchen for a coffee PRONTO?
Let's not talk about the headaches, irritability, low energy, poor memory (wait what is this post about again?), or brain fog that just won't leave you alone. Isn't adequate sleep supposed to help with all of that too?
If you can relate to this, it sounds, my friend, as though you may be waist deep in a case of burnout.
Burnout isn’t just an off day or the occasional low mood—it’s that relentless state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that sneaks up on you, making it harder each day to muster up the enthusiasm for both work and play. It’s a signal from your body and mind that you’re running on empty, and ignoring it can lead to a cycle that’s hard to break.
You might have tried every trick in the book: early morning routines, extra cups of coffee, weekend “reset” rituals. Yet, the energy just doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. That constant feeling of being overwhelmed, the nagging self-doubt, and the struggle to find clarity—these are all signs that you need more than just a good night’s sleep. They’re a cry for help, a reminder that your well-being deserves priority over the never-ending hustle.
So what can you do?
It starts by taking a step back and acknowledging that burnout is real. It’s not a sign of weakness or an inability to handle pressure. It’s a wakeup call to invest in yourself—your mental health, your physical health, and your overall sense of purpose. Take it from a doctor: burnout is dangerous. It has the potential to cause myriad health problems, including hypertension (which can lead to stroke or heart attack), nervous breakdown, and worsening of any pre-existing conditions, just to name a few.
But here’s the thing: real burnout recovery isn’t about one-size-fits-all fixes. It’s about finding a balance that works uniquely for you. It's about developing a personalized toolkit to navigate through the stress and come out stronger on the other side. Whether it’s incorporating mindfulness practices, reevaluating your work-life boundaries, or simply learning how to say no (or all of the above!), the journey starts with understanding that you deserve better.
I learnt all this when I experienced burnout myself (twice!), and it was the motivation behind me creating my burnout course, Balanced & Thriving (but which I affectionately call, Zen in 5). Designed for professionals just like you, it offers a practical, five-step approach to reclaiming your energy and focus—even in the midst of a demanding schedule. With insights rooted in both science and real-world experience, Zen in 5 will guide you through simple yet powerful practices to reduce stress, boost productivity, and, most importantly, create a sustainable path to well-being.
If you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, I invite you to explore Zen in 5. Let’s take that first step together toward a more balanced, energized, and fulfilling life. Click here to learn more and join the community of professionals turning burnout into balance.
Remember: it’s not about working harder—it’s about caring for yourself enough to work smarter.
Dr. Lesley Reece is a palliative physician and empowerment coach, who used her own experiences with burnout along with research-backed psychological tools to create her burnout recovery and prevention course, Balanced & Thriving (Zen in 5). You can learn more about the course by visiting http://bit.ly/zen-in-5