Let’s state the obvious: we’re all tired. Not the “I need another coffee” kind of tired, but the “deep-in-your-bones, I-don’t-know-who-I-am-anymore” kind of tired. Whether it’s work deadlines, family demands, or the incessant buzz of notifications, modern life has a way of making us run on fumes. Trust me, I’ve been there.
For a significant portion of my recent professional career, I was living a bit of a double life—a story I shared here. To the outside world, I looked like an energetic professional, hitting goals with enthusiasm. But inside, I was a total mess. After years of living in a state of perpetual forward motion—always needing to do more, be more, achieve more—I hit rock bottom. During what should have been an exciting time professionally, I was irritable, sleepless, overweight and utterly detached. Burnout had taken hold, and I was too ashamed (and busy!) to acknowledge it. I feared people would think less of me or that all my hard work would unravel if I showed any cracks in the façade.
It took time, vulnerability, and a lot of unlearning to realize my burnout wasn’t a personal failure. It didn’t make me weak—it made me human.
What if you decided 2025 was the year you chose balance over burnout? What if you made some real changes, not just scheduling a spa day or buying a “self-care” candle (though no shade if that’s your vibe). What if instead you focused on changes that truly nourish you—the kind that resonate in your soul, not just look good in a photo on Instagram?
7 Ways to Reclaim Your Energy From Burnout
1. Name It to Tame It: Acknowledge the Burnout
First things first: you can’t fix what you won’t face. Burnout often masquerades as irritability, brain fog, or an all-consuming sense of “meh.” If you’re constantly fantasizing about quitting your job, running away, or living in a yurt off the grid, congratulations, you’ve hit the burnout trifecta.
For many women, acknowledging burnout is accompanied by feelings of guilt. You might think, “I should be able to handle this,” or “Everyone else seems to be managing just fine.” But here’s the truth: burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s often a result of external pressures and unrealistic expectations. Recognizing this can be the first step toward granting yourself permission to rest.
Here’s your homework: write down three things that are draining you. Be brutally honest. Maybe it’s your overpacked schedule, endless Zoom calls, or even toxic relationships. Identifying your energy vampires is the first step toward slaying them.
2. Boundary-Setting: Your Superpower in Disguise
Boundaries are like the seatbelts of life—they’re not always comfortable, but they’ll save you from wreckage. Start small: say no to one thing this week that doesn’t light you up. It could be skipping that meeting that could’ve been an email or opting out of your neighborhood’s sixth cookie exchange this month.
Women often struggle with boundary-setting because of the fear of disappointing others or being seen as “not enough.” The guilt of saying no can feel overwhelming, but remember this: every time you say yes to something that drains you, you’re saying no to something that could nourish you. Practice this line in the mirror until it feels natural: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’ll have to pass this time.” No excuses, no apologies. You’re welcome.
3. Rest Isn’t Lazy: Redefining Productivity
In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest feels radical. But let’s get one thing straight: you’re not a machine. You’re a human with limits, and rest is how you recharge.
For many, the idea of taking a break triggers a fear of falling behind. Society often equates busyness with worth, making rest feel indulgent or unearned. But consider this: research shows that rest boosts creativity, improves focus, and enhances overall productivity. Scheduling rest is not just self-care—it’s a power move.
Try this: schedule rest as if it were a meeting with your boss. Put it on your calendar and guard it like it’s sacred. Whether it’s a 20-minute nap, a quiet walk by the water, or a Netflix binge sans guilt, find what refuels you and lean in.
4. Joy as a Non-Negotiable
Remember joy? That thing you used to feel before life became a checklist? It’s time to bring it back. Start with small, actionable changes:
- Take a Day Trip: From the serenity of Assateague Island’s wild horses to the vibrant murals of Baltimore or the beauty of downtown Frederick and Historic Annapolis, there’s adventure close to home. (Wherever you may live!)
- Reignite an Old Hobby: Dust off that guitar, knitting needle, or hiking boot. Remember, this isn’t about being “good” at it—it’s about doing something for the sheer fun of it. (I literally started with a puzzle and a paint-by-numbers kit. I felt like I was in middle school – not a bad thing at all!)
- Create Micro-Moments of Joy: Brew your coffee in a fancy mug, blast your favorite ’90s playlist, play goal bingo or light a candle while you fold laundry. (Bonus points if it’s that aforementioned “self-care” candle.)
5. Fuel Your Body, Feed Your Soul
Burnout doesn’t just live in your mind; it settles into your body. Combat it by nourishing yourself in ways that feel good and sustainable:
- Eat Intentionally: This doesn’t mean going full kale-smoothie-Instagram-influencer (unless that’s your thing). Start by adding one nutrient-rich food to each meal. Think: avocado toast, crab cakes with a side salad, or a warm bowl of Old Bay-spiced soup.
- Move Daily: Find movement you enjoy. Take a Zumba class, walk your dog through a park, or try a gentle yoga session in your living room.
- Hydrate Like It’s Your Job: Because your brain and body work better when they’re not running on caffeine alone. Cheers to that!
6. Reconnect With Your Why
Burnout often comes from feeling untethered—like you’re living on autopilot. Pause and ask yourself: What’s your why? What makes you get out of bed in the morning (besides coffee)?
For women, this can be particularly challenging. The pressure to excel at work, home, and in relationships often leads to questioning your own worth. Journaling about your accomplishments and the values that matter most to you can be a powerful way to reframe these thoughts and reconnect with your purpose.
Create a vision board, write in a journal, or have a heart-to-heart with a friend. Reconnecting with your purpose can guide you back to what truly matters.
7. The Power of Saying Yes to Yourself
Finally, stop putting yourself last. This isn’t selfish; it’s survival. The more you pour into yourself, the more you can pour into others. Say yes to the things that align with your values and bring you joy—even if it means saying no to something else.
Giving yourself permission to rest and prioritize your needs can feel revolutionary. If you find yourself worrying, “Am I doing enough?” remind yourself that rest is not the enemy of progress—it’s an essential part of it.
Burnout doesn’t have to define you. This year, you can reclaim your energy, set boundaries that protect your peace, and infuse your days with joy. Will it be perfect? Nope. But progress beats perfection every time.
Here’s to making 2025 the year you finally choose balance over burnout. Because you deserve a life that feels as good as it looks. Ready to pursue it all? Let’s go….
