Glow & Grow

Burnout is the culmination of long days, endless to-do lists, and a lack of self-care. It’s when your body and mind are running on empty, and you feel like there’s nothing left to give. I’ve been there, and I know how deep and exhausting it can feel. But, here’s the good news: You can recover, and it doesn’t require some massive life overhaul.

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’ve been pushing yourself too hard for too long. But the key to overcoming burnout is learning how to nourish yourself, both physically and emotionally.

Let me share some strategies that helped me pull myself out of burnout:

1. The Power of Saying “No”

In a world that constantly demands more of us, the ability to say “no” is one of the most powerful tools we have. It’s hard at first, but once you start setting boundaries, you’ll realize how much lighter you feel.

At work, saying “no” might mean not taking on that extra project or letting go of tasks that aren’t aligned with your priorities. At home, it might mean telling your kids you need a few minutes of quiet time. Saying “no” is a way of saying “yes” to your own well-being.

2. Revisit Your ‘Why’

When you’re burned out, you lose sight of why you’re doing everything in the first place. So, I took a moment to reconnect with my purpose. Why do I work? Why do I show up for my kids? What brings me joy?

Revisiting your ‘why’ reignites your passion and helps you rediscover the motivation to keep going. It reminds you that you’re not just working to check off tasks—you’re doing meaningful work, and you’re providing love and care to your family.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

Burnout often comes from feeling like everything is out of control. But focusing on what you can control, even if it’s just one small part of your day, helps restore a sense of agency.

For me, that was making sure I took time to eat lunch without distractions or setting aside 10 minutes in the morning to do some stretching. By focusing on the small things I could control, I felt less overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

4. Lean on Your Support System

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong. When I realized that I couldn’t do everything by myself, I reached out for support.

Whether it was a family member taking the kids for an afternoon or a friend helping with dinner, leaning on others helped take the pressure off. The more I asked for help, the less burdened I felt.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Resting isn’t just about sleep; it’s about giving yourself a mental break. I started carving out time each day to relax—whether it was reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk in nature.

This time was essential to my recovery because it allowed my mind to reset. The more I prioritized rest, the more energy I had for everything else in my life.