At 25, I felt like a 80 year old man. Specially on Fridays.
Why? I had no idea.
I was working out.
I was meditating.
I was eating healthy.
But I was still tired. All the damn time.
But it was not just tiredness, I was running on empty. A.k.a Burned out.
Burnout isn’t just being tired. For introverts, it’s much deeper.
It’s not just working too much or feeling sleepy. Burnout happens when your mind, body, and feelings are worn out because your needs aren’t being met.
Let’s talk about why burnout happens and how to fix it.
Burnout Isn’t What You Think
Burnout isn’t just being exhausted.
It happens when you have no energy left, not just in your body, but in your heart too.
Sleep won’t fix it because the real problem is that your emotional needs aren’t being met.
Burnout happens when you do things that take lots and lots of energy but don’t give yourself a chance to recharge.
– Doing too much: Saying “yes” to everything leaves no time to rest.
– No boundaries: Letting others take up your time and energy drains you.
– Hiding your feelings: Ignoring stress or sadness makes things worse over time.
– Putting others first: Always helping others but ignoring your own needs wears you out.
When you don’t take care of yourself, burnout sneaks in.
And then… you have feelings.
Feelings that you suppress. Over and over again.
Many introverts try to push through hard feelings, hoping they’ll go away.
But feelings like stress or sadness don’t just disappear. They build up and make you feel more tired.
Ignoring your feelings makes burnout deeper and harder to fix.
And of course’, how can we forget perfectionism.
Introverts want to do everything perfectly (I’ve been in that trap, it sucks).
While this can help you do great work, it also makes you too hard on yourself.
Trying to always be perfect leaves no time to rest. This can quickly lead to burnout.
But you know what’s the biggest reason for burnout when you’re an introvert?
Saying “Yes” too often.
Introverts have a kind heart. And saying “yes” to everything may seem like the right choice, but it can drain you dry.
When you put others first all the time, you forget to take care of yourself.
How to Heal Yourself from Burnout
The first step to feeling better is noticing that you’re burned out.
Don’t keep pushing yourself. Slow down.
Take time to rest and listen to what your body and mind need.
Here’s how:
Notice Your Feelings
Don’t call yourself lazy or weak when you’re tired.
Ask yourself:
- What’s making me feel so drained?
- Am I avoiding my feelings?
- Am I trying to do too much?
Understanding your feelings is the first step to healing.
Say “No” more than you say “Yes”
It’s okay to say “no” sometimes.
Protecting your time and energy is not selfishness, it’s self-care.
When you say “no” to others, you’re saying “yes” to yourself. This helps you feel better and stops burnout from getting worse.
Make Goals Realistic
Burnout happens when you try to do too much.
Ask yourself, “Can I really keep doing this?”
Give yourself permission to take breaks and focus on what matters most.
Take Care of Your Needs
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s your sign to hit pause.
Hit pause and ask yourself, “What do you really need right now?”
Rest?
Alone time?
A mini vacation?
Listen to yourself and give your mind and body what they need.
Find Joy Again
Burnout can make life feel dull.
Sometimes you become so done with everything that nothing excites you anymore.
This is a clear sign you’re not just burned out, you’re smoked.
Bring back the little things that make you happy
- Drinking your favorite coffee in peace
- Go for a long walk into the woods
- Listening to music
- Reading a story book
- Watching the stars or
- Put on your favorite movie
These small joys help you heal and feel alive again.
Remember this: Burnout is a sign to Slow Down
Burnout means your body and mind are telling you to take a break.
You don’t need to work harder. You don’t have to prove anything. You deserve rest and happiness.
You’re a human being, not a machine.
Remember, you can’t help anyone if you’re empty inside.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s smart.
Listen to what you need, love yourself, and take the time to recharge.
Feeling better starts with letting yourself slow down.
Stay blessed,
Karun
P.S: If you’re an introvert who feels disconnected with your true self, here’s a book that can help you: ‘Born To Stand Out’