Published: 29 May 2025
By Matt Scerri (Copyright Secure Minds Psychology)
We’ve all been there.
Let’s be honest—burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it creeps in slowly. You wake up already tired, you feel emotionally flat, and everything—from work emails to grocery shopping—feels like too much. Maybe for the last two days (or longer), you’ve felt anxious, restless, or numb. You can’t remember the last time you felt energised.
Burnout can happen to everyone. You’re not lazy or unmotivated—you’re burnt out. Many of our adult clients share the same story: long hours, high expectations, little recovery time, and a growing sense of disconnection from the things they used to care about.
The good news? There are small, effective steps you can take today to begin recovering from burnout and reclaiming your energy.
5 Effective tips to get on top of burnout.
1. Name It to Tame It
The first step is recognising what you’re feeling. Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. Labelling it helps you validate your experience and begin to respond with care.
2. Schedule Micro-Rest
You don’t need a week-long holiday to reset. Take 10-minute breaks every few hours to do nothing—no phone, no multitasking. Step outside, breathe deeply, or stretch. These moments of rest add up.
3. Reconnect to Purpose
What part of your day brings meaning or joy? Maybe it’s helping a colleague, caring for your family, or creating something. Try to centre at least one task each day around what matters to you—not just what’s expected.
4. Protect Your Boundaries
Say “no” to non-essential tasks. If your workday regularly spills into evenings or weekends, start reclaiming time. Burnout often worsens when we say yes too often and ignore our limits.
5. Talk It Out
Burnout thrives in silence. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or mental health professional, talking about how you feel can be a relief—and a path to solutions you hadn’t considered.
Conclusion
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal your body and mind need care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotionally distant, our team is here to help. Together, we can help you reset, recover, and move forward.