How to Recover From Burnout
Stuck in the Cycle of Burnout?
Day after day, you might feel drained at work. Just getting through the day is an act of willpower, and by the end, you’re depleted. What do you do? Probably the easiest, most satisfying option—TV, social media, etc. Finding a new job or exploring what you truly want in life? That’s not even on the radar.
Why You Feel Stuck
We often get trapped in cycles of depletion, leading to feelings of hopelessness. In a video by therapist Dr. Scott Eilers, he explains that humans don’t have unlimited willpower. Instead, we’re given a limited amount each day.
Willpower Explained
Willpower, according to Merriam-Webster, is the “strong determination that allows one to do something difficult.” Many of us are raised with the mindset of “push through it” or “no pain, no gain,” always delaying gratification for long-term rewards. But as Dr. Eilers explains, willpower is finite. Imagine you’re at work all day, pushing through deadlines. By the time you get home, you’re running on a 4/10 in terms of willpower. If scrolling social media or playing video games feels like an 8/10 in terms of enjoyment, guess what? That’s what you’ll choose. If, on the other hand, you wake up with an 8/10 willpower, you’re more likely to tackle something like a job search, even if it’s only a 3/10 on your satisfaction scale.
How Do You Break the Cycle?
First, ask yourself: What do you really want? Many people experiencing burnout have buried this desire so deep, it’s not even on their radar anymore. But reconnecting with it is key.
My Turning Point
At my lowest point, I found it hard to do anything. Social media became an easy distraction, but it left me feeling empty. Then, one day, I craved a bagel. I hadn’t eaten one in years due to being gluten-sensitive, but I decided to have it anyway. That bagel was the highlight of my day, and it marked the first step in my healing journey. It wasn’t about the bagel—it was about giving myself permission to follow what I wanted, rather than what I felt I “should” do.
The First Step Towards Joy
This first step looks different for everyone. The key is to give yourself permission to follow your joy, no matter how small that first step might be. This process doesn’t have to be rushed. The more you allow it to unfold naturally, the stronger the foundation for lasting change.
Living in Flow
Can you give yourself the space and grace to be who you want to be? When you loosen your grip on control, you create room for the real, peaceful, and happy you to emerge.
