I don’t think burnout happens all at once. It sneaks up on you. One day, you’re pushing through, doing what needs to be done. The next, you’re running on autopilot—drained but still moving because stopping isn’t an option. Then, at some point, you realize—you don’t even feel like yourself anymore. You’re exhausted, but you keep going because—well, what’s the alternative?
I’ve been there. I am there. My health has never been the best, but these days, it’s impacting my daily life in a big way. And yet, I don’t have time to stop and figure it out. I solo-parent three toddlers during the week, and with my twins having developmental delays, parenting isn’t just about spending time together—it’s about learning to adjust to how their minds work. I’m constantly figuring out how to best support them while also meeting Alaska’s needs, all in the same space, with their differences becoming more apparent as Las grows. It’s beautiful. It’s an eye-opening process. But it’s a lot.
Add in trying to grow 224, bring my ideas to life, and find creativity when my brain already feels maxed out? Some days, I don’t know where I’m supposed to pull the energy from—on top of everything else that comes with life.
And it’s not just the exhaustion. It’s the weight of everything. This generation. The uncertainty. The never-ending pressure to keep going. It wears on you. It wears on me. And I’ve had a long few years of just pushing through.
But I’m learning myself, I’m taking control of my life. I’m learning what my burnout looks like—the foggy brain, the short patience, the way even things I love start feeling like chores. I’m learning what my self-care actually is, not just what the world says it should be. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: Recognizing burnout is the first step to figuring out how to move through it. And that’s what I’m trying to do.
So, I want to share some tips on how to move through burnout and reignite that fire in yourself again.
How to Recharge and Reignite Your Spark After Burnout
Burnout doesn’t just disappear with a single good night’s sleep. It takes intentional effort to reset, realign, and regain your energy. If you’ve been feeling stuck in exhaustion and creative drought, here are some steps to help you find your way back to yourself.
1. Prioritize True Rest (Not Just Sleep)
Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s about depletion. You need rest that restores you, which means:
- Mental rest: Reduce decision fatigue by simplifying your routine.
- Emotional rest: Give yourself permission to feel and express what’s weighing on you.
- Creative rest: Step back from content creation and immerse yourself in art, books, or nature without pressure to produce.
2. Shift from Productivity to Presence
Instead of asking, What do I need to get done today? try asking, How can I show up for myself today? This small mindset shift takes the pressure off performance and allows space for organic inspiration.
3. Move, But Gently
Burnout often manifests physically—tight shoulders, headaches, sluggishness. Movement can help, but this isn’t about intense workouts. Try:
- Stretching or yoga to release tension.
- Slow walks to clear your mind.
- Dancing in your kitchen just because.
4. Feed Your Mind with Nourishing Inputs
What you consume affects your energy. If your mind is overloaded with news, social media, and external expectations, it’s no wonder creativity feels drained. Try:
- Listening to music that soothes or energizes you.
- Reading something inspiring (without pressure to apply it immediately).
- Watching something lighthearted to spark joy.
5. Do Something for Joy, Not Output
Creative burnout often happens because every idea starts feeling like work. Give yourself permission to create without expectation. Write, paint, sing, bake—anything that brings joy without needing to be “useful.”
6. Reconnect with What Matters Most
Burnout can make everything feel meaningless. Reground yourself by revisiting:
- Why you started in the first place.
- The impact of your work, even in small ways.
- The people and experiences that make life feel full.
7. Start Small, Without Pressure
When you feel ready to get back into creating, ease into it:
- Free-write without worrying about structure.
- Work on something unfinished rather than starting from scratch.
- Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and let that be enough.
8. Set Boundaries to Prevent Future Burnout
- Learn to recognize your limits and honor them.
- Schedule intentional breaks before you need them.
- Say no to commitments that don’t align with your capacity.
Burnout recovery is a process, not a quick fix. Give yourself grace, take it slow, and trust that your creativity will return in its own time.
