Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes constant, heavy, and all-consuming, it’s something else entirely. Burnout doesn’t just show up overnight. It builds slowly, until one day you realize you’re running on empty.
You’re tired all the time, even after sleep. You find yourself snapping over small things, zoning out, or forgetting what you were doing. You keep pushing, but it feels like you’re dragging yourself through every task. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken—you’re burnt out.
🚩 Signs of Chronic Stress & Burnout:
Persistent exhaustion, even after rest
Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally distant
Increased irritability or anxiety
Trouble focusing, thinking clearly, or staying productive
Tension headaches, sleep problems, or digestive issues
So What Can You Do?
Burnout recovery isn’t about getting your energy “back”, but rather, learning to protect it moving forward. Here are a few places to start:
1. Prioritize Rest Like Your Health Depends On It (Because It Does)
Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. Sleep, quiet time, and joyful moments are just as important as anything on your to-do list. Read that again if you need to. Create small rituals that help you wind down, unplug, and remember that your worth isn’t measured by how much you get done.
2. Set Boundaries—Even With Yourself
Say no to the extra meeting. Don’t volunteer when you’re already stretched. And most importantly, pause before saying yes to something just because you “should.” That empty space you protect? That’s where healing lives.
3. Move & Breathe
It doesn’t need to be a full workout, just a walk around the block, a few stretches, or 10 deep breaths. Movement and breathwork help regulate your nervous system, balance your stress hormones, and make it easier to rest when it’s time.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
You’re not a machine. You’re not lazy. You’re human—and you’re doing the best you can. Follow the age-old advice and speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend. Name your effort. Honor the fact that you're still showing up, even when it’s hard. It will make a difference in how you feel.
5. Reach Out
Sometimes, you just need a space to sort through everything out loud with someone who gets it. Whether you're overwhelmed, checked out, or not even sure how to begin recovering, support can make all the difference.
If you’re feeling stretched too thin, know that you don’t have to keep doing it alone. At Soul Ascension Coaching, I collaborate with people navigating burnout, chronic stress, and emotional exhaustion to develop an action plan towards a more intentional, fulfilling life. Together, we can untangle what’s weighing you down, create space for what matters, and get you feeling like you again.
For more support, fill out our contact form + follow @lifecoachirelynn on Instagram and TikTok for more wellness content.
