Energy And Exhaustion

Burnout can creep up quietly. One moment you’re fine, then you realise you’ve spent far too many nights binge-watching TV just to escape how tired you feel. In this episode, we explore why that happens, how we create a vicious cycle, and what we can do about it.

We talk about the mental loop that makes us say, “It’s just one more day of rest,” then before we know it, it’s four days of avoiding everything. You’ll hear insights on identifying your triggers and spotting small, practical changes that help you step away from the downward spiral.

Burnout’s Sneaky Beginnings

Have you ever set huge goals, only to hit the wall weeks later? It’s common, especially when all we want is to keep pace with everyday life. Burnout rarely shouts. Instead, it shows up like a slow leak. Suddenly, you wonder why you can’t muster the energy to get up and do simple tasks.

This episode highlights how we add to the problem. We might label ourselves as lazy or useless, which only cranks up the pressure. The truth is, our minds are trying to protect us from overwhelming stress. Once we understand that, we can start looking at ways to build ourselves back up.

Common Pitfalls

One big trap is thinking we’re too tired because we’re just not good enough. But mostly, it’s a sign we’re pushing beyond our natural limits. If we’re exhausted, there’s a reason. It could be poor sleep, emotional overload, or exhaustion from trying to perform at 110 percent all the time.

We also tend to isolate ourselves. Instead of asking for help, we assume no one else gets it. That isolation can morph into negativity about our capabilities. We might then lean on unhelpful coping strategies, like scrolling through social media until midnight or skipping important tasks. It spirals, and it’s not pretty.

“Ever feel burnt out? Like you just want to lay on the couch? I do. I find myself making it worse. It becomes a spiral.”

Small Steps to Regain Control

One of the best things is to take an honest look at why we keep repeating the same habits. Are we doing too much at once? Or maybe we never really learned good boundaries. Identifying the root cause helps us break the cycle and rearrange our routine in a healthier way.

Try little adjustments that fit easily into your day. Could you:

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier for a week?
• Swap one screen-heavy evening for a warm bath or a good book?
• Call a friend, instead of hiding from social contact?

These tweaks may seem small, and they are, but they’re also powerful. Tiny changes build momentum, which helps us keep going when we’d rather flop on the couch again.

The Power of Self-Kindness

Self-talk matters. If we call ourselves lazy, we’re more likely to give up entirely. In this episode, we touch on how to replace harsh words with a kinder internal narrative. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

When you catch yourself in a negative loop, pause and ask if you’d say the same thing to a close friend. Most likely, you’d give them more compassion. That same kindness belongs in your own head. Remind yourself that burnout happens because you’ve been doing too much for too long.

Break the Spiral for Good

After speaking with many people (and feeling it myself), I’ve realised we often hit burnout when we neglect our basic needs. We set high expectations and forget to plan proper breaks. We overcommit, and our bodies and minds wave red flags until we finally crash.

To break this cycle for good, you need a plan that’s sustainable. Try:

1. Daily Check-Ins: Ask yourself how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. If you’re drained, give yourself permission to say “no” to new tasks.
2. Set Mini-Goals: Instead of massive targets, set small daily intentions. They might be as simple as “write two sentences in my journal” or “walk for five minutes.”
3. Celebrate Progress: Track even the tiniest wins. It has a positive ripple effect on your overall mood and energy.

We also talk about not waiting until you’re in crisis mode to start these steps. Begin them on a normal day, and they’ll be there for you when life amps up the stress.

• Burnout often goes unnoticed until it’s overwhelming.
• Small tweaks can cut through the spiral of exhaustion.
• Kind self-talk changes your mindset more than you’d think.

If you find this resonates, you’ll enjoy hearing examples and more stories in the full podcast. It’s waiting for you at the top of this page. Give it a listen, and let’s tackle burnout together.