Fighting End Of Year Burnout

Burnout can creep up on you when you least expect it, especially if you’re neurodiverse. One day you’re happily tackling your tasks, the next you’re stuck in a fog with no clue how you got there. This week’s podcast episode explores why dyslexia can make you more prone to burnout and how you can protect your energy with a few tweaks.

We chat about the hidden traps that lead to burnout, like juggling too many ideas and battling holiday pressures. You’ll discover the early signals that you’re stretching yourself too thin, plus some tips for injecting meaningful rest into your routine. If you’re hoping for a season that feels calmer and more balanced, read on.

Why Burnout Finds Us

The dyslexic, neurodiverse brain processes everything at once. We tune in to small details, random thoughts, and external stimuli without even trying. That’s a powerful strength, but it can also lead us to tire out faster than others. It isn’t that we’re weaker. It’s that we’re wired to pick up bits of information most people ignore, which can become exhausting if we don’t pace ourselves.

Picture your thoughts like water flowing through a funnel. If too many tasks and ideas rush in at once, the funnel clogs. Dyslexia often makes our minds flood with creativity, empathy, and new perspectives. If we don’t notice when the flow is too strong, we risk wearing ourselves down. Over time, that can lead to burnout, which often looks like a switch flipped overnight—but it’s usually been building for weeks or months.

Spotting the Signs Early

Sometimes the first sign is a cloudy mind. You might lose the thread of a conversation or struggle to remember simple tasks. Sleep can feel less restful, and you may wake up more tired than when you went to bed. In this week’s podcast, I shared a moment that took me by surprise:

“The dyslexic, neurodiverse brain seems to find its way to burnout with ease. It sneaks up on you when you don’t see it coming.”

That’s exactly it. Burnout isn’t loud or dramatic at first—it’s quiet and slow. One day you’re fine, the next you’re so mentally and physically drained that everyday life feels out of reach. If you’re noticing signs like heavier fatigue, emotional ups and downs, or a drop in motivation, it’s time to pay attention. Early action can prevent your burnout from getting worse.

Simple Strategies to Protect Your Energy

Once you realise you’re heading towards burnout, the next step is to take small but meaningful actions. It’s easy to think you need a giant lifestyle overhaul. That thought alone can be overwhelming. Instead, start by making one or two easy shifts:

• Set clear boundaries: Decide when you’ll stop checking emails or responding to messages. Give your mind a consistent break each day.
• Take short, regular breaks: Even five minutes every hour to stretch, grab water, or breathe slowly can reset your focus.
• Alternate tasks: Switching gears can keep your brain from feeling weighed down by one time-consuming project.
• Learn to say no: The holiday season is full of invites and requests. Decline what doesn’t align with your wellbeing.

These swaps may sound too simple, but small steps often make the biggest difference. You don’t need to abandon everything to recover from burnout. You just need consistent, gentle changes that give your mind the rest it’s been craving.

What I’m Planning This Holiday Season

Like many of you, I want to enjoy the festive spirit without collapsing in a heap. I’m looking to keep things slow and manageable this year. One trick is carving out certain days for events and leaving other days completely free. That means if I have a dinner with friends on Wednesday, I try not to plan anything else after work until then. It sounds simple, but it gives me space to collect myself so I don’t hit social overload.

I’m also focusing on proper downtime: reading a funny book, having a tech-free morning once a week, and saying no to late-night events if I’m already tired. Guilt can creep in, but I remind myself that if I burn out, I won’t be there for anyone, including me. The holidays should be a time to recharge, not just run around.

Embracing Neurodiversity Year-Round

It’s tempting to think burnout is only a holiday concern, but it can strike any time our schedules get too full. The beauty of neurodiversity is that we bring fresh insights and creativity to the world. The flip side is that we often absorb everything around us more intensely. There’s no shame in needing more rest or quiet time to reset.

Embrace the way your brain works. Let yourself do things differently, such as taking midday pauses or keeping notebooks handy for ideas so they’re not swirling around in your head all day. Over time, you’ll see these practices don’t just prevent burnout—they also boost your day-to-day comfort and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• Burnout is a slow build that can suddenly feel overwhelming for dyslexic or neurodiverse people.
• Look out for early hints: mental fog, restless sleep, or emotional ups and downs.
• Small habits like taking quick breaks or setting clear boundaries can make a big difference.
• The holiday season can bring extra stress, so plan for pockets of genuine rest.
• Respect your neurodiversity and let that guide you to healthier routines all year long.

Call to Action: If you want the full story on why burnout sneaks up on us and how to dodge it, the podcast player is right at the top of this page. Give it a listen for a deeper dive and more helpful tips. Your mind—and your holiday plans—will thank you.