What Burnout Feels Like: A Personal Journey and How to Overcome It
Burnout isn’t something that just happens overnight—it creeps up slowly, taking hold of your energy, clarity, and passion. I experienced this firsthand when I was in grad school, trying to run my business, and juggling the demands of everyday life. I thought I could power through it all, but eventually, the exhaustion became impossible to ignore. I woke up every day feeling drained, mentally foggy, and emotionally detached from the things that once lit me up. I didn’t realize at the time, but this wasn’t just exhaustion—it was my body screaming for help, signaling that my hormones were completely out of balance. If you're feeling the same, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what burnout really feels like and how you can start to heal by restoring your hormone balance.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout doesn’t look the same for everyone, but there are some common symptoms you should watch out for:
Physical Exhaustion: This isn’t the tiredness you feel after a long day—it’s a constant, draining fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep. It’s tied to chronic stress, which affects your cortisol levels and disrupts your energy.
Mental Fog: If you’re feeling disconnected from your own thoughts, or having trouble focusing on even the smallest tasks, it’s not just stress. Hormonal imbalances, especially in cortisol and thyroid hormones, can make it feel impossible to think clearly.
Mood Swings and Irritability: When your hormones are off, especially progesterone and estrogen, you might find yourself snapping at loved ones or feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. This is a sign that stress is taking a toll on your emotional well-being.
Sleep Problems: Despite feeling exhausted, you struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night. Elevated cortisol levels, a result of burnout, can cause disruptions in your sleep cycle.
Physical Pain and Tension: Chronic stress can cause physical symptoms like muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. The hormonal imbalances brought on by stress can leave you feeling sore or stiff without any clear reason.
Why Burnout and Hormone Imbalance Go Hand in Hand
You might wonder why burnout feels so much deeper than just being tired. It’s because chronic stress doesn’t just drain your energy—it throws your hormones out of balance.
When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol, the "stress hormone." While cortisol is essential in managing short-term stress, chronic elevated cortisol levels can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause a wide range of symptoms, from weight gain and poor sleep to anxiety and fatigue. Over time, this constant stress affects your adrenal glands, thyroid function, and reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. As a result, you’re left feeling drained physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Steps I Took to Overcome Burnout and Restore My Hormone Balance
Once I understood the role that hormone imbalance played in my burnout, I took proactive steps to heal. Here’s what helped me:
Stress Reduction Practices
I made stress management a priority, using mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and meditation to lower my cortisol levels. I found that just a few minutes a day helped me feel calmer and more grounded.Nutrition for Hormonal Health
I cleaned up my diet, focusing on hormone-balancing foods like leafy greens, healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds), and lean proteins. I also reduced my sugar intake, which can trigger a spike in cortisol.Gentle Movement
I switched up my exercise routine, opting for restorative activities like yoga and walking instead of high-intensity workouts that could elevate my cortisol. Gentle movement helped release tension without further stressing my body.Sleep Hygiene
Sleep became a priority. I started establishing a calming evening routine, reducing screen time, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. As my sleep improved, so did my mood and energy levels.Adaptogenic Herbs and Supplements
I incorporated adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and Rhodiola into my routine, which helped support my adrenal health and lower cortisol. Magnesium also played a role in improving sleep and reducing muscle tension.Acupuncture and Hormonal Support
Acupuncture was a game-changer for me in balancing my hormones. Regular sessions helped relieve muscle tension, regulate cortisol, and promote overall healing. It was like a reset button for my body and mind.Seeking Professional Support
I worked with a functional medicine practitioner who helped me understand my unique hormonal imbalances through lab testing. Personalized treatment options, including acupuncture and hormone support supplements, gave me the tools to heal.
The Road to Recovery: It’s a Journey
Overcoming burnout isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that involves small, consistent changes. By addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of burnout, particularly the role of hormone imbalance, I began to feel like myself again. It took patience, but with the right steps, I started reclaiming my energy, clarity, and peace of mind.
Ready to Overcome Burnout for Good?
Exciting news! My Burnout Recovery Program is coming soon, designed to help women like you regain control of their health and well-being. This comprehensive program will provide personalized guidance to address the root causes of burnout, with a focus on balancing hormones, reducing stress, and reclaiming your energy. Stay tuned for more details—this life-changing program will be available very soon, and I can’t wait to support you on your healing journey!
Don’t wait until burnout takes over your life. Contact us to start your healing journey today—because you deserve to feel whole again.