Burnout is everywhere. I see it in my clients, my colleagues, and, I’ve felt it myself. And yet, so many people who experience burnout believe there’s something wrong with them—like they’re not strong enough, not disciplined enough, not something enough.

But here’s the truth: Burnout isn’t always avoidable. In fact, in some cases, it’s almost inevitable - It’s not a matter of “if”, but “when.”

Think about it—when you’re juggling long hours, impossible workloads, unclear expectations, and a culture that glorifies being “busy” over being well, how could you not feel exhausted? Add in personal stressors like lack of sleep, emotional overload, or the pressure to be everything to everyone, and burnout stops being a possibility and becomes a predictable outcome.

It’s Not Just You—It’s the System

Many of the factors that contribute to burnout aren’t in our control:

• Unrealistic Work Demands – Heavy caseloads, constant emails, and never-ending to-do lists make it hard to catch your breath.

• Lack of Boundaries – Being “on” 24/7 or feeling guilty for taking a break leads to chronic exhaustion.

• Emotional Labor – If you support others for a living (therapists, teachers, healthcare workers, parents), the weight of holding space for others can take its toll.

• Lack of Rest & Recovery – Whether it’s working late, skipping meals, or feeling guilty for resting, we often forget that sustainability should be the goal—not just productivity.

So if you’re feeling burned out, please know this: It’s not because you’re weak—it’s because you’re human.

Tips to Reset and Recharge:  Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

While we can’t always change the system overnight, we can focus on small, intentional shifts that make burnout more manageable. Here are a few strategies to get started:

✅ Take Micro-Breaks – Even five minutes to breathe, step outside, or stretch can help reset your nervous system.
✅ Set (and Stick to) Boundaries – Say no without guilt. Protect your time without apologizing. If you feel judged or like you are letting others down, remember that you are allowed to take care of yourself.
✅ Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition – You can’t outwork exhaustion. Sleep, hydrate, and eat foods that fuel you.
✅ Shift from Hustle to Recovery Mode – Rest isn’t a reward for working hard—it’s a requirement for showing up well.
✅ Let Go of Perfectionism – You don’t have to do it all, fix it all, or get everything “right.” Aim for better, not perfect.

Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re failing—it’s a sign that something needs to change. And while some factors might be out of our hands, our mindset and daily choices can make a difference. Start small. Show yourself grace. And remember: Your well-being matters just as much as the work you do.

Need Support? We’re Here to Help.

At Clear View Counseling & Consulting, we specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, burnout, and trauma. We are currently accepting new clients for both individual therapy sessions and Brainspotting Intensives, which provide deep, focused support for those who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted.

If you’re ready to start prioritizing your well-being, reach out. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Additional Resources

📚 Books:

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – Emily & Amelia Nagoski

• The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk

• Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach

🎧 Podcasts:

• The Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos

• We Can Do Hard Things – Glennon Doyle

• Unlocking Us – Brené Brown

Take care of yourself—you deserve it.