“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
Burnout feels like a heavy weight dragging you down, leaving you mentally and physically drained. It’s a state where nothing seems fulfilling, and everything feels like a chore. But imagine a cat—curled up in a cosy spot, completely at ease, unbothered by the world. That’s the kind of relaxation and happiness we all deserve, but first, we need to break free from the grips of burnout.
I know this from experience, hence why I decided to give you my 10 solutions to stop feeling trapped. A few months ago, I found myself completely overwhelmed, running on fumes, and struggling to find joy in anything. Work felt endless, and even the things I used to enjoy seemed like obligations. But over time, I made intentional changes in my life that helped me find balance and joy again. If you’re feeling burned out, this is how I overcame it and now it’s your turn to try!
One of the things that stuck with me through it all was my black cat, Salem. I remembered watching Salem every day, I will watch him settle into his favourite spot—an egg-shaped swing by the window where the sun would pour in just perfectly. He would stretch, curl up, and bask in the warmth, completely at peace with the world around him. There I was, exhausted and overwhelmed, and there he was, enjoying pure bliss without a care. I envied his ability to be so content. I wanted that peace, that relaxation, that simplicity. Reminiscing about my cat, Salem brought me back to the idea that it’s possible to escape the burnout trap and find that inner calm.
Here are 10 ways to overcome burnout and start living a life that’s as cosy and content as Salem the cat in his sunny swing.
1. Take a Break—Really, Take a Break
Cats know the value of a good nap, and so should you. When you’re burnt out, pushing through and “soldiering on” often makes things worse. I used to think I could power through my exhaustion, but once I began to truly disconnect—whether it was stepping outside for a short walk or just sitting quietly with no distractions with a cup of green tea – I found that my energy levels began to restore. Schedule time to step away from work or daily responsibilities. Giving yourself permission to rest is key to resetting your mental and physical energy.
2. Simplify Your Schedule
Cats don’t overcomplicate things or procrastinate; they enjoy the present moment. When you’re dealing with burnout, simplifying your schedule can help you focus on what matters. I used to have a packed agenda, thinking that productivity equalled success. However, when I started focusing on my essential tasks and letting go of commitments that drained me, I noticed an immediate shift in my well-being. Prioritise the essentials and let go of unnecessary commitments. Learn to say “no” when you need to and give yourself the space to recharge without feeling guilty.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Just like a cat basking in a sunbeam, being present in the moment can help you let go of stress. I found that starting my day with a few minutes of meditation or simply focusing on my breath helped me stay grounded. Even when things got hectic, I could tap into that calm feeling. Mindfulness exercises—such as deep breathing, meditation, or simply paying attention to your surroundings—can help calm the mind and reduce the effects of burnout. Too busy in your house, hey your car, garden, quiet coffee shop can be little havens! Even five minutes of mindfulness can bring you back to a place of peace and clarity.
4. Create a Comfortable, Inviting Space
A cat’s favourite spot is often one that’s safe, quiet, and comfortable. To combat burnout, I began paying attention to my surroundings. I added soft cushions, calming scents, and cosy lighting to my space, making it a haven for relaxation. When your environment supports your well-being, it’s easier to find a sense of calm amid the chaos. Consider setting up a space where you can truly unwind—your own cosy corner to escape to.
5. Move Your Body (But Gently)
Cats love stretching, and we can learn a lot from that. I noticed that when I moved my body—even gently—my energy improved. Whether it was a gentle yoga flow, dancing or a short walk around the block, these small actions helped release physical tension and brought me back to a place of ease. Gentle movement—like stretching, yoga, or a slow walk—helps to release tension and increase energy. When you’re burnt out, intense workouts might feel overwhelming, but light exercises can make a big difference in releasing physical and mental stress.
6. Reconnect with Joyful Activities
What makes you feel like a cat chasing a toy? Whether it’s reading, painting, cooking, or being in nature, I rediscovered activities I once loved but had abandoned due to burnout like browsing around Homesense, Afternoon Spa Days or walking in the garden centre. Reconnecting with those joys helped me regain a sense of purpose and creativity. Hobbies that make you feel alive are the antidote to burnout, helping you shift from autopilot mode to feeling engaged and fulfilled again.
7. Set Healthy Boundaries – work life balance
Cats are experts at knowing when they need alone time. Similarly, setting boundaries in your work and personal life is crucial for avoiding burnout. I realised I had to learn to say “no” and protect my personal time. When I started setting limits, I felt less overwhelmed and more in control of my energy. Saying no when needed is empowering, and it’s essential for your long-term well-being.
8. Re-build Your Relationships
As much as cats may enjoy their solitude, they also seek out affection from their favourite humans. For me, staying connected with friends and family helped me navigate the burnout phase. Sharing my struggles and receiving support was a game-changer. Engaging in supportive relationships can help lift your spirits when you’re feeling burned out. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even a support group, surrounding yourself with people who understand and uplift you can speed up the recovery from burnout.
9. Eat Nourishing Foods
Just like a cat needs the right food to feel its best, I realised that nourishing my body was essential. I made more mindful choices about what I ate, prioritising fresh, whole foods that gave me sustained energy. Eating a balanced diet filled with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps to stabilize your energy levels and improve your overall mood. Avoid relying on processed foods or caffeine to power through exhaustion – your body will thank you for it.
10. Let Go of Perfectionism
Cats are perfectly content without needing to be perfect. They live in the moment, embracing their flaws and quirks. Similarly, letting go of the need for perfection in my work and life has been liberating. I began focusing on progress rather than perfection, and it allowed me to enjoy the journey instead of stressing over every little detail. Strive for progress, not perfection, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Let Go and Reclaim Your Life
Burnout doesn’t have to be permanent, and you don’t have to settle for feeling drained all the time. By taking deliberate steps to reset your mind and body, you can create a sense of ease and contentment—much like the bliss Salem feels in his sunny egg swing. The key is to slow down, prioritise your well-being, and give yourself the grace to recover.
This is some of the steps on how I overcame burnout, and now it’s your time to try. Start small, pick one or ten of these steps, and gradually build a routine that supports a peaceful, joyful life. Before long, you’ll be basking in the same kind of satisfaction and relaxation as Salem, happier than you’ve been in a long time. But remember that there are many other solutions to beat burnout according to your own perception of life.
This blog is dedicated to my beautiful cat Salem , my inspiration for writing this blog ! RIP.