Burnt out from life? It’s not just work burnout

A few years ago, after experiencing and recovering from severe burnout twice, I decided to write a book to help others do the same. Out of that came my book, The 5 Keys to Burnout Recovery, which blends my personal experience with science-backed approaches to recovery.

As I explored the research, I found that most studies focused on work-related burnout. In fact, the World Health Organisation links burnout specifically to work.

But when I began sharing my work, I started hearing something different.

People told me they felt “burnt out” — but it often wasn’t just about their job. Instead, they described feeling “burnt out from life.”

And I’ve been hearing this more and more over the past few years.

So while it may not yet be recognised in a clinical sense, burnout from life is something many people are experiencing.

What is burnt out from life?

Burnout from life is often linked to ongoing, long-term stress across different areas of life, not just work.

An informal way to recognise it is to reflect on the past 12 months and ask yourself:

• Has your mood felt low?
• Have you felt emotionally drained or running on empty?
• Have you felt physically worn out or constantly tired?

If your answer is often or very often, you may be experiencing this kind of burnout.

My own experience

I can relate.

It’s been a very challenging 12 months for me, as it has for many people—financial stress, rising rent and cost of living, having to move too many times, launching a new business, and more. On top of this, with the rapid increase in technology and constant demands, life seems to be speeding up. The days can feel like they pass even quicker than ever.

Over time, this kind of ongoing stress takes a toll on the nervous system.

Instability and uncertainty, especially when they continue for long periods, can leave you feeling depleted on every level, emotionally and physically.

The good news

The good news is that, with awareness and action, I’ve been able to notice what’s happening and take steps to support myself before reaching burnout, and you can do this too.

It doesn’t mean the external circumstances, the “problem issues” if you like, have changed. But I (and you) can take action to support ourselves inspite of them.

What’s been helping me

Here are some of the practices I’ve found supportive:

1. Activating the “rest and repair” response

Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, so anything that activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and repair system” can help.

When I’m short on time, I sit on a chair, with my feet on the floor, place a hand on my heart, and take slow, steady breaths. Even five minutes can help me reset.

If I need more to help me shift out of the stress response, I’ll spend 30–40 minutes doing a guided meditation.

2. Taking life one day at a time

So much of our stress comes from worrying about the future. So I practice being mindful and taking one day at a time. I tell myself, just for today, focus on today.

Throughout the day, I gently “rein in my mind” as much as I can to stay in the present moment. I find this is much easier if I’ve first activated my “rest and repair” system. Otherwise, I’m essentially trying to fight biology and my own survival response.

3. Gratitude-based prayer

I pray, but rather than a prayer asking for help, I say a prayer of thanks. I thank the universe, or the angels, for the help that I need, as though I have already received it.

This is inspired by the work of Neville Goddard, a spiritual teacher and mystic, who spoke about “assuming the wish fulfilled”, as part of the spiritual law of assumption.

4. Doing something that feeds my soul

Even something small, like spending time with our 15-year-old dog Tommy, helps bring me out of my head and back into connection with my heart and soul. This shift alone feels deeply calming and regulating.

5. Taking practical action

Alongside spiritual practices, I make sure I also take practical, real-world action where needed, so I’m supporting myself both internally and externally when life feels stressful.

Final thoughts

Hopefully one or more of these resonates with you and helps you to support your well-being.

So, if you’re feel overwhelmed, worn down, or like you’re running on empty, you may be experiencing chronic stress.

If you would like support in finding a way forward, you’re welcome to book an insight session with me.

And please do also contact your medical healthcare professional if you have any concerns.