Ep 22 Burnout: How to Avoid & Recover From
Burnout—it’s something so many of us face, yet we rarely talk about it openly. In our latest episode of Evolve, we dove deep into what it feels like to be burnt out, and, more importantly, how to recognize, prevent, and recover from it.
We kicked things off by recognizing that burnout isn’t just physical; it’s emotional too. We’re often juggling so many things—work, personal commitments, hobbies, side hustles—that it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed. Unmanageable workloads, lack of sleep, and that constant feeling of never quite catching up are the culprits. Sound familiar?
Recognizing Burnout: A Checklist
Sam shared a revelation during the episode: he’s been in a state of burnout for what feels like forever. And it’s not hard to see why—trying to balance work, exercise, personal growth, and even new routines like Thai boxing can push anyone to their limit. But what really struck home was the idea that burnout creeps up on you. It’s not always a sudden thing. It builds until you find yourself completely drained—emotionally, physically, mentally.
We also discussed the idea that burnout and job dissatisfaction aren’t the same, but they’re related. You can love what you do and still burn out because of unrealistic demands or feeling unappreciated at work. The key to recognizing burnout is being aware of the warning signs: cynicism, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. If this sounds like you, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.
How to Avoid Burnout
One of the things we touched on is the importance of prioritizing joy. When you’re deep in burnout, even the things that used to bring you joy—whether that’s gaming, watching TV, or hanging out with friends—feel like a chore. It’s a clear sign that something needs to change. Start by carving out time for the things you love, no matter how small they might seem. Even 90 minutes before bed to wind down can make all the difference.
We also talked about how important it is to reassess your life priorities. Are the things you’re doing every day aligned with the life you want to live? It sounds simple, but making small adjustments to your routine—like getting more sleep or eating better—can help pull you out of that burnout cycle.
Our Takeaways
For both of us, the biggest lesson has been realizing that rest is essential, not a luxury. It’s about creating balance in your life, not just powering through until you collapse. We also found that sharing the burden—whether that’s with a partner, a friend, or a coach—helps keep burnout at bay. Accountability is key.
If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this episode, it’s this: burnout is real, but it’s also preventable. It’s about taking the time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t, making small changes, and above all, being kind to yourself in the process.
You’re not alone in this. Let’s evolve together.
