How to Know If You're Burned Out—And What to Do About It

Burnout has become an epidemic in our fast-paced, high-demand world. If you're feeling constantly exhausted, emotionally drained, and detached from your work or relationships, you may be experiencing burnout. And you're not alone—studies show that 72% of workers have endured burnout in the last two years.

But burnout isn’t just about work. It affects every part of life—your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. It’s like trying to run on an empty tank. No matter how hard you push, you just don’t have anything left to give. The good news? You can recover. And we’re here to help.

Signs You Might Be Burned Out

Burnout isn’t always obvious. Here are some key warning signs to watch for:

• Constant exhaustion—You wake up tired, no matter how much you sleep.
• Emotional numbness or irritability—You feel indifferent or easily frustrated.
• Loss of motivation—Even things you once loved feel like a burden.
• Cynicism or detachment—You feel disconnected from work, relationships, or faith.
• Physical symptoms—Headaches, digestive issues, or frequent illness.
• Feeling trapped—You want a break but don’t see a way to make it happen.

If any of these resonate with you, it’s time to pause and assess the state of your soul.

The Cost of Ignoring Burnout

Burnout isn’t just a personal issue—it has ripple effects on work, family, and even faith. Research shows burnout leads to:

• Decreased productivity and creativity
• Higher stress, anxiety, and depression
• Increased conflict in relationships
• Loss of passion for work and life
• A crisis of faith or purpose

If left unaddressed, burnout can escalate into full-blown flameout (a major crisis) or dropout (disengagement from life and work). But the good news? Recovery is possible.

How to Begin Healing from Burnout

The path to healing starts with awareness. Here are three simple but powerful steps to begin recovering:

1. The Page: Write It Down

Journaling is one of the most effective ways to process emotions and regain clarity. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on questions like:

• What has been draining my energy lately?
• What emotions am I feeling right now?
• What does my soul need today?

Writing helps you see patterns, release stress, and reconnect with your inner self.

2. The Person: Find Support

You are not meant to navigate burnout alone. Seek out a safe, supportive person who will listen without judgment. This could be a trusted friend, a coach, a spiritual director, or a therapist. Honest conversations can be incredibly healing.

3. The Plan: Take Small Steps

Healing from burnout doesn’t require a major life overhaul. Instead, focus on small, sustainable changes. Ask yourself:

• What life-giving rhythms have I abandoned?
• How can I reintroduce moments of rest, joy, and connection into my day?
• What’s one thing I can do this week to nourish my soul?

Even small adjustments—like stepping outside for fresh air, setting boundaries, or carving out time for prayer—can begin to restore your energy.

Take the Next Step Toward Soul Health

At Soul Care, we believe burnout is not the end of your story. There is hope, healing, and a path forward.

That’s why we created Confronting Burnout, a free online course designed to help you:
✅ Understand why burnout happens
✅ Identify your personal warning signs
✅ Develop simple, sustainable practices for recovery
✅ Reconnect with what matters most

You don’t have to quit your job or take months off. You can start healing right where you are.

👉 Sign up today for free and start confronting burnout.