My name is Katе, I’m 27, and I am a classic workaholic. Work has always been more than just an obligation for me. It’s an opportunity for self-realization, achieving goals, and gaining recognition. But at some point, I realized that what once brought me joy had turned into a daily exhausting marathon.

First Warning Signs

I started noticing that waking up in the morning was becoming harder and harder. My favorite job no longer brought me satisfaction, and any new task caused stress. I was losing concentration, becoming irritable, and constantly feeling tired. It seemed like even the smallest thing could make me cry or feel angry.

Admitting the Problem

The first thing I had to do was admit that I was experiencing burnout. This wasn’t easy, especially when you’re used to being "strong" and handling everything on your own. But without this step, it’s impossible to move forward.

What Helped Me

Reevaluating Priorities. I realized that work is just a part of my life, not its purpose.

Resting Without Guilt. I allowed myself to take breaks and stopped feeling guilty about it.

Setting Work Boundaries. I stopped working late and responding to work messages on weekends.

Physical Activity. Exercise helped me regain energy and reduce stress levels.

Socializing with Friends. The people around me reminded me that life is not just about deadlines.

Conclusion

I am still learning to take care of myself and find a balance between work and personal life. Burnout is not the end, but rather a signal that something needs to change. And most importantly, it’s okay to acknowledge your exhaustion and take care of yourself.

Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you deal with it?