#Burnout Recovery

[bitchesgetriches]

I was in your inbox years ago, freaking out because of job stress. Consider me a cautionary tale.

a) you were right, mental health is so important. I didn't quit because I was worried about letting my colleagues down. I shouldn't have been.

b) I found out that I was doing the work of three people and quit a week later (these facts are related)

It took nearly 3 years and medical intervention to recover from the burnout, and that workplace now has an 80% staff turnover.

Sometimes the bigger, fancy jobs aren't worth it. Sometimes you've just gotta go back to customer service for a bit.

Sunk cost fallacy is a real thing. Don't let it get you.

Oh honey!!!

We're so sorry you had to endure this bullshit. And we're GRATEFUL you lived to tell the tale so that the rest of the baby bitchlings could learn from what you went through. We're proud of you for quitting and getting the help you needed, and we know you're going to be ok. Keep checking in.

For anyone dealing with similar bullshit: YOU CAN GET HELP. We made a whole-ass workshop on surviving, preventing, and recovering from burnout. Check it out here:

The Bitches Get Riches Burnout Workshop

Did we just help you out? Join our Patreon!

[katsy-kitty]

Me to myself at work:

Be like Hannibal. No shame.

You didn't know something? Not your problem. You know it now -- okay, whatever.

You missed someone's e-mail? Apologize and move on. No big deal.

You didn't do something you were supposed to because no-one had trained you? No shame. The company's fault.

NO SHAME AT WORK

You don't have to give your 100% because it's gonna kill you.

Take breaks, take care of yourself and remember: fuck grind culture.

[chronicsymptomsyndrome]

How do I recover from severe burnout with an overwhelmingly messy recovery space

How do I clean my overwhelmingly messy recovery space properly if I am severely burnt out

How do I recover from severe burnout if I’m constantly using all of my energy doing the bare minimum

How do I recover from severe burnout

How do I recover

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

5 Things That Can Help With Autistic Burnout

Emergent Divergence: The neurodivergent ramblings of David Gray-Hammond

[thisisnot-yourgrave]

What I learned about my brain and routines as a person with ADHD and autism:

The number one strategy that I've been implementing is

Eliminate any and all decisions to avoid being burnt out by 10 am

My partner turns on the radio as soon as he leaves for work, so I'm not met with the decision of putting on a podcast or music as soon as I wake up

I have the same breakfast every day and this might change, the basic concept here is, that it doesn't require any fresh ingredients so that I always have breakfast available even if I forgot to get groceries because I take my meds in the morning

Moving to the bathroom is a little tricky sometimes but when I'm there, I can do everything I need to do to get ready in one room and in sight so I remember to actually do them (including my clothes because I undress anyways to shower)

I simplified my wardrobe so every shirt goes with every pair of pants so it doesn't really matter what I pick, it will always look (somewhat) put together

Also, dressing to be comfortable instead of dressing to look nice was a huge thing for me. That simple mindset shift truly eliminated so many decisions I was making and that were truly tiring me out

What also really helped, is, that I stopped tying my routine to a certain time. Now, I realize that this is a privilege because I don't work at the moment but this truly changed things for me because it became a lot less daunting once I eliminated a lot of decisions. I don't have to mentally prepare myself to get ready anymore and I consider that a huge win because I have a lot more energy throughout the day.

I realize that these things are not new in any ways, shape or form but I have a very hard time unlearning things I was thought as a child. Maybe seeing that other people do things "differently" helps someone else.

[neurospicyu]

Neurodivergent creators, this one’s for you! Your emotional intensity isn’t a flaw—it’s a creative force waiting to be unleashed. Learn how to embrace your unique energy and turn emotional highs and lows into something beautiful. From writing to art, find your perfect outlet for self-expression.

[gothamsmom]

CONFIDENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT PATIENT: Duke Thomas THERAPIST: Dr. Misaki Eto SESSION DATE: [REDACTED] FILE STATUS: TOP SECRET

SESSION NOTES:

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

Duke Thomas walks into the office, his usual calm and collected demeanor on full display. Dr. Eto greets him with a warm smile, gesturing for him to take a seat.

Dr. Eto: offering him a cup of tea “I made some chamomile today, Duke. Would you like some?”

Duke: sitting down and nodding “Sure, that sounds good.” takes the cup

Dr. Eto: settling in her chair across from him, maintaining her usual relaxed and warm presence “How are you feeling today?”

Duke: pauses, his gaze drifting slightly, before he looks at her “Same as usual. You know. Busy. Lots to do. But… I’m getting by.”

Dr. Eto: “I see. Busy. You’ve been handling a lot, haven’t you?”

Duke: nods “I’m always handling something. But, I guess that’s just how things are. No rest. No time off.”

Dr. Eto: gently “That’s not sustainable, Duke. I’m glad you’re getting by, but we’ve talked about how important it is to take a moment for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Duke: sighs softly, running a hand through his hair “I know. It’s just… hard to slow down. People depend on me. I can’t just… stop.”

Dr. Eto: nodding “I understand. But you don’t have to be everything for everyone all the time. Sometimes it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to put yourself first.”

There’s a long pause, where Duke looks thoughtful but clearly conflicted. Dr. Eto watches him for a moment before speaking again.

Dr. Eto: “I want to try something different today. Just for you. You’ve been so focused on everyone else—on the city, on your family—let’s focus on you for a moment.” She reaches into her drawer and pulls out a small piece of chocolate candy, offering it to him. “Here, take this.”

Duke: looks at the candy, slightly confused “Chocolate?”

Dr. Eto: smiling warmly “Yes, chocolate. It’s been scientifically shown to help with dopamine production, which can help improve your mood. And it’s also a small moment of pleasure. Plus, sunlight and a little chocolate can help balance your mental state. You deserve to have those moments, Duke.”

Duke: hesitates, then takes the candy and unwrapping it “I… didn’t think you’d be the kind of therapist to give candy.”

Dr. Eto: with a wink “Well, sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best ones. Take a bite, enjoy it. And remember—taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.”

Duke takes a bite of the chocolate, chewing slowly, as if considering her words. For a moment, he looks more relaxed than usual.

Dr. Eto: leans forward, still in her calm, reassuring tone “You’ve been carrying a lot of weight, Duke. You’ve been trying to be someone for everyone, but I want you to try something. For once, try being yourself. Try letting go of all the expectations you’ve put on yourself to be perfect, to always be the strong one, the reliable one. Just… be Duke.”

Duke: looks at her, a little unsure but intrigued “Just be me?”

Dr. Eto: “Exactly. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to always be the one holding everything together. You’re allowed to be human, to have flaws, to need help, to take breaks. And it’s okay to not always have everything figured out. Just... let yourself be.”

Duke: softly “I guess… I never really thought about it that way.”

Dr. Eto: “It’s a hard habit to break, I know. But it’s important. Being yourself is more than enough. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, not to me, not to your family, not even to Gotham. Just be you.”

Duke sits back in the chair, his posture a little more relaxed now, though he still looks thoughtful.

Dr. Eto: smiling softly “And remember, Duke. It’s okay to indulge in the little things. The chocolate, the sunlight, the moments of joy. You deserve them.”

Duke: nods slowly, a small but genuine smile creeping onto his face “Thanks, Dr. Eto. I think I needed to hear that.”

Dr. Eto: beaming “Anytime, Duke. You’re doing great. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.”

[END TRANSCRIPT]

THERAPIST NOTES: Diagnosis: Anxiety, self-imposed pressure, burnout, emotional neglect.

Treatment Plan:

Encourage self-care practices and relaxation techniques.

Focus on allowing Duke to be himself without the burden of constant responsibility.

Prescription for daily self-compassion and finding small moments of joy.

Follow-up to monitor progress and emotional health.

FILE STATUS: ACTIVE NEXT SESSION: [REDACTED]

[okamirayne]

Burnout Recovery

Meaning, something that burnout can ruthlessly steal from you. What returns it?

Thank you to every single blessed individual reviewer, reader and reacher who has ever reached out to me regarding my writing and shared your experience of my storytelling madness. I’m currently rereading every message and review I’ve ever been blessed to receive; to remind me how to answer the vital questions posed here that I have struggled with ever since burnout hit:

What is the gift you carry in your soul? What have you brought with you into the heart of the village?

I love and appreciate those who so kindly remind me of the meaning of what I do, which trumps all drill-sergeant self-talk, and forced modern-culture motivation mantras (the hustle shit) that only leads to further stress and illness. 🙏🏼

Modern Culture is fucked sideways and upside-down right now. Hello Clown World 🤡

Takeaways:

Cultivate your own myths and soul-medicines to find your meaning. If you can’t find joy in your old go-to pleasures right now, please find relief from any of your pressures.

If nothing seems to fill you right now, you may need to Empty Out rather than consume or try to fill what feels like a void. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether we’re truly empty inside, or too full of shit to feel.

It feels strange to share this, but as people have enquired (and are so sadly suffering similarly), I said I would do my best to offer my random and humble findings as I navigate my own way from the hellfire wasteland of burnout back to my writing worlds again.

I hope this helps someone. 🙏🏼 Even if it’s just to acknowledge their sadness.

For any other creatives going through burnout and are in the baby steps of recovery — or even if you’re sitting in the wreckage and not yet on recovery’s road just yet— I get you, I see you, I hear you, I feel for you, and I wish you so much grace in gently cradling and protecting the gifts you hold whilst your mind/body/spirit heals so you can return to your creative projects again and feel what the fires of burnout scorched and then extinguished in you.

Beauty CAN come out of Ashes.

And that beauty doesn’t have to be a phoenix. It can be a tiny, tiny spark — and even if the spark doesn’t catch just yet, stay with it, stay with it, please stay with it ✨

~ Rayne ☕️💜

Thank you BtB readers/reviewers for staying with me as I return to HHU to help me find my way back to my sparks once more ✨💖 Love and appreciate you 🙏🏼

[astrologicalz]

Idk how to do anything other than sit and watch tv and scroll on my phone when in burnout. Any tips on low energy/ex function/motivation things to do?? Pls help x

[starblasterr]

Help your local disabled artist

(the bit about blue sky is for folks leaving instagram due to the AI bullshit)

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Autistic Burnout

Autistic Burnout Can Look Like:

Exhaustion

sensory Overwhelm

confusion

Feeling Numb

Feeling Over/Under whelmed

Reduced Tolerance

Digestion Difficulties

Under whelmed

Loss Of self-care skills

Unable to mask

Mutism

withdrawal

Headaches

Autistic Burnout Recovery:

Set boundaries

No demands

Inner circle interaction only

No talking

Use AAC

Stimming

Time to unmask

Resting

Alone time

Basic needs supported

No Social demands

Engage in special interests

self care

Autistic Burnout Can Cause:

Feelinas of isolation

Negative thoughts

Independence incapacity

Feelinqs of self doubt

Poor self image/concept

Poor mental health

reduced quality of life

Feelings of self loathing

Littlepuddins.ie (Link wouldn’t paste)

[thisisnot-yourgrave]

My god, I just did my last presentation at uni before officially dropping out and this is going to sound so stupid but-

It sucks to be told you're super good at the thing that causes burnout.

Don't get me wrong, it's not actually studying art history that caused my burnout, but rather not being accommodated properly and me having insane expectations set for myself.

But it's just so heartbreaking when I get feedback because every time I think I can pull through and just do this because clearly I'm good at it, right? Maybe I am but what's not good is me running on two hours of sleep because my thoughts were racing, me not being able to retain a single thing inside my head so is this really worth it in the end?

Life is not meant to miserable and this hole is not my grave.

[clarislam]

My debut poetry chapbook, "Refilling The Well," is PUBLISHED TODAY!

"Refilling The Well" focuses on themes of self care, burnout, burnout recovery and hustle culture.

I wrote "Refilling The Well" after going through a period of creative burnout in Summer 2023. I'm glad that I could capture those experiences in this poetry chapbook of mine!

I hope that those who read this chapbook - whether it be fellow creatives and/or poetry readers - are inspired with hope by reading this chapbook, just as I was when writing it.

Purchase your copy of "Refilling The Well:" https://books2read.com/u/bp20yW

[harrisenfleur]

Apologies about my Hiatus!

hey there, I’m not going to lie I genuinely forgot I even had Tumblr for MONTHS. I’m still into hockey and still creating my art!

[phoenixplans]

How to Reset Your Productivity After Burnout

Feeling stuck? If burnout has drained your motivation, you’re not alone. Rebuilding your productivity after experiencing complete exhaustion can feel impossible—but I promise, it’s not. I’ve been there. In September 2024, I hit my lowest point.

I was working a job that demanded everything from me—long hours, too many responsibilities, constant stress—while being underpaid and undervalued. At the same time, I was fighting a terrifying cancer diagnosis, enduring treatments that left me in unbearable pain. The weight of it all became too much. My mind and body shut down, and I found myself staring at my computer screen, unable to move forward.

But something changed when I made the decision to start over. Phoenix on Fire was born from that breaking point. It was my way of reclaiming my creativity, my passion, and my self. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but step by step, I reignited my motivation and built a new way forward.

If you’re feeling lost in the aftermath of burnout, here’s how you can do the same.

Burnout isn’t just feeling “tired”—it’s total mental and physical exhaustion. Before you can rebuild, you need to stop pushing yourself and allow real rest. I had to unlearn the guilt of resting and remind myself: Rest is productive. It’s necessary.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Try This:

Take a guilt-free break from productivity tools, schedules, and deadlines.

Prioritize deep rest (sleep, light movement, meditation, or just doing nothing).

Set boundaries—say no to anything that drains you further

--

2. Reconnect with What Matters

After burnout, your old goals might feel wrong—or you might not even know what you want anymore. That’s normal. Take time to reflect on what truly excites you. For me, that was reclaiming creativity through design and helping others organize their lives.

Try This:

Journal: What do you miss doing? What used to bring you joy?

Mind Map: Write down interests, passions, and new possibilities.

Reconnect with Your ‘Why’: What motivated you before burnout? What has changed?

--

3. Start Small—Tiny Wins Matter

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to jump back in at full speed. That only led to frustration. Instead, start small—even the tiniest actions can rebuild momentum.

Try This:

Set a 5-minute timer and work on something you enjoy. Stop when it feels like too much.

Pick one small, low-pressure task to complete each day.

Celebrate small wins—checking one thing off your list is progress!

--

4. Create a New Routine That Works for You

Old productivity systems may not work after burnout. I had to completely redefine how I structured my day to avoid falling back into old habits.

Try This:

Build in flexibility—allow time for rest and creative breaks.

Focus on one priority per day instead of overwhelming to-do lists.

Use a planner or journal to track progress, not just productivity.

(I designed my Flocks of a Feather Planner to help with this—combining self-care, project planning, and creative space to prevent burnout.)

--

5. Protect Your Energy Moving Forward

Recovering from burnout isn’t just about restarting—it’s about not ending up there again. I now protect my energy fiercely: setting boundaries, listening to my body, and refusing to take on more than I can handle.

Try This:

Check in with yourself daily—how are you feeling mentally and physically?

Learn to say no without guilt.

Create a "burnout prevention" plan—list signs of burnout and your action steps to address them early.

--

You Can Rise Again

If you’re in the middle of burnout, I want you to know—this isn’t the end of your story. Just like a phoenix, you can rise from the ashes, stronger and more intentional than before. Start where you are, take small steps, and be kind to yourself.

You’ve got this.

--

Let’s talk—have you ever recovered from burnout? What helped you most? Drop a comment or reblog with your thoughts!

[okamirayne]