How Burnout Changed the Way I Live and Work

Burnout was one of the hardest seasons I have walked through, but it turned out to be a teacher I did not expect. It forced me to see the way I was living and working with clearer eyes.

I had to face my limits. I used to believe that pushing harder meant achieving more, but I discovered that pushing past my boundaries only left me drained and less effective. What I once called “productivity” was really exhaustion disguised as progress.

I also realised that self-care is not a luxury. It is the foundation that keeps me steady. If I do not protect time for myself, nothing else in my life or work holds together for long.

Burnout made me pause and look at my priorities. I began asking whether what I was doing truly mattered or whether I was just saying yes out of habit. Slowly, I let go of tasks and commitments that drained me, and I started focusing on what aligned with my values.

Along the way, I learned the value of support. Talking honestly with people I trust; whether friends, family, or professionals, they have helped me carry what felt impossible on my own.

Perhaps the biggest change is that I now notice the early signs.

I know when I am running too fast, and I give myself permission to slow down before I collapse. That awareness has become one of my strongest tools.

Looking back, burnout did not just break me down. It built resilience in me. It reminded me that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities to reset, grow, and move forward with greater clarity.

The truth is, burnout taught me not how to do more, but how to live better.