Burnout-Proof/ How to Keep Your Spark When Life’s a Circus (#313)

You’re juggling deadlines, relationships, responsibilities, and possibly that one puppy that keeps giving you the silent treatment. Life is busy, and you’re proud of your hustle—but if you’re not careful, burnout can sneak up on you like a ninja with a clipboard of “urgent” tasks. I have so many reminders that it is just pure madness.

Burnout isn’t just tiredness; it’s that bone-deep exhaustion that makes even deciding what to eat feel like you’re negotiating a peace treaty. The good news? You can keep your energy and happiness intact without dropping all your marbles (or your sanity).

1. Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re survival tools. When you say “yes” to everything, you’re basically RSVP-ing to exhaustion. Start getting comfortable with the word “no.” And if that feels too much try, “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the mental ability right now.” It’s polite, clear, and leaves you free to binge-watch your favorite show without guilt. Still love that S.H.I.E.L.D. show! 

2. Prioritize Like a Pro

Not all tasks are created equal. Some are urgent, some are important, and some are just busywork. Make a habit of identifying your “must-do” items each day, and be ruthless about it. Think of your time and energy as VIP tickets—you don’t hand those out to every random request that knocks on your door. Who really answers their door anymore, right? Thank you, RING!

3. Schedule Rest Like an Appointment

If you don’t plan your downtime, the world will fill it with more “urgent” things. Treat rest like you treat meetings: it goes on the calendar, it’s non-negotiable, and you show up on time. You should see my calendar. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a nap to sitting in total silence pretending you’re in a zen commercial.

4. Fuel Your Body (and Brain)

Coffee is great, but it’s not a food group. If you’re running on caffeine and vending machine snacks, you’re basically building a skyscraper on a foundation of jelly. That’s one heck of a visual. Give your body whole, nourishing foods, drink enough water to avoid becoming a raisin, and move regularly—even if it’s just a quick stretch between calls. Burnout is not good.

5. Find Mini-Escapes

You don’t always need a week-long vacation to reset. Sprinkle your days with micro-breaks that give your brain a breather. Listen to a favorite song, step outside for five minutes, or call that one person who always makes you laugh. These small resets can prevent your energy from crashing like a bad Wi-Fi signal.

6. Delegate (Yes, Really)

If you’re doing everything yourself, congratulations—you’ve promoted yourself to Chief Everything Officer. Now demote yourself. I seem to be very good at delegating, ask my partner and she will tell you! Whether at work or at home, find things you can hand off. Delegating doesn’t make you lazy; it makes you efficient, and efficiency is burnout’s arch-nemesis.

7. Do a Happiness Audit

When life’s busy, happiness often gets shoved to the bottom of the to-do list. Take a few minutes each week to ask yourself: What actually makes me happy? Then, schedule at least one of those things. Happiness isn’t a luxury—it’s fuel. Just smile and wave!

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re weak; it happens because you’re human. A busy lifestyle can be fulfilling, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Protect your energy, honor your limits, and keep your spark alive. The world doesn’t need you running on fumes—it needs you at your brightest.