One of the biggest mistakes in burnout prevention is assuming there's only one cause or one solution. We treat burnout like a monolith, as if everyone experiencing it needs the same prescription of rest, boundaries, and self-care. But in reality, burnout shows up in distinct patterns, each with its own signature symptoms and underlying causes.

From the outside, everything looks perfect. You're excelling at work, your home is presentable, you show up for your commitments, and you appear to have it all together. But inside, you're barely holding on. You're exhausted beyond measure, running on fumes, and wondering how much longer you can keep up the facade.

Recovery from burnout isn't linear, and it doesn't happen overnight. It requires creating space for your nervous system to down-regulate, rebuilding your capacity gradually, and fundamentally changing the patterns that led to burnout in the first place.

Burnout isn’t always work-related. Discover surprising causes of burnout outside the office and learn how to recover with these practical burnout recovery tips.