Burnout Taught Me What Balance Never Could

I didn’t know I was burnt out until a friend, a therapist pointed it out to me when we were out for lunch one day. 

“You’re carrying so much more than you realise,” she said. We had been talking about how I felt completely disconnected from yoga—something I once deeply loved. “I don’t want to practice, teach, or even read anything about yoga anymore,” I told her. That realisation hit me hard because yoga had been my anchor, a source of wisdom and peace during the most difficult times of my life. That’s when she said, “You’re burned out.” Her words stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but suddenly everything made sense.

My life, which I had chalked up to “just doing what needed to be done,” was suddenly in sharp focus. 

For over a decade, I was the sole breadwinner for my twin sons, who were only six when I became a single mom. Life was relentless. There was no time to pause or reflect; my bank account didn’t allow such luxury. I took every job and gig I could find—teaching art, curating exhibitions, and eventually teaching yoga before I was finally divorced.

However, my duties extended beyond that. I was also looking after my retired, elderly parents. Unfortunately, my father passed away soon after my divorce, adding another layer of emotional responsibility. Balancing the needs of my twins and my parents left me with little time for myself.

I worked weekends, public holidays, and late into the night after my sons were asleep. When I wasn’t working, I would search for side hustles and opportunities, often running on little sleep and even less energy. Meals were an afterthought, and moments of rest were rare.

Still, I made sure to be home for dinner, to do homework with my boys, and to tuck them into bed. But even as I tried to be present, I was drained. My body was there, but my mind was constantly planning, calculating, and worrying. I sacrificed time with them to ensure they had food, clothes, and everything they needed.

Things improved slowly. Becoming a yoga teacher opened new doors and eventually led to managing a yoga studio in 2019. But that came with its challenges—running operations, scheduling, marketing, and teaching up to 100 classes a month. I poured everything into making it a success.

And then, the pandemic hit.

When the studio shut down, I was compelled to pause for the first time in years. By that point, I had remarried a wonderful man who recognized my fatigue and allowed me the freedom to take an indefinite hiatus. Only then, with the perpetual busyness removed, did I realize the extent of my burnout.

I had spent so many years running, chasing balance, and pushing through exhaustion that I didn’t see the toll it had taken on my mind and body. Burnout isn’t something you recover from overnight. It can take months—sometimes years—to truly heal.

Now, I finally have time to be present with my twins. We share meals, laughter, and quiet evenings without the constant rush that once defined our lives. My husband has been my greatest support, encouraging me to rest and reminding me that I no longer have to carry everything alone anymore. His understanding gave me the courage to let go of the constant hustle and embrace the life I want—not just for me, but for us as a family.

Recognizing Burnout Before It Overwhelms You

Burnout creeps up on you slowly. It disguises itself as busyness, ambition, or even responsibility until one day you feel like you’re running on empty. Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Constant Exhaustion: You feel tired no matter how much rest you get.

2. Loss of Joy: Activities that once brought you happiness now feel like chores.

3. Irritability or Emotional Outbursts: Small things trigger frustration, tears, or overwhelm.

4. Physical Symptoms: Headaches, body aches, or frequent illnesses can be warning signs.

5. Sleep Disruptions: You struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up rested.

6. Detachment: You feel disconnected from your work, loved ones, or even yourself.

How to Deal with Burnout

If you see yourself in these signs, it’s time to prioritize healing. Here’s how:

1. Acknowledge It: Recognize that burnout isn’t a failure; it’s your body and mind asking for rest.

2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy. Protect your time fiercely.

3. Prioritize Rest: Sleep, take breaks, and permit yourself to pause without guilt.

4. Reconnect with Joy: Revisit the things that light you up—art, reading, nature, or spending time with loved ones.

5. Delegate: Ask for help. Whether it’s from friends, family, or colleagues, you don’t have to do everything alone.

6. Seek Support: A therapist or coach can guide you in understanding and navigating your burnout.

7. Rediscover Balance: Focus on what truly matters instead of trying to do it all. Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about harmony.

My Lesson from Burnout

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak—it’s proof of how much you’ve been carrying.

To anyone reading this who feels like they’re always running, always hustling, always sacrificing, know this: it’s okay to stop. It’s okay to rest. You are worthy of peace, not just productivity.

Healing from burnout takes time, but it’s worth it. Because on the other side of exhaustion is a life where you’re not just surviving—you’re finally living.