this post was submitted on 31 May 2025
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18
How do you navigate burnout? (hexbear.net)
submitted 6 days ago by MizuTama@hexbear.net to c/askchapo@hexbear.net
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I've been finding myself struggling with insane levels of burnout over the past few weeks and was wondering how others navigate it. I used to feel similar burnout as a child/teen and just withdraw for months or at one point years at a time with minimal socialization or just let hyperfocus consume me and get absorbed into a singular hobby often at the detriment of other things. When both of those don't work I would just set myself up to be overwhelmed with an impossible stack of tasks to induce anxiety as a driver. The first two I feel I can't do anymore due to being a lot more disastrous in adult life and also antithetical to what my current goals are.

I recently finished a master's program and around when that high ended I noticed the burnout creep in. I am trying to set other goals such as organizing a local chapter of the org I joined but all of my current goals are hinged on other people and their pace which I don't want to rush but I feel this soul-deep exhaustion creeping in that I know tends to suck me into listless and lethargy. I can't fully rest, but can't charge forward to maintain the runner's high anymore either and it's driving me a bit nutty.

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[–] dil@hexbear.net 8 points 6 days ago (2 children)

Burnout SUUUUUUUCKS

It's this vicious cycle where you're exhausted but need to force yourself to do something, which just makes you more exhausted for the next thing. It compounds until doing anything just makes your burnout worse.

As much as possible, don't try to just push through.

Ultimately, you need to start ending your days with some gas left in the tank. How to do that is very personal.

For me, I needed to just sit and bask in doing absolutely nothing for about a month. I've noticed that getting out alone in nature is very recharging for me, and make time to go just go chill by a stream when I feel burnout creeping in.

I would also recommend being diligent about keeping your mind OFF the things that you're burnt out by. Meditation is useful, but I'll also notice my gears start turning on some stupid work thing and will trucker shift my thoughts onto something else.

For me, getting distracted with TV or video games doesn't help that much. I try to make time to just sit with my thoughts. Your brain will want to pump more stimulation into itself, but I'd recommend at least trying out setting aside some time to be bored. A walk around the neighborhood without headphones is a nice way to just let your mind wander.

Overall, I highly recommend taking burnout seriously as early as you notice it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fix it.

[–] MizuTama@hexbear.net 4 points 6 days ago

A walk around the neighborhood without headphones is a nice way to just let your mind wander.

Sadly when I go for walks if I don't have headphones or if the birds aren't particularly bricked up that day, the only thing I can think of is how loud tinnitus is or how surprised I am my hearing hasn't gone yet with how noticable it is. catgirl-huh

Thanks though I'll consider what I can try to do with that in mind.

[–] shallot@hexbear.net 7 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Mostly I don’t, but also stardew valley

[–] 30_to_50_Feral_PAWGs@hexbear.net 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Counterpoint: don't fall down this rabbit hole, because it may just make the burnout even worse, and completely ruin SDV for you in the meantime.

I don't know what I want to play now, but it sure as hell isn't Stardew for a while. Although the hermit challenge sounds good for a laugh...

[–] shallot@hexbear.net 3 points 6 days ago

I don’t let myself try that hard. I will not touch prairie king, think too hard about side quests, or even things like community center bundles. I play for vibes, and the second they’re off I’m putting it down and walking away.

So yeah, I’ve had to make some adjustments to keep it at least partly effective this time around. But that doesn’t mean it’s particularly effective lol. I think I mainly use it as a way to force myself to disengage for a bit.

[–] Speaker@hexbear.net 6 points 6 days ago

I take the entire month of December off and go hermit mode. Gaming, mysticism, personal projects, whatever. All the rest of the year I am destroying my body and brain with stress. 😌

[–] woodenghost@hexbear.net 2 points 5 days ago

For a friend, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) in addition to group therapy helped a lot with their burnout and related symptoms. The first is especially helpful, if emotional regulation is part of the problem. Personally, I started meditating after my burnout.

[–] ferristriangle@hexbear.net 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If you find the answer, let me know. I feel like I've already lost years of my life to the exact thing you've described

[–] MizuTama@hexbear.net 3 points 6 days ago

meow-hug Here's to figuring it out