How Burnout Feels: It’s More Than Just Being Tired
Burnout doesn’t show up overnight. It creeps in slowly, until you realize the version of “tired” you’re feeling just isn’t normal anymore. It’s not fixed by a nap, a day off, or even a week away. It’s a deep mental and physical drain that makes everything feel harder than it should.
As an acupuncturist and TCM practitioner, I see burnout show up in many ways: fatigue that doesn’t go away, foggy thinking, anxiety, digestive issues, or even low immunity. With over a decade of experience, I help clients recover their energy by treating both the root and the symptoms, using Traditional Chinese Medicine, lifestyle shifts, and a focus on long-term balance.
What Does Burnout Really Feel Like?
Burnout is often described as emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and mental fog. But what does that actually feel like in real life?
- You’re tired even after sleep.
- Your brain feels slow. You forget things, can’t focus, or space out mid-task.
- You start to feel numb, cynical, or disconnected from things you once cared about.
- Everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
- Your body may ache, digestion may change, or sleep may get worse.
- You might feel like you’re failing, even when you’re doing your best.
It’s more than being “stressed.” And no, it’s not all in your head.
What the Science Says
A study published in The Journal of International Medical Research breaks it down clearly: burnout is a real, measurable condition that impacts the brain and body. It’s linked to changes in brain function, inflammation, sleep problems, and even long-term risks like heart disease or diabetes. The full article explains how chronic stress affects mental energy and coping ability.
In the early stages, people might notice changes in focus, energy, or mood. But many don’t realize these are signs of burnout, until it starts interfering with work, relationships, and health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this state often reflects a depletion of Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, Yang or Jing, paired with patterns of internal heat or stagnations. Over time, this affects digestion, sleep, emotional regulation, and immunity.
If you’ve been thinking “this isn’t just tiredness,” you’re right.
My burnout guide helps you recognize the signs, rebuild step by step, and support your body and mind from the root.
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