Burnout Sneaks Up Like That One Ex

Dear Diary,

This is your permission slip to reset.

To cancel a plan. Turn off your phone. Cry a little. Nap a lot. Repeat.

Because burnout? Yeah… she’s sneaky.

She doesn’t show up with a big, dramatic entrance.

She creeps in like that one ex you swore you were done with the one who texts “hey” at 11:47 PM just to ruin your life a little.

One minute, you’re thriving, hydrated, responding to emails like a girlboss.

The next? You’re eating cereal for dinner and wondering why the sound of a Slack notification makes you want to scream into a pillow.

So if you’re tired, overstimulated, and wearing the same hoodie for three days straight this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about burnout.

And maybe… how to not let it win this time.

You don’t see it coming… and suddenly, you’re crying over your to-do list.

Let’s be honest.

Burnout doesn’t kick the door down. It shows up in little ways. Quiet ways.

Like when you reread the same email five times and still have no idea what it says.

Or when brushing your hair feels like a personal attack.

Or when someone says “Let’s hop on a quick call” and you consider faking your own death.

That’s the thing about burnout.

It doesn’t scream. It simmers.

Until one day, you’re flat on your couch, eating cereal for dinner, and wondering how you ever functioned as a person.

Honestly? Burnout is just like that one ex.

You thought you were over it. You swore you’d never go back.

And yet… here it is. Again.

Uninvited. Annoying. Emotionally exhausting.

The Signs You’re Burnt Out (But in Denial About It):

You keep saying “I’m just tired” but like… for three weeks straight.
You’re wearing the same hoodie every day like it’s your emotional support uniform.
You’re disassociating in the grocery store. Again.
Every notification feels like a personal attack.
You burst into tears because your avocado wasn’t ripe enough. (Been there.)