Burned Out or Just Tired? How Women Can Recognize Burnout and Reclaim Their Peace Through Gratitude, Routines, and Patience
Do you wake up already feeling behind? Snooze the alarm, skip breakfast, rush out the door with your shoulders already up by your ears and then wonder why you’re edgy, overwhelmed, or in a funk by noon?
You my friend, are not alone. I've been there.
As a woman in leadership, juggling responsibilities, decisions, and expectations can be draining. But the constant hustle with no real time to breathe is a red flag for burnout, not just tiredness.
The truth is that I didn’t start healing until I slowed down on purpose. This post is a soft but powerful nudge, to help you check in with yourself, recognize the early signs of burnout, and reclaim your peace, one small at a time.
The Silent Burnout: How to Know When You’re No Longer Just Tired
Common Signs of Burnout in Women Leaders
Constant fatigue, even after a full night’s rest
Mood swings, irritability, or feeling emotionally numb
Trouble focusing or staying present
Cynicism about work or loss of passion
Difficulty sleeping or restless nights
Feeling like you’re always behind
Physical tension in your body (tight chest, headaches, stomach issues)
If this sounds familiar, it’s not a character flaw, it’s a nervous system begging for a rest.
What Helped Me Shift: From Rush Mode to Rested and Regulated
I used to snooze my alarm 3-4 times, dragging myself out of bed only when I absolutely had to. I skipped breakfast, rushed into meetings feeling disorganized, and stayed in that fight or flight mode all day.
I didn’t realize that my mornings were setting the tone for my anxiety and mood.
And then I made a few radical shifts that changed my life:
I stopped watching the news in the morning and at night.
I committed to a soft morning and calming evening routine.
I built in simple daily practices rooted in gratitude and patience.
Now I sleep better. I’m calmer. I lead with more clarity and grace. Let me show you how you can, too.
Practices That Help Women Leaders Recover From Burnout
Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude interrupts negative thinking and rewires your brain for peace and joy.
Try this:
Start your day with 3 things you’re grateful for (before checking your phone).
Enjoy your day writing down 1 win and 1 lesson. This rewires your brain to see progress.
Pro Tip: Use a guided journal like my Wins & Lessons Journal to make this a habit.
2. Build a Morning and Night Routine That Feels Soft, Not Rushed.
Routines aren’t rigid, they’re rituals for your nervous system.
A soft morning might include:
Waking up 15 minutes earlier to avoid rushing
Sipping warm lemon water or tea in silence
Reading or stretching before checking emails
A calm evening might include:
Putting your phone away an hour before bed
Listening to soft music, journaling, or deep breathing
Turning off the news and choosing peace instead
3. Cultivate Patience With Yourself
We’re often our harshest critics. But burnout recovery requires self-compassion.
You can’t rush your healing.
Patience looks like:
Taking breaks without guilt
Saying “no” to non-essential meetings
Delegate when needed
Celebrating small wins instead of waiting for perfection
Burnout Is a Signal, Not a Sentence
You don’t have to keep pushing past your limits.
You’re allowed to lead and live softly.
You’re allowed to feel good, every day.
If you’re ready to break up with burnout, reclaim your calm, and build a more peaceful life that supports your leadership, I invite you to work with me 1:1. Together, we’ll create routines, mindset shifts, and strategies that help you lead boldly without losing yourself.
✨ Let’s Take the Next Step Together
🖥️ Book your 1:1 coaching session with me at Building Yourself 360
📙 Grab your Wins & Lessons Journal on Amazon
🎙️ Listen to my podcast “Everything Woman with Marilyn” for weekly motivation
📝 Get the free Burnout Breakup Blueprint here
