March 17, 2025 | By Danielle McCarron

Feeling tired is normal, but not all fatigue is the same. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is enough. Other times, exhaustion lingers, no matter how much rest you get. The key difference? Burnout is more than just feeling tired. Tiredness is temporary; burnout persists. Therefore, recognizing the signs can help you take the right steps to recover.

What does it mean to be Tired?

Tiredness is a normal part of our lives, whether in response to staying up too late, having a really tough workout, or having a long night with the kids. Regardless of the source, when you’re simply tired, adequate rest is usually sufficient. Adequate rest may look like tackling physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, creative and sensory rest. Whether achieved through sleep, a relaxing weekend, or just a quiet night in, rest, relaxation, and self-care is usually enough to feel refreshed and like yourself again.

Burnout Feels Different

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired, it’s feeling drained in a way that a few nights of rest can’t fix. It creeps up after months or even years of unrelenting stress, usually from a combination of work, caregiving, or simply having too much on your plate. You may start feeling detached, unmotivated, sometimes develop a strong sense of resentment. And no matter how much sleep you get, you still feel exhausted. Unsurprisingly, work tasks and daily responsibilities may start to feel meaningless and instead of feeling rejuvenated from a break, you still feel drained.

Misalignment and Burnout

One important driver of burnout is misalignment—actions don’t match your personal values, passions, or sense of purpose. This could mean working in a job that doesn’t inspire you or juggling tasks that feel meaningless. Understandably, over time, this disconnect takes its toll. When you’re misaligned, you feel stuck or trapped, and the work you’re doing or life you’re living feel like a never-ending cycle of exhaustion. Whether through establishing clearer boundaries, reprioritizing tasks, or reconnecting with what truly motivates you, realigning with your purpose can help restore balance and prevent burnout from taking root.

Tired vs. Burnt Out: Key Differences

• Tiredness = lack of rest; Burnout = prolonged exhaustion.
• Tiredness = feeling sluggish; Burnout = emotional detachment.
• Tiredness = improves with rest; Burnout = persists despite rest.

Signs You Might Be In Burnout

Not sure if it’s just tiredness or something deeper? Here are some telltale signs of burnout:

• You’re exhausted all the time. Even after a full night’s sleep, you feel drained.
• You’ve lost motivation. Things you used to care about (e.g. work, hobbies, relationships) now feel like a chore.
• You feel detached or cynical. Instead of feeling engaged, you’re emotionally checked out.
• You’re more irritable than usual. Even small things set you off.
• You’re experiencing physical symptoms. Headaches, stomach issues, or tension in your body can all be signs of burnout.

How to Recover and Prevent Burnout

If you’re in burnout, just taking a nap won’t fix it. You need to step back and make real changes. Here’s where to start:

1. Set boundaries. Stop answering emails after work, say no to extra responsibilities, and carve out time for yourself.
2. Prioritize rest, real rest. That doesn’t just mean sleep; it means doing things that genuinely recharge you, like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.
3. Re-evaluate your workload. If your job (or life situation) is unsustainable, look for ways to lighten the load. Can you delegate? Adjust expectations? Take time off?
4. Reconnect with your purpose. Ask yourself: Why did you choose this work or path in the first place? If you’re feeling lost, realigning with your core values and passions can reignite motivation.
5. Make space for joy. When was the last time you did something just because you love it? Find small ways to bring joy back into your day.
6. Seek support. Talk to a coach, therapist or even a close friend. Don’t go through burnout alone.

Final Thoughts

Remember, burnout is more than just feeling tired. Tiredness fades with rest, but burnout lingers. Spotting the signs early helps you regain energy, motivation, and well-being. The good news? Burnout isn’t permanent. With the right support and changes, you can feel like yourself again, because your health and happiness are worth it.