How I overcame burnout: my journey back to wellbeing

For years, I juggled the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur, mother, and wife, trying to balance everything. But last year, it all came crashing down. I experienced a full-fledged burnout—emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and mentally overwhelmed. It felt as if I had hit a wall, with no clear path to recovery. However, I eventually found my way back, and now I can look back and share how I overcame burnout and rebuilt a life in which I can thrive but also prioritise balance.

Recognising the signs of burnout

Looking back, I realised that it had been a long time coming. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, I’d been saying yes to too many things and people, and in my case, the warning signs were an accumulation of tiredness, and no longer finding joy in the things I was doing.

As an entrepreneur, I was driven by the need to provide for my family and the constant pressure to meet goals. Outside of work I had a major role with a youth organisation and was involved with the parents’ association for my kids’ school.  I loved everything I was involved in, and whilst on the outside it looked like I was successfully managing everything, on the inside I was struggling.  I was exhausted, and even getting out bed in the morning was a challenge.  

The pivotal moment came when I was faced with a situation that I deeply disagreed with, and which I was completely powerless to change.  Decisions were made around me, and there was nothing I could do, except suck it up.  I could no longer fight for what I believed to be right and fair.  I fell sick with Covid and realised that if I were to get better, I had to take time off and went to my doctor to ask to be signed off work.  Something that I had never done previously as an entrepreneur, as we don’t have the safety net of sick pay so we soldier on until we break completely. I couldn’t hide it any longer—I was burnt out.

Step 1: accepting and understanding burnout

The first step toward recovery was accepting that I was burnt out. This was difficult because it meant admitting to myself and others that I couldn’t do it all. After years of saying ‘yes, I can’, I finally had to say ‘no, I can’t’.  As entrepreneurs, especially mothers, we often pride ourselves on being strong and capable. Admitting burnout felt like failure. However, it was this acceptance that opened the door to healing.

Understanding that burnout isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a natural response to prolonged stress was crucial. I learned that burnout often stems from trying to do too much and I had to start choosing what I gave my focus and energy to.

Step 2: prioritising self-care

After admitting burnout, the next step was prioritising self-care, something I hadn’t prioritised enough. I realised that self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary for survival. I’d always tried to walk regularly but now it became a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. 

To start, I created my own morning routine which included activities that nourished me, whether it was a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, going for a walk, reading a chapter of whichever book I happened to have on the go, or playing Wordle.

Additionally, I redefined what “success” meant for me as an entrepreneur. Instead of measuring my success by external metrics like profit margins or client acquisition, I started to gauge it by how balanced I felt. Did I have time for myself? Was I present with my children? Was I closing my office door at 6pm in the evening and taking time to relax?

Step 3: learning to set boundaries

One of the main drivers of my burnout was the leaky boundaries I had.  Having worked as PA / EA, both in corporates and as a freelancer, I spent all my working life on call, ready to respond to the solicitations of others: my managers, my clients, and my team.  When I certified as an online business consultant, I realised that I finally had to let go of that 24/7 availability, and that if I was to grow and scale my business and take it to the heights I know it can reach, then I had to have better boundaries.  So, I carved out my Monday mornings and my Friday afternoons for work on my own business.  But in the last month I’ve realised that these boundaries are just too leaky, and have now taken the decision to not do any client work on Fridays, so that I can be fully present for myself.  It’s only been a month, but I’m loving the new routine, whilst I have still taken care of the odd loose end, I’ve had time to catch up on tasks that had been waiting for six months, and I’ve had so much more energy and felt so much more zen on Friday evenings!

Learning to set clear boundaries has helped me regain control over my time and energy. This didn’t mean I was abandoning my responsibilities, but rather that I was managing them in a way that honoured my limits.

Step 4: reconnecting with my passions

Another key aspect of my recovery was reconnecting with the passions that had been buried under the weight of my responsibilities. Before burnout, I had forgotten what it felt like to do something just because I loved it, not because it was on my to-do list.

For me, this meant returning to hobbies like reading that brought me joy but had been pushed aside in the chaos of daily life. Reconnecting with these passions has provided a necessary mental escape from work and home life.

Step 5: finding balance, not perfection

One of the most important lessons I learned from my burnout is that balance does not mean perfection. As an entrepreneur, mother, and wife, I will always have competing responsibilities. The key is not to always achieve perfect equilibrium but to be flexible and adjust based on what’s most important now.

Some days, my business needs more of my attention; other days, it’s my family. The idea that I need to balance everything equally every day is unrealistic and only adds more pressure. Instead, I now prioritise based on what needs attention in the present moment, trusting that I’ll find balance over time.

Step 6: opening the door to help from the outside

The final piece of the recovery puzzle was accepting that I couldn’t go it alone, and that I needed help.  I found a wonderful lady to support me, someone with whom I could drop the masks with, and be my true self, with no fear of judgment or criticism.  She gave me the space I needed to let go everything I’d been holding on to for so long.

Burnout as a catalyst for growth

Coming out of burnout was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced, but it was also one of the most transformative. It forced me to reevaluate my priorities, let go of perfectionism, and embrace the idea that it’s okay to ask for help.

As an entrepreneur, mother, and wife, I now approach my roles with more intention and self-compassion. I’ve learned that taking care of myself is the foundation upon which I can take care of my business and my family. Burnout was a wake-up call, but it ultimately led me to a more balanced, fulfilled, and empowered life.

If you're struggling with burnout, know that recovery is possible. It requires self-reflection, support, and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. But on the other side of burnout is a life where you can truly thrive.

Photo by Tanja Zaric - Unsplash