Trying to Understand Burnout: A Journey to Balance

Burnout is something I’ve encountered multiple times in my life. Each time, it has shown up a little differently—sometimes as exhaustion, other times as a feeling of disconnection or a complete lack of motivation. It’s not an experience I’ve “figured out” or conquered. In truth, I’m still learning how to navigate it, especially now as a new parent, someone studying psychology, working full-time, and trying to build side hustles.

Burnout Through the Years

Looking back, I think my first real experience with burnout happened while studying law. The workload was intense, the stakes felt sky-high, and I put immense pressure on myself to excel. I didn’t recognize it as burnout back then—I just thought I wasn’t working hard enough.

Later, while working in law, burnout became a constant companion. The long hours, the unrelenting deadlines, and the feeling that I had to prove myself created this cycle of pushing until there was nothing left to give. But it wasn’t until I tried to launch Waakeb, my e-commerce startup, while still working full-time that I truly hit a wall. I thought I could handle everything, but I underestimated how quickly the pressure could pile up.

Recognizing Burnout

For a long time, I didn’t even realize I was burned out. I thought I was just tired or stressed, and that if I could push a little harder, things would fall into place. But over time, I started to notice some patterns:

• Emotional Exhaustion: I felt drained even after a good night’s sleep.
• Detachment: Things I used to enjoy—like reading, spending time with loved ones, or even brainstorming new ideas—started to feel like chores.
• Constant Guilt: Whenever I wasn’t working, I felt like I was failing somehow.

These feelings didn’t come all at once—they crept in slowly, so much so that I didn’t see them for what they were until they overwhelmed me. Recognizing them has been a crucial first step in learning how to respond.

Trying to Create Balance

Now, I’m in a new phase of life. Between parenting, studying psychology, running side projects like Nafseeti and Oghneeti, and managing Cees Diamonds, the risk of burnout is still very real. But I’m trying to approach things differently this time—emphasis on “trying.”

Here are a few things I’ve experimented with so far:

1. Taking Small Breaks

This has been harder than I expected. Even when I step away from work, my mind doesn’t always follow. But I’ve started with small steps—like taking 10 minutes to drink coffee without checking my phone or going for a walk with my son. These moments don’t solve everything, but they remind me that rest doesn’t have to be earned.

2. Setting Boundaries

Saying “no” is something I’ve historically struggled with. Whether it’s a work project or a new idea I’m excited about, I often take on too much. Lately, I’ve been trying to be more intentional about what I commit to. It’s a work in progress, and I still have a long way to go, but even small wins feel like progress.

3. Spending Time with Family Without Guilt

This one is particularly tough. When I spend time with my family, there’s always a part of me that feels like I should be working on something else. But I’m learning to remind myself that this time is valuable, too. Being present with my family isn’t time “off”—it’s time well spent.

What Burnout Has Taught Me (So Far)

Burnout has been a persistent teacher in my life. If there’s one thing it’s shown me, it’s the importance of pacing myself. I still get it wrong sometimes—probably more often than I’d like to admit. But I’m learning to see burnout not as a failure but as a signal that something needs to change.

One lesson that stands out is the importance of listening to myself. Whether it’s recognizing when I’m tired, allowing myself to rest, or celebrating small moments of balance, these little steps feel like victories.

Still Figuring It Out

If I’ve learned anything about burnout, it’s that it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for me today might not work tomorrow, and I’m okay with that. I don’t have all the answers—I’m just trying to navigate this journey as best I can.

For anyone reading this who might be dealing with burnout, I hope sharing my experience reminds you that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out. We’re all learning as we go.

If you’ve found ways to create balance or take care of yourself, I’d love to hear about them. Maybe we can learn from each other.