by Soleau Club
Photo Credit: via Pinterest, Model: Unknown
Let’s talk about something real for a second. The other day, I caught myself scrolling through a wellness influencer’s post about “raising your vibe” and was hit with the sudden urge to throw my phone into the ocean.
Why? Because sometimes when you’re burnt out, the last thing you need is another person telling you to “raise your vibe” like it’s a simple switch to flip.
In reality, burnout isn’t a “low vibe.” It’s your body, mind, and soul literally screaming for rest—and when we ignore it, that’s when the real struggle begins. So today, I’m calling out burnout for what it really is and sharing what’s actually helped me climb out of that “I can’t move or think” hole. No fluff. Just real talk.
What Is Burnout, Really?
Burnout is not the same thing as a “low vibe” or being lazy. It’s a soul-depleting exhaustion that comes from overextending yourself, emotionally, physically, or mentally. It’s when you’ve given everything you have and somehow still feel empty. It’s when you wake up exhausted despite a full night’s sleep. It’s when your “to-do list” starts feeling more like a weight than a guide to getting things done.
So, when I’m burnt out, I’m not “low vibe.” I’m completely depleted. And that’s not something a crystal or a trendy Instagram quote is going to fix.
Here’s What Actually Helped Me
1. I Gave Myself Permission to Do Less
I was so caught up in the hustle culture that I didn’t realize I was wearing exhaustion like a badge of honor. But one day, I decided I didn’t have to “do it all” to be worthy of love or success. I let myself do less without feeling guilty. That meant:
- Not answering emails at 11pm
- Skipping a few social events to rest
- Saying “no” to extra projects without over-explaining It wasn’t easy at first, but once I stopped trying to do everything, I started to feel lighter. Less was so much more.
2. I Embraced Rest, Not Just Sleep
Burnout is sneaky—it doesn’t just show up as a tired body. It hits your whole vibe. Your mind feels foggy, your motivation is nonexistent, and your emotional energy is on zero. So, I focused on rest in all forms:
- Naps. Not “power naps,” but full-on, cozy naps.
- Gentle movement (hello, soft Pilates and stretching) instead of grueling workouts.
- Mental rest—doing absolutely nothing but staring out the window, zoning out with no agenda. I stopped trying to force productivity and realized that rest is the foundation of true energy.
3. I Went on a “No Notifications” Diet
I turned off almost all of my notifications. Yep, I did it. Everything. Text messages, Instagram alerts, email notifications—bye, bye, bye. It was honestly the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. I realized how much of my burnout was triggered by constant noise and the pressure to be constantly on. Now, I check my phone on my terms. And guess what? The world didn’t collapse.
4. I Started Therapy + Journaling
I’ll admit it: Therapy was one of the biggest game-changers. I realized I was carrying emotional weight that wasn’t mine to hold, and I had no clue how to let it go. Therapy gave me the tools to unpack my burnout and work through it in a healthy way. Alongside therapy, I started journaling—no rules, no structure. I wrote whatever came to mind: my frustrations, my feelings, my random thoughts. And it helped release that pressure I’d been holding for so long.
5. I Reclaimed My Energy with Boundaries
When you're burnt out, it's easy to feel like you have no control over your life or your time. But what really helped me reclaim my energy was setting clear boundaries. This meant:
- Saying no to things that drained me—especially social obligations.
- Protecting my time: Blocking off sacred time for myself without feeling guilty.
- Creating a “no work after hours” rule so my evenings were dedicated to relaxation and recharging. Boundaries felt like a luxury at first, but now, they’re a necessity.
6. I Got Back to My Pleasure
When you’re burnt out, pleasure feels far away, but it’s one of the quickest ways to heal. I leaned back into things that genuinely brought me joy:
- A bubble bath with my favorite oils
- A slow morning coffee in bed, with no agenda
- A spontaneous dance party to my favorite music I stopped waiting for permission to enjoy life. Pleasure is restorative. And my body needed to remember that.
✨ The Most Important Lesson: Burnout Doesn’t Define Me
I’m not “low vibe.” I’m human. And I’ve learned that giving myself space to recover, heal, and take breaks is the key to being the most vibrant version of myself.
————
If you're burnt out, don’t let anyone tell you it’s just a “low vibe” moment. Take it seriously. Honor your body, mind, and spirit, and give yourself the time and space to heal. The best thing you can do for your wellness is to slow down—because when you recharge, you come back even stronger.
So, if you’re in the thick of it right now, know this: You’re not alone. You’re allowed to rest. You deserve to heal. And soon, you’ll feel like your vibrant self again. 🌿
Follow @soleauclub for more real wellness tips, self-care rituals, and lifestyle tips for when you just need to vibe—and thrive.
