Because sometimes the heaviest thing you carry is the expectation to “bounce back.”

Let’s clear something up:

If you’ve been feeling unmotivated, foggy, or just meh, you’re not broken. You’re probably not lazy.
You’re likely burned out — and your body is begging for something softer than another productivity hack.

As a licensed mental health counselor (and a new mom), I’ve seen how easy it is to mislabel burnout as a personal failure.
We say things like:

“I should have more energy by now.”
“Why can’t I just get it together?”
“Other people do way more — what’s wrong with me?”

But here's the truth: Burnout isn’t a lack of discipline. It’s a signal.
Your nervous system is waving a white flag.
And you don’t need to “push through it.” You need to come back to yourself.

What Burnout Actually Looks Like:

Not all burnout is loud. Sometimes it’s:

The brain fog that makes basic tasks feel impossible
Avoiding messages or emails because they feel too overwhelming
Feeling tired even after a full night of sleep
Not enjoying things you used to love
Snapping at people you care about
Feeling constantly on edge or overstimulated
That “ugh” feeling when even rest doesn’t feel restful

Sound familiar?

What Helps (That Doesn’t Feel Like Just Another To-Do List)

Lower the bar
Seriously. If your energy is at a 3/10, then showing up at 3/10 is a win.
You’re still showing up.
Give your nervous system a soft landing
Try one gentle reset to shift the overwhelm:

Step outside and let the sunlight hit your face
Stretch for one minute (or do a 60 second plank if you’re feeling fiery)
Put your feet in the grass
Listen to a calming song on repeat
Do nothing for 60 seconds (yes, literally nothing)

3. Name it to tame it
Try this:

“I’m not lazy. I’m overwhelmed and overextended. My body is asking me to slow down.”
That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.

4. Stop earning rest
You don’t have to finish your list to deserve a break.
You don’t have to clean the kitchen to be allowed to lie down.
Rest is not a reward. It’s a basic need, Take the PTO without feeling guilty.

A final reminder, from someone who’s walked both sides of this:

The version of you that feels “off” or “behind” right now?
She’s not failing.
She’s adjusting. Healing. Recalibrating.
And that’s brave work.

Save or Share This Post If:

You’ve been judging yourself for needing a slower pace
You’ve called yourself lazy lately
You’re in a season of survival, not productivity

You’re not alone. And you’re not lazy.
Let that sink in.

📌 *Love this post? Save it for later on Pinterest!*

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🌪 Coping Tools for Overstimulated Moms
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⏱ You Can Do Anything for One Minute
A go-to mantra for when mindfulness feels out of reach. Because one minute really can reset your day.

You’re Not Lazy. You’re Burned Out.