There’s a stark difference between feeling tired and feeling utterly burnt out.

Burnout is when fatigue takes over your life, leaving you listless and unmotivated. It usually sneaks in through habits we’ve unknowingly cultivated, draining our energy.

But here’s the good news: you can bid farewell to these habits! They’re not carved in stone, and with some conscious effort, you can kick them to the curb.

So let’s dive into these 9 energy-draining habits that might be causing your burnout. It’s time for some serious life decluttering! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

1) The habit of procrastination

We’ve all been there, right? We have a task at hand, but somehow, we just can’t bring ourselves to start.

Welcome to the world of procrastination.

Procrastination is the art of delaying or postponing tasks, and it’s a major energy-drainer. It leaves you stuck in a loop of stress and guilt as tasks pile up and deadlines draw closer.

You see, when you procrastinate, you’re not only leaving your tasks undone. You’re also carrying the mental load of those tasks all day, every day. It’s like having a cloud hanging over your head – constantly reminding you of what you should be doing.

So if you’re feeling burnt out, it might be time to address your procrastination habits. Instead of delaying tasks, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts and tackling them one by one.

Remember, it’s not just about getting things done – it’s about freeing up your mental space and energy. And trust me, it feels so good to tick off those tasks from your list!

2) The never-ending digital scrolling

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one guilty of this. You know, those nights when you’re just aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Just last week, I found myself up way past my bedtime, trapped in the endless cycle of social media updates. I woke up the next morning feeling drained and sluggish.

And that’s the thing about digital scrolling – it’s a sneaky energy drainer. You may not realize it, but each minute you spend scrolling is a minute you’re not resting or focusing on something meaningful.

It’s not about completely cutting out social media. It’s about setting boundaries and being mindful of your screen time.

Trust me, once I started limiting my late-night scrolling sessions, I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels. It’s like giving your brain the break it so deserves!

3) The habit of skipping breakfast

Skipping breakfast might seem like a quick time-saver on busy mornings, but did you know it can significantly drain your energy levels?

When we wake up, our body has been fasting all night and needs fuel to kick-start the day. Breakfast is the first opportunity to replenish that energy.

Skipping this crucial meal leaves you running on empty. It can lead to brain fog, lethargy, and mood swings – all symptoms of burnout.

So instead of bypassing breakfast, opt for a nutritious meal that provides you with sustained energy. It could be as simple as a bowl of oatmeal or a smoothie.

It’s time to make breakfast non-negotiable. Your body (and your energy levels) will thank you for it!

4) Neglecting physical activity

Our lives often become so busy that we forget to make time for physical activity. But sitting all day long isn’t doing us any favors.

Physical inactivity can lead to fatigue and low energy levels. It’s like our bodies go into a state of rest, and it becomes harder to get moving again.

But here’s the thing – regular exercise helps boost your energy levels. It gets your blood flowing, wakes up your muscles, and releases endorphins (those feel-good hormones).

So, whether it’s a quick walk around the block, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, find something you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. You’ll not only feel more energetic but also less stressed and more focused.

5) The habit of people-pleasing

Ever find yourself saying ‘yes’ to things you’d rather not do, just to avoid disappointing others? Welcome to the world of people-pleasing.

People-pleasing can be a significant energy-drainer. It can lead to taking on more than you can handle, causing stress and burnout.

It’s important to understand that it’s okay to say ‘no’. Setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs isn’t selfish, it’s essential for your mental health and energy levels.

So next time you’re about to agree to something out of obligation, take a moment. Ask yourself if it’s something you genuinely want to do. If not, politely decline. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it becomes easier.

Remember, your energy is valuable. Protect it by prioritizing your needs and desires.

6) Neglecting self-care

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget the most important person – ourselves.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths, it’s about looking after your physical, emotional and mental health. It’s about taking time out of your day to do something that makes you feel good – whether that’s reading a book, going for a walk, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

When we neglect self-care, our energy levels plummet. We feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. It’s like running a car on empty – sooner or later, it will break down.

My friends, I can’t emphasize this enough – take care of yourself. Make time for you. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. And trust me, you’re worth it.

7) The habit of perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives us to deliver top-notch work. On the other, it can lead to unnecessary stress and burnout.

The truth is, striving for perfection all the time is exhausting. It keeps you in a constant state of dissatisfaction, always aiming for an unattainable standard.

I’ve been there, agonizing over every detail, reworking projects until they were ‘perfect’. But I learned that it didn’t leave me feeling accomplished. Instead, it left me feeling drained and frustrated.

Aiming for excellence is great, but it’s important to remember that perfection isn’t always attainable or even necessary. Sometimes good enough is just that – good enough.

So next time you find yourself obsessing over every little detail, take a step back. Breathe. Remember that it’s okay not to be perfect. You’re human, after all.

8) Overlooking the power of sleep

Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. But skimping on sleep is like draining your body’s battery. It’s a surefire way to burnout.

Lack of sleep impairs your cognitive functions, mood, and energy levels. It leaves you feeling groggy, irritable, and unable to focus.

So if you want to recharge your energy, make sleep a priority. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Try to get a good 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Remember, quality sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. So don’t compromise on your Zzzs. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

9) Ignoring your emotions

Emotions are a natural and essential part of being human. But often, we suppress or ignore them, especially the uncomfortable ones.

Ignoring your emotions is like holding a beach ball under water – it takes a lot of energy and eventually, it pops up with even more force.

It’s important to acknowledge and process your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed. These emotions are signals from your body, telling you that something needs attention.

So if you’re feeling burnt out, take some time to check in with yourself. How are you really feeling? What do your emotions tell you?

Remember, it’s not weak to feel. It’s human. And processing your emotions can free up an incredible amount of energy. So give yourself permission to feel – it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.

Final thoughts: Energy is in your control

The complexities of human energy levels and burnout are a profound blend of our habits, mindset, and lifestyle.

One significant fact to remember is the correlation between our energy levels and the adrenal hormone, cortisol. This hormone, often known as the ‘stress hormone’, increases when we’re under constant pressure or stress.

When we continually engage in energy-draining habits, our cortisol levels can spike, leading to fatigue and burnout.

However, by saying goodbye to these nine habits, we can effectively manage our cortisol levels, thus boosting our energy and overall well-being. Whether it’s setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, getting enough sleep or acknowledging our emotions – each step matters.

Remember, you hold the power to change your habits and reclaim your energy. It might be challenging at first, but with consistent effort, it’s absolutely achievable.

Take a moment to reflect on these energy-draining habits. Which ones resonate with you? What steps can you take today to start shifting those habits?

Remember, your energy is precious. Protect it. Nurture it. You owe it to yourself.