Feeling Off Lately? 7 Sneaky Symptoms You're Heading Toward Burnout

Have you ever looked around and thought, "Why does everything feel harder than it used to?"

You’re showing up. You’re doing the things. But somehow, life feels heavier even when nothing major has changed.

That is the quiet whisper of burnout.

It is so sneaky you might miss it.

I have been there more times than I would like to admit, going through the motions and wondering why I feel exhausted even when I have technically “rested.” 

If you’re nodding along, take a moment to breathe before you keep reading. I created a set of free printable encouragement cards to help you slow down, refocus, and remember God’s steady presence when life feels heavy. Each card holds a simple truth to speak peace over your week and includes a bonus 7-Day Reset—a gentle rhythm of reflection and renewal for your heart.

Download your free printable encouragement cards HERE.

Today, let’s pull back the curtain and talk honestly about the signs of burnout. These are the real, everyday ones we often brush off.

1. You're always tired, even after sleep

You slept, but it did not feel like rest. You wake up already counting down to bedtime. This is more than physical exhaustion. It is emotional depletion.

2. Everything feels like “too much”

Simple tasks suddenly feel overwhelming. Laundry, emails, making dinner… You are not lazy. You are overloaded.

3. Your motivation has vanished

You used to care. Now you do not. It is not because you have changed, but because your brain is in survival mode. It is protecting you from doing more when you are already maxed out.

4. You're more irritable than usual

You snap at small things. You feel easily annoyed. That is not who you truly are. It is your nervous system waving a red flag that says, “Please slow down.”

5. Your body hurts

Neck tension, headaches, stomach issues, or chest tightness can all be physical symptoms of emotional stress. Your body always keeps the score.

6. You feel disconnected

From yourself. From others. From joy. It is like someone dimmed your inner light and you are simply trying to get through the day.

7. Self-care feels impossible

The very things that would help, such as going for a walk, journaling, or drinking more water, feel out of reach. You know what you should do, but you cannot bring yourself to do it.

If any of these sound familiar, friend, please know you are not alone.

Burnout does not mean you are broken.

It means you have been strong for too long without the rest you deserve.

💗 Take a deep breath.

💗 Give yourself permission to pause.

💗 Remember that small steps can lead to big resets.

And if you’re longing for some guidance to help you breathe again, I’d love to invite you to the free 7-day Selah and Rise Challenge. Each day you’ll receive one short, gentle email with a simple mindset shift you can do in under 5 minutes. Halfway through, you’ll also get printable encouragement cards to keep close or share with a friend.

Click HERE to join the challenge!

You are worthy of rest, not because you’ve earned it, but simply because you exist.

💗 Shelly