I’m in my early 30s and I’m more tired than I’ve ever been in my life.

I feel like I should be full of energy and ideas, in a hurry to get out and go, living life to the fullest.

Spoiler: I’m not. 

Most days, I’m simply looking for a break from the intensity of life, the onslaught of responsibilities, and hoping I can make it to bed before 10 p.m. I’m reminding myself of the simple things like drinking water, exercising, and that crying is cathartic if that’s what the day calls for.

More and more frequently, when folks ask me “How are you?” my gut wants me to say, “I’m just really, really tired.” and leave it at that. I don’t want to smile and nod. I don’t want to pretend. I don’t want to laugh it off and deflect. I want to acknowledge that I’m exhausted.

And more often than not, people agree with me.

I’m coming to realize that when I reach into my bag of feelings and emotions and pull out the “tired” or “exhausted” card and play it, people see it and, in turn, they feel seen themselves.

Burnout is real.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “People who have burnout feel exhausted, empty and, as the name states, ‘burned out.’ It is caused by stressful life circumstances.”

I hate to break it to them, or anyone reading this, but “stressful life circumstances” have hit the United States (and the world) with an unapologetic sledgehammer in 2025.

It’s important to note that while burnout can lead to depression, they are considered distinctly different conditions. We can experience burnout in our lives with or without depression, whether than be clinical or everyday depression. And honestly, I don’t know that I know a single human being right now who isn’t experiencing some form of burnout, or everyday depression, as we read the daily news headlines and try to cope with living our lives and not letting democracy fall and autocrats take the wheel.

It’s…a lot.

In spite of being tired, I’m not giving up on what matters to me. I joined a MoveOn livestream with special guests Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Cory Booker, and author Timothy D. Snyder. I was inspired by so much that was said at this national community gathering, but I was struck by one simple thing the coordinators at MoveOn did: they asked Gov. Tim Walz how he avoids burnout and what advice he’d give those listening.

Question: “How do you take care not to burn out and what suggestions do you have?”

Gov. Walz: “Thank you for asking that. […] I find the way I take care of myself is a sense of optimism. Knowing that this will not last. That there are too many good people out there. That decency needs to prevail. And Dr. King’s arc of the moral universe bending towards justice—I believe that, but I think it needs a lot of help right now. And I take comfort—what lifts me up—is to see people that are busy—they are not getting paid; they are not elected to be the Governor of Minnesota—they’re coming after work, and after they fed the kids and paid the bills. They’re coming out there to say I want to help my neighbor. 

And for me, that’s where the energy comes from. That’s where you reinvigorate. 

I said it on the campaign trail and it wasn’t just a slogan—now it’s more than ever—there’ll be time to sleep when we are dead. This is not the time. 

I get my energy and hope being around folks. And I’m telling you, multigenerational, multiracial, multiethic, multireligious groups are showing up. Our common thread is decency, protection of human rights, and democracy. That’s inspiring. Because my God, if you listen to these guys, it’s all just crap 24/7. And it’s all doom, it’s all deflection, it’s all lies. 

Go and hang around. There are many reasons to go to these protests—your mental health is one reason to go. It’ll lift you up.”

Damn if his answer didn’t put a pep in my step. Even if I’ve been exhausted, when I’ve protested I’ve found new energy simply by being with community and like-minded, caring individuals. Thanks for the reminder, Coach.

Inspired, I asked our Reader Community for some ways they avoid burnout. Here are a few of the responses I received:

“Real life connections”

“Nature Breaks!”

“Walking in the woods, gardening, cooking, protesting!”

“Learning about ecosystem restoration and planting native species. Then, I watch the insects, birds and other creatures. Knowing my small actions are worthy.”

“Writing. I’m a writer. And I hate it because I’m in the US working a survival job instead of being able to pursue my writing. I also hate it as I’m doing it. Somehow, though, I’m always glad I wrote. (Like going to the gym) Cross stitch, too, cuz I need to stab something repeatedly and not go to prison.”

“Time with my dog.”

“Just stepping away for a bit sometimes helps.”

“Make art.”

“Creative outlets like sewing and crafting. Exercise and getting outside. Limiting social media to an hour in the am and an hour in the pm. Listening to books on tape. Being with friends and doing what I can to resist (postcards, donations, protests, shopping choices).” 

“I love spending time in my yard, pruning, trimming and planting. I live on a corner, which puts me in a position to say hi to the many people who walk by with their dogs or children. And I smile and warmly greet every person, and also smile and wave to the people in every car that passes.”

“I breathe deeply all the time, through my stomach and try to observe things better.”

~

Watch the video replay: 

~

One thing nobody mentioned (yet)? Meditation. Meditation can help us stay grounded in the present moment, avoiding the trap of escapism and, often, burnout. As an “on-again, off-again” meditator, I’m here to say with all honesty that it has helped me with burnout more times than I can count.

This is no time to let overwhelm win.

Briefly, starting now, we’re offering our Elephant Academy MEDITATION FOR CRAZY-BUSY PEOPLE course at 75% off…because we know just how important it is in these chaotic times to come from a place of empathy, peace, and groundedness.

With a regular price of $216, you can join (now) for $50.