What Is Burnout, Really?
Burnout goes deeper than tiredness. It's characterized by three dimensions: exhaustion (depleted energy), cynicism (detachment and negativity), and reduced efficacy (feeling like nothing you do matters).
Ancient philosophers didn't use the word "burnout," but they recognized the phenomenon. Seneca warned against "restless energy" spent without purpose. Aristotle emphasized that flourishing requires balance.
The Stoic Perspective
From a Stoic viewpoint, burnout often comes from violating fundamental principles:
- •Trying to control the uncontrollable. Staking wellbeing on outcomes beyond our control.
- •Neglecting virtue for externals. Chasing wealth or status at the cost of character.
- •Forgetting mortality. Working as if we have infinite time.
The Buddhist Perspective
Buddhism sees burnout as a natural consequence of craving and attachment. When we grasp tightly at goals, when our sense of self depends on achievement, when we resist the natural rhythms of effort and rest—suffering follows.
Aristotle on Balance
Aristotle would diagnose burnout as a failure of the "golden mean." Too much work without rest, too much output without input. More radically, Aristotle argued that leisure was the purpose of work, not the other way around.
Practical Steps for Recovery
- 1.Acknowledge the reality. Stop pretending you're fine. Burnout is real and serious.
- 2.Reduce to essentials. What absolutely must be done? Do only that.
- 3.Protect recovery time. Sleep, rest, and recovery aren't optional.
- 4.Examine your values. What got you here? What actually matters?
- 5.Rebuild slowly. Gradual reengagement leads to sustainable recovery.