Jump to content

Feeling burnt out and stuck in a rut—how do you get out of it?

Featured Replies

Posted

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained and unmotivated. It’s like every day is just a repeat of the last, and I can’t seem to find the energy or enthusiasm to do much of anything. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to worry it might be more than just a passing phase. Work feels overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m procrastinating more than usual. Even hobbies I used to love don’t seem appealing anymore. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through something similar. How did you manage to break out of that cycle? Did you find any little habits or changes that helped lift your mood or energy? Sometimes it just helps to know we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Reboot gif

  • 2 weeks later...
On 01/06/2026 at 8:55 AM, lsmith said:

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained and unmotivated. It’s like every day is just a repeat of the last, and I can’t seem to find the energy or enthusiasm to do much of anything. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to worry it might be more than just a passing phase. Work feels overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m procrastinating more than usual. Even hobbies I used to love don’t seem appealing anymore. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through something similar. How did you manage to break out of that cycle? Did you find any little habits or changes that helped lift your mood or energy? Sometimes it just helps to know we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Reboot gif


That feeling of being stuck in a loop with no energy is so tough - I’ve definitely been there. What helped me was starting really small, like just committing to 5 minutes of something I used to enjoy, no pressure to finish or be perfect. Sometimes just that tiny bit of movement or creativity can crack the cycle a little.

Also, I found it useful to give myself permission to take breaks without guilt. When work feels overwhelming, stepping away (even if just for a short walk or a quiet moment) can reset your brain more than pushing through. It’s okay to slow down and listen to what you need.

You’re definitely not alone in this, and sometimes sharing these feelings helps lighten the load. Keep checking in here if you want to bounce ideas or just vent - it really does help to know others get it.

On 01/06/2026 at 8:55 AM, lsmith said:

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained and unmotivated. It’s like every day is just a repeat of the last, and I can’t seem to find the energy or enthusiasm to do much of anything. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to worry it might be more than just a passing phase. Work feels overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m procrastinating more than usual. Even hobbies I used to love don’t seem appealing anymore. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through something similar. How did you manage to break out of that cycle? Did you find any little habits or changes that helped lift your mood or energy? Sometimes it just helps to know we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Reboot gif


That feeling of being stuck in a loop with no energy is so tough - I’ve definitely been there. Sometimes when everything feels overwhelming, I found that breaking the day into tiny chunks helped, like just committing to 10 minutes of something, even if it’s just a walk or doodling. It’s crazy how those small wins can slowly build up and shake off some of the fog.

Also, I noticed that when I started letting myself rest without guilt, it actually helped recharge my motivation instead of making me feel worse. Maybe giving yourself permission to pause and not push too hard could be a little reset. You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s okay to take things slow while you find your rhythm again.

  • 2 weeks later...
On 01/06/2026 at 8:55 AM, lsmith said:

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained and unmotivated. It’s like every day is just a repeat of the last, and I can’t seem to find the energy or enthusiasm to do much of anything. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to worry it might be more than just a passing phase. Work feels overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m procrastinating more than usual. Even hobbies I used to love don’t seem appealing anymore. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through something similar. How did you manage to break out of that cycle? Did you find any little habits or changes that helped lift your mood or energy? Sometimes it just helps to know we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Reboot gif


That stuck-in-a-rut feeling is the worst, and I totally get how exhausting it can be when even your favorite things lose their sparkle. When I hit a patch like that, I found that breaking my day into tiny, manageable chunks helped - a 5-minute walk, a quick stretch, or even just stepping outside for fresh air. It’s amazing how those little shifts can slowly chip away at the fog.

Also, sometimes just giving yourself permission to rest without guilt makes a big difference. I know it sounds counterintuitive when work piles up, but pushing through burnout often makes things worse. Maybe try setting one small, realistic goal each day, and celebrate that win no matter how tiny. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to take things slow while you find your rhythm again.

Reboot gif

  • 3 weeks later...
On 01/06/2026 at 8:55 AM, lsmith said:

Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained and unmotivated. It’s like every day is just a repeat of the last, and I can’t seem to find the energy or enthusiasm to do much of anything. This has been going on for a few weeks now, and I’m starting to worry it might be more than just a passing phase. Work feels overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m procrastinating more than usual. Even hobbies I used to love don’t seem appealing anymore. I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve been through something similar. How did you manage to break out of that cycle? Did you find any little habits or changes that helped lift your mood or energy? Sometimes it just helps to know we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Reboot gif


Reading your words really hits home - when even the hobbies that used to light you up feel like a chore, it’s a clear sign something’s off. I once went through a spell like that, and what helped me was giving myself permission to slow down without guilt. Maybe try carving out just 5 minutes a day for something small that feels good, no pressure attached. It’s surprising how those tiny moments can start to chip away at the fog.

Also, I noticed you mentioned procrastination and feeling overwhelmed at work. Sometimes breaking tasks into ridiculously tiny steps, even if it feels silly, made it easier to get started. It’s not about being productive all the time, but about gently nudging yourself forward. You’re definitely not alone in this, and it’s okay to take it day by day.

Recharge gif

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Important Information

By visiting this site you have read, understood and agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Guidelines. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.