Before I took two months off work, I thought all I needed was rest. I imagined I’d sleep, read, go for walks, and somehow, by the end of it, I’d feel like a new person.
But I’ve learned that burnout recovery isn’t just about rest. It’s about repair. Rest is necessary, but it’s not enough on its own. The real healing happens when you actively work on rebuilding your energy, your mindset, and your sense of self.
Here’s what I did during my time off – what helped, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way.
Month One – Trying to Wind Down and Let Go of Guilt
At first, I struggled to slow down.
I hadn’t been catching up with friends because of how I’d been feeling for months. So when I finally had time off, I felt like I had a backlog of catch-ups I needed to have. Partly because I genuinely wanted to see them, but also partly out of guilt for having been absent for so long.
I have a tendency to busy myself up, so before I knew it, my calendar was full again – running around, meeting people every day, keeping myself occupied.
On top of that, I hadn’t fully disconnected from work. I told myself I wouldn’t check in, but it was hard not to “just have a quick look” at my email and Slack – when I was so used to doing it all the time.
I also realised how much I relied on my work laptop. I didn’t have a separate personal one, which meant that any time I needed to go online – whether to look something up, check emails, or do any general life admin – I was back on my work device. It was a slippery slope.
It took me a while to realise that I was still avoiding the deeper work. I was keeping busy, filling my days, and staying somewhat tethered to work. But I wasn’t actually processing anything. I wasn’t giving myself time to just be – to reflect, to sit with my emotions, to figure out what I really needed.
That’s when I made a change.
Month Two – A Social Time-Out and a Fresh Start
At the start of February, I decided to take a social time-out.
I called it my “Yes Fast” – meaning I said no to all plans and social commitments. Not because I didn’t love my friends, but because I needed space for myself.
At the same time, I made another big decision: I bought my own laptop.
This was a turning point. It meant I could finally put my work laptop away and stop checking in. More than that, it allowed me to start something for myself – my blog.
For the first time in years, I had the time and mental space to focus on my own creative projects.
What I Did During My Break (And What Helped the Most)
Once I stopped trying to fill every day with plans and distractions, I was able to focus on what I truly needed.
Here’s what made the biggest difference:
I Fully Disconnected from Work
Buying my own laptop made this easier, but it was still an adjustment.
I had been so used to checking in that it took time to break the habit. But once I stopped – really stopped – I noticed how much lighter I felt. I had space to think about what I wanted, rather than reacting to what work needed from me.
➡ Tip: If you’re taking time off for burnout, commit to fully disconnecting from work. And if you use your work laptop for everything, consider getting a personal one – it makes a huge difference. I already did this four years ago with my phone.
I Focused on My Physical Health
Burnout isn’t just mental – it takes a toll on your body.
I prioritised:
Daily movement. I kept up with my regular CrossFit and my daily morning walks to the local park. I was able to walk more, and get more sunshine – when not tied to a desk all day.
Proper nutrition. Instead of relying on stress-fuelled convenience foods, I ate in a way that actually nourished me. I managed to get my cholesterol down from 6.3 to 4.9! I swear the reduction in stress had as much (if not more) to do with this than the tweaks to my diet did.
Better sleep. No alarms, no rigid schedules – just letting my body rest properly for the first time in years.
Before my break, I was running on autopilot – stressed, disconnected, and constantly pushing myself through a fog.
I wasn’t energised. I wasn’t present. I was just getting through.
It took time for my nervous system to settle, but once it did, I started to feel the shift – in my mood, my clarity, and my ability to actually rest.
➡ Tip: Physical activity is important. Even if you’re mentally drained, gentle movement, sleep, and good food will help.
I Did Deep Emotional Work
I knew my burnout wasn’t just about workload – it was deeper than that.
During my time off, I did some therapy and a lot of personal reflection. One of the most impactful things I experienced was Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which helped me connect with past versions of myself and understand emotional patterns that had been driving me for so long.
I realised I’d been operating from a place of fear – fear of not being good enough, of not doing enough, of not being worthy unless I was achieving. Letting go of that wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And it’s still a work in progress.
I also wrote a lot, working through past experiences, and had difficult but needed conversations with myself about what I truly wanted.
➡ Tip: If you’re recovering from burnout, take time to understand the deeper reasons behind it. Otherwise, it will follow you, no matter where you go.
I Rebuilt My Sense of Self
Burnout strips away more than energy – it takes away your sense of self.
Without work in the equation, I had to ask:
Who am I, outside of what I do?
Writing helped. I started my blog, poured my thoughts onto the page, and reconnected with creativity in a way I hadn’t in years. I also made space for simple joys – music, nature, time with my husband. Things that had been pushed aside when work consumed everything.
It wasn’t about “being productive” – it was about rediscovering what made me feel alive.
➡ Tip: Find something that brings you joy outside of work. Creativity, hobbies, or even just moments of peace will help you feel like you again.
I Allowed Myself to Just Be
This was the hardest part.
I’ve always been someone who thrives on being busy. Even when I wasn’t working, I had a voice in my head telling me I should be “making the most” of my time off.
But burnout recovery isn’t a checklist. It’s not something you can rush.
So I gave myself permission to:
- Have slow, unproductive days
- Sit with my emotions instead of numbing them with busyness
- Accept that healing doesn’t happen on a schedule
It felt uncomfortable at times, but it was necessary. And over time, I stopped feeling guilty for simply existing without doing.
➡ Tip: If you’re taking time off, don’t try to “optimise” it. Rest and healing aren’t things to be achieved. They’re things to experience.
What I Learned About Burnout Recovery
Burnout doesn’t go away just because you take time off. If you don’t actively do the work, you’ll go right back to the same patterns.
I came out of my two-month break not just rested, but clearer. I understood what had led me to burnout, and I had a plan to move forward in a way that felt sustainable.
The biggest lesson? Burnout isn’t just about overworking – it’s also about undervaluing yourself outside of work. That’s what truly needs to change.
Would I take another mental health break if I needed it? Absolutely. But more importantly, I’m working on building a life that doesn’t require me to burn out in the first place.
And if you’re reading this and wondering how to begin rebuilding your own foundation, you might find my Real Life Reset helpful. It’s a gentle, structured 4-week guide I created based on the same principles that supported my recovery – a way to regain clarity, energy, and a sense of self when you’re not sure where to start.
If you’re wondering whether you should take time off – take it. And if you’re ready for the deeper repair work that comes after the rest, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Your health is worth it.
Join the Conversation