I burned out. Here's how I recovered.

Earlier this year, I hit burnout. After ignoring the signs for months, I eventually got to a point where I was creatively exhausted and felt cynical towards my work. But thanks to the help of some people close to me, I was able to work through it and recover. If you feel burned out, hopefully this can help you find a way to recover as well.
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[@Thomasfrank]

I'd like to share a little bonus story, which will show how my life is often a process of learning the same lesson over and over: In college, I was in the honors program. Graduating with it would've meant I'd be able to put it on my resume and wear a cool gold cord at the graduation ceremony. However, there were some requirements; I had to take some extra classes and do a big project during my senior year. About halfway through college, I was putting a lot more time into building my business, and trying to juggle that alongside classes, my job, and the Honors requirements was becoming incredibly stressful. Additionally, my time was very fractured; I wasn't able to focus for very long on any one thing, and everything suffered as a result. So - even though I really wanted that additional resume item - I decided to quit the Honors program during my senior year. It was hard to give that up, but the time and ability to focus that I gained was worth it. And looking back, I can see now that having "honors graduate" on my resume wouldn't have helped me as much as all the extra time I was able to invest in building my business. I still struggle with living by the lesson this taught me: Letting an opportunity go doesn't equal failure. And even if that opportunity would have helped me progress slightly faster, it may not have been worth it.

[@TaraWagner]

Thomas Frank I’m curious if you know your Enneagram type?

[@scdobserver835]

Speaking of music, is that a Kawai digital piano behind you?

[@thesilkportfolio]

I'm currently in an honors pre Med program, still working full time and trying to continue with my fitness goals. I feel like I'm drowning but I'm not even sure where to start with cutting back!

[@sle_amuj]

"Letting an opportunity go doesn't equal failure." - Wow, that hit the right spot, I needed to hear that. Thank you!

[@Thomasfrank]

@@scdobserver835 yep! It's a CA78 - I'm so glad I got it. Having a piano has really helped me internalize what I've been learning about music theory, and it's even helped me become a better guitar player :)

[@strawberrygoldie329]

If you don't take a break, the break takes itself.

[@Thomasfrank]

Never heard this before, but I love it.

[@strawberrygoldie329]

@@Thomasfrank thank you :) Well I had a breakdown just yesterday. And it seemed that the break literally took itself with force since I refused to take a proper one for so long...

[@ChicagoPaul2020]

It's too true. I've known this for years, even though I forget it every time I start to plan things for "Future Paul" to do.

[@NaderNadernejadOfficial]

Also never heard it before but it's so true.

[@robingeunes756]

You only realise it once you're there. Thanks Wendy, great point!

[@osse1n]

The biggest red flag in before becoming burned out - *not having a balanced life* You can work intensely a short period of time but winding down is crucial both for health and creativity

[@zaitulafifi5524]

I started to realise this when juggling my time as full time manager at Korean Restaurant and at the same time back and forth between my university and restaurant as full time student; Im on my final year (final semester). I thought I can balance it out & I thought my schedule and time management were all bulletproof, but things start to slip from any cracks. It was this September when I decided to take a break from my work since the project research really get me and my whole mind. Then I realised, Im burnout. My brain and body really burned. Watching this video and reading this comment, made me thinking, I never have time for myself in daily basis.

[@Onlinesully]

Zaitul Afifi Hi I really hope you found a way to manage your situations and work towards some better balance for you.

[@intentionalliving7326]

I think we all could include a little bit more in our weekly schedule the practice of what Italians call “far niente” (doing nothing... a block of time when you can meander, walk around, or just be in the moment and do what feels right in the moment)...

[@ZodiacEntertainment2]

@schakalakadingdong How do you achieve this?

[@djkleb7645]

@@zaitulafifi5524 exactly, you don't know when you get burned out, it just happened and time later after everything becomes a mess, is when you know it is Burnout

[@arfank199]

This is perfect as people in college are starting to get hit with the burnout

[@Borex2]

Ya for me its kinda complicated as i ADHD i burn out yesterday morning so the rest of that i did nothing.

[@brocklesnerd1283]

@@Borex2 i burn out yesterday but now im good

[@DeanLondonSwift]

It’s basically the 3rd and last exam week before finals for me

[@jim-cq3xh]

@@brocklesnerd1283 This is not a burnout, because burnouts last for a lot longer (up to months).

[@brocklesnerd1283]

@@jim-cq3xh I know I was mocking the dude I was responding too

[@kat.5927]

When I quit my job because of my burnout I knew it was a life or death choice to me. I chose my health over money and thank God I did. Needless to say that the recovery was long. On the last day I came home and my body just shut down. I would sleep 16 hours a day but in sequences. I would wake up, eat something and then all of a sudden I would pass out on the couch for 5 hours with no recollection of falling asleep. This went on for a whole month. My body decided to take matters into its own hands because I wasn't able to make any decisions. That month of rest was like a rebirth. When it ended I felt like I was coming out of a coma that had lasted during the whole time I was at my job. Just a black hole I was leaving behind. Never choose your job over your well-being.

[@jamestruter2788]

Hi Kat G. How great to read this. I’m keen to hear what sort of environment you worked in before your crash and what sort of activity you’re involved in now. How do you maintain your well-being and guard against crashing again?

[@Mojokiss]

i'd like to hear more as well.

[@kat.5927]

@@jamestruter2788 I was working in an international law firm in Switzerland. Needless to say that in Switzerland the pay is great but the burnouts are even greater. I have rarely seen such a small country with that many job-related burnouts. The hours are very long, the average person doing the job I was doing there would go to work at 8am and come home around 9pm...Hard to have a social life, hobbies and so on which obviously leads to some form of depression. I was physically ill all the time, stomach pain, migraines, back pain. I would walk for 20 minutes and the day after I would feel like I had just ran a marathon. My whole body was stiff because of all the stress and unhappiness I was experiencing. I have since gone the complete opposite way, I have moved out of the country and went into the holistic/wellness field. It is way less money but so worth it. I have more time and energy to enjoy my free time, my friends and family, my dogs, nature, my lovely home. I feel so grateful and at peace. Most of all, my overall health has improved a lot which was the most important thing to for me to accomplish. I hope I helped at least one person who read this. 💛

[@jamestruter2788]

@@kat.5927 Thank you for sharing. One can tell that you went through the most, and I am happy for the turnaround. Life is precious, our health is precious and happiness is precious. Many of us are in demanding environments, and in the short term, this is fine, but prolonged stress can never be ok. I reached out to you because two months ago I went through a similar process. Going forward, I need the right guardrails to prevent the same from happening.

[@kat.5927]

@@jamestruter2788 Thank you for sharing. I sincerely wish you all the best.

[@nicolebud206]

literally crying right now, I see my life crumbling around me but, in the meantime, I feel so drained

[@vareeshakhan2434]

Honestly I can spiritually relate to this

[@bloodfinity]

@@allrightjack I think that too sometimes but man never lose hope ,it's all going to be fine

[@indaybadiday8884]

Take some time to heal. See a therapist, journal and meditate, take long walks, remove toxic people from your life. I’m praying for you.

[@LilCraftyNook]

I so hear you! 😣

[@pinkforeverlove1]

Yes I feel this right now

[@leonardo3265]

I think one of the most important things that we have to remember is living the present. We are ALL THE TIME thinking about the future, we want to "get there" but we forget that we are already there. What if in 10 years we look back and we notice how much time we lost, worrying, overthinking, not enjoying the present and all. So, think about that. Take care

[@intentionalliving7326]

Its hard to be present when the mind is overactive from all the to do ... I think we all could include a little bit more in our weekly schedule the practice of what Italians call “far niente” (doing nothing... a block of time when you can meander, walk around, or just be in the moment and do what feels right in the moment)...

[@nathanieldrew]

Dude, I loved the honesty and transparency here. I was impressed with how well you were able to articulate such a tricky topic. And I'm glad to hear you're doing better!

[@Malloubyn]

My hero just entered the comment section 🙏

[@ayshee.2b386]

@@Malloubyn mine too :)

[@AyadKhalil]

it is wholesome to see how you guys are supportive of each other. hi Nathaniel :)

[@MsLoila]

Yayyaya. That's awesome.

[@intentionalliving7326]

I think we all could include a little bit more in our weekly schedule the practice of what Italians call “far niente” (doing nothing... a block of time when you can meander, walk around, or just be in the moment and do what feels right in the moment)...

[@kiantinker122]

Perfect timing as always, exactly what I need right now

[@hellotherebunny]

Same!

[@braulindisla-elburrodelaba5361]

Kian Tinker me too

[@luismabou]

SAME HERE!

[@geriblanche09]

Same here, it's our finals month and I really needed to hear this. Thanks, Thomas!

[@isidoro19david65]

Exactly,i am studying too much every day because of my exams getting sick of it

[@jagritiluitel7619]

Let us all just appreciate how much consistency Thomas has been able to provide without compromising the quality of his content.

[@Ace-ls6yl]

He's not a burnout!!! Burnouts smoke weed and are hella cool... This dude is a Nerd!!!

[@ghostie7790]

4:36 starts talking about what he did to recover

[@schokocityfan8994]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Baitur_Tavaldiev]

I wish i could create another account and like your comment one more time but im burnt out)

[@sohachughtai3103]

Thank you❤

[@MissBezza77]

My biggest thing is accepting "good enough" for certain tasks. I am always on the verge of burning out due to my own perfectionist tendencies. I'm only a high school teacher, but I will work all the hours I can to be the very best I can be at great personal expense! I needed to watch this video - thank you!

[@deathstroke8639]

Same for me, only that i'm a college student and I often feel that I can do better on my writings.

[@and.rew.tran.]

I feel the same with you, fellow teacher! There is always more to be done with the job, and now I’m learning that the kids can still learn from us when we treat ourselves as persons more than products

[@larenjabuss3469]

You said you are only. You are never an only! You have a huge responsibility to help kinds and teens during a verry difficult time. You be a part in they life and help the community to educate young people. Only in not right word of what you doing very day. I'm thankful for people like you. I wished this would be more honored in our society

[@MissBezza77]

@@larenjabuss3469 that’s so kind, thank you

[@alecong1330]

A phrase that really helped me was "Go easy on yourself. You are your own best friend." Hope it helps you as well

[@teenweirdo1000]

Graduating college and not having a clear path..really needed this 💕🙏🏽

[@BeyondTheGuitar]

Thanks for being real, brother. I’ve definitely dealt with similar burnout-related issues. Glad you’re on the other side of it!

[@intentionalliving7326]

I think a lot of us creatives do.... the art of finding the balance

[@sitoudien9816]

What if you're just employee. You don't have much control. Toxic workplaces burn people out. I speak from personal experience.

[@BlondeQtie]

If it’s toxic, try to find another place to work. If it’s possible to talk, talk first.

[@sazzadhossain9637]

Leave that place as fast as possible

[@nuclearwessels2078]

Yes!! It's tough to start over in a terrible job market in your area.

[@Stavraetina]

Going through exactly that at the moment.. working in a toxic company and no break due to the pandemic has destroyed me and my energy to look for another job.. it is a vicious circle that gets trapped, unless you have enough money to leave without a job...

[@CalletaMoth]

@@Stavraetina Similar here, man. I'm so severely burned out at my job I don't have the energy to look for another soul sucking, dead end job. So incredibly stuck and drained every day. Hugs, man.

[@Syr3]

As Bruce Lee once said: "Success is a journey, not a destination"

[@dad2827]

Thank you

[@keepproductive]

We're big fans Tom - as you know - glad you told this story - it'll help so many! Francesco :-)

[@valleria5]

I've recently been diagnosed with burnout with which i have apparently been walking around with for 4 years. I've never felt so unsafe and lost in my life, to a degree words cannot express. I have no one that can help me, but your video gave me a flicker of hope and a few insights of steps that I can take. Thank you.

[@baraahsinjab7854]

You got this!! Thank you for sharing this with us, we and you need these types of support and reminders. Don’t push urself and stay awesome!

[@theweebnd2033]

2019 is a hard year for everyone, huh Edit: HOWS EVERYONES 2020 LOOOOOL

[@ericardperalta3578]

Its been the hardest for me

[@basil33]

2019 is not playing games

[@njbrx]

@@basil33 2018 was like the worst year of my life

[@njbrx]

@@basil33 2019 blew 2019 out of the water in terms of stress and anxiety

[@chinmayasalinamakki8137]

2019 was rough, a lot, and I mean a lot of failure

[@jtpower4171]

You’re actually such a big help, thanks for the video

[@beaah8810]

I went through a burnout myself recently and I got to a pretty similar conclusion, you have to learn to prioritize and say no to things whitout thinking that you are letting everyone else down. Find the balance between what you want to do, what you can do and what is somehow worth to do either for your personal or career growth. Great video!

[@jollianemejias5810]

I love that this video is so real, it’s just you and your camera, talking to me, love the broken down style. Great stuff as always, Tom!!!

[@TacticalToolbox]

That's weird, my burnout hit me at the exact same time this year. I went through the exact same sequence of events. I cut my monthly uploads in half and thankfully the income didn't suffer. However it didn't increase either. I'm glad you posted this.

[@Thomasfrank]

Glad it worked out well for you too! Letting go of additional income is really tough, especially when you're in the (very fortunate, to be honest) position where you have the option to increase it in the short-term by doing more work.

[@Zetsuke4]

same time too 2019

The worst feeling, especially in college right now, is feeling the burnout so excruciatingly bad but continuously forcing yourself through the burnout because everything is at stake (bad grades in certain subjects). Currently in this situation and already let go of commitments...but those were the commitments that made me happy. Now I'm stuck in a constant loop of working, sleeping, and eating and not having much fun at all (so stressful for freshman in college). Luckily I got one of my friends to come over for a "study" session which kind of worked but we ended up talking a lot about life. I didn't know I needed that social interaction until then. Now, I have given myself a few hours of break and am able to get back to work. No money for vacation, but at the very least having a friend for a night felt like one. Can't wait, the semester is almost over! Then I can start the next semester much better than this one

[@TheNoviceAnimator_]

Are you okay rn

[@MaPrajna1]

I loved your authentic voice and sharing. Coming back to center, challenging limiting beliefs, and sharing our vulnerability with others are the best tools of success. Be well

[@mappedoutmoney]

Awesome job Thomas. Really appreciate you taking the time to share this video. I haven't gotten truly burned out yet, but I've felt myself approaching it. Thanks for the great tips and candid sharing.

[@dylongarrett4779]

I went through burnout when I started as a financial advisor. I hated the 70 hour work weeks and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought. This video is refreshing

[@maxkiyuna3239]

Yeah, there is never a moment that we have enough success to slow down. I really needed to hear that. Thanks for that man! Awesome vid :))

[@agentferf]

The point about having different scales to each piece of work you put out being okay is incredibly insightful. Thank you.

[@valentina7193]

Loved this. So glad you found that spark again Tom, burnout really sucks & consumes the hell out of anyone. You're one of the most hardworking & dedicated people I've seen around the internet.

[@Entropy285]

Thomas, thank you for your transparency and openness about this topic. I have experienced burnout as well, but your story helps create an awareness of the factors that lead to burnout. I appreciate the time you spend on your content.👍🏼👍🏼

[@shyamlalani6380]

"When you don't put in 'rest' into your schedule you can put in 'burnout' instead."

[@intentionalliving7326]

True! Plus rest has the capability to allow new ideas to become clearer

[@taliseburton5001]

This is one of my favorite videos from you! This is so relatable and real. When I graduated last year I felt this way, and this is a great reminder to have a year later

[@rachellewabissa5233]

Thank you for sharing this story Tom, this is very sweet of you to be so candid about how you feel. I really enjoyed this video. I enjoyed you speaking from the heart ☺️

[@bilalaamer30]

I love how subtle you are when it comes to mentioning sponsors. Like everything's just going with the flow and out of nowhere, you mention your sponsor for the video. I have been noticing this quite a lot in your videos and its amazing how you keep doing that, intentionally or not.

[@MatthewBoehret]

I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time. This was one of your best.

[@JulianneKeu]

I actually really liked the way you structured this video! The story time way of structuring gave context and weight to the tips you had to share and increased the overall deliverability of your points

[@JuriAmari]

I’m glad you’re feeling better! I needed to take a similar break from work. It was a great reset button and I genuinely feel much happier and ready to get back on the stuff that really matters to me.

[@ethanreyes2631]

Oh my god. This is exactly the thing I needed right now. I just got back from going 2 weeks off of school to visit family during the school year. Got back and felt really pressured to finish my work especially since Thanksgiving Break forced a quicker deadline. I knew that this is what I needed but for some reason hearing it from someone else is helping me out. Maybe it’s knowing I’m not the only one who feels burnt out, I don’t know. But it felt really good to hear.

[@mariad4246]

I really liked the style of this video, it felt like a heart to heart and I'm feeling reassured and inspired again. Thank you!

[@NenaLavonne]

Maria :D yes!

[@rinaloume]

Maria :D agreed! :)

[@DawnMontgomeryAuthor]

It is so refreshing to see a video like this. One where you're being real, definitely, but one that doesn't have all the camera angles and stuff. I enjoy those now and again, but this type of video lets me just focus on what you need to say instead of trying to pay attention to the "video" story at the same time.

[@davidblake8612]

Wish I had seen this years ago. Very well articulated. I resonated with getting cynical, irritable and not feeling able to ever take a break. Well done for figuring out all this and applying it.

[@chrisoffersen]

The balance between a passion for life and actually living life is counterintuitive for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@nhmichael03104]

I enjoyed and can relate to this video. Stripped down "acoustic" Thomas is nice to see. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the upcoming holiday.

[@intentionalliving7326]

Ha ha well put! Important to nurture all our aspects

[@KacyElizabeth09]

I’m so glad I’m subscribed to your channel. Your content is just as relevant today as it was several years ago when I was a struggling college student. 🙂

[@mathewsgirl4ever]

thank you for making this video, i definitely needed this as i'm in the middle of a burnout right now.

[@nena5518]

I'm really happy for you. I went into a severe burn out five years ago. I'm still struggling with fatigue, short term memory loss and dementia like problems. To be fair I have gone through several periods of burn out before and returned to the stress of full time work after only about a month and sometimes also heaping on studies on top. I am a lot better today than when it first hit but I still have some road ahead before I can work again.

[@sanam8819]

It's really great you were able to take things slower when you did. I highly respect your work ethic! Thank you for all the content you take the time and effort to make.

[@intentionalliving7326]

Well put! 👏🏻 it is beautiful to hear Thomas intentions as well. It’s not just about the money. Sometimes you keep going for the team!

[@tyreekwhyte]

Bro you hit ALL the points! I really needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@057902]

Thanks for all of the work you do, Thomas. You've helped me through countless difficult moments in my life the past few years. I would be much worse off if you hadn't started this channel and made such quality, helpful content.

[@nomotivay]

This guy's so ambitious he might just be a Slytherin

[@TheNiallHamilton]

Literally what I needed to hear

[@aahladv]

The timing couldn't be better. I am severely burnt out with my grad school and I can't enough how much I needed this. THANKS, THOMAS, Keep up the fantastic work. Btw I am looking forward to your next book recommendation video, finished the ones you recommended, what a fantastic read it was.

[@SeanBala]

Thank you for posting this video. I really needed to hear it today.

[@rush2795]

Just had a migraine this morning and resulting existential thoughts about what I'm doing in life. All I needed to hear was that it's ok to just slow up every once in a while.

[@intentionalliving7326]

I think we all could include a little bit more in our weekly schedule the practice of what Italians call “far niente” (doing nothing... a block of time when you can meander, walk around, or just be in the moment and do what feels right in the moment)...

[@rush2795]

@@intentionalliving7326 I took up meditation since that post, doing it twice a day for 20 mins. Just sitting, doing nothing... Sure has helped! Much less stress, less reactive to things, etc. That's cool that italy has a similar kind of activity (or lack thereof ;)

[@raymondpascual3863]

just what I needed to day !!! thankss a lottt !!!!

[@barbara__michell]

Happy to hear that you got better. Remember that we appreciate you as a person beyond your great work, so take steps out for you and to take care of you, doing things that bring you joy and happiness because we want to hear that 💕

[@JSimonettiBryan]

Thank you for talking about this! I don't think people talk enough about what it is and how they get out of it. Very brave!

[@Abhishek-yk5rk]

Gonna give my university exam in few hours, this gives confidence.

[@johnbonham7995]

it’s good that you came to realize this at 28, many come to this at only 50

[@J_heterodox]

Thank you for the honesty and transparency. It isn’t easy.

[@rahuldua2453]

One of the better videos and honest! Loved it, 100% meaningful, gained a lot, Thanks man!

[@HeadbangersKitchen]

I hear you man. I feel you. In the same boat.

[@intentionalliving7326]

I think we all could include a little bit more in our weekly schedule the practice of what Italians call “far niente” (doing nothing... a block of time when you can meander, walk around, or just be in the moment and do what feels right in the moment)...

[@Fortaleza115]

Yes, the burnout cycle!! When you take things off your plate then become full of creative ideas and burnout again because you don't want to stop. Like my mentality was "If I stop, there will be so many good ideas not brought to fruition" but honestly, sometimes stopping and waiting also helps you make better decisions. Maybe a better opportunity will come up and how would I know if I'm sitting here coming up with ideas by myself? I made time for social events to not lose touch with life so that I have better inspiration for my content.

[@JJKILL11]

Thomas, you are just so helpful seriously! I'm currently a senior in college writing an ethnography, but I'm suffering from some serious burn out with finals right around the corner this video has perfect timing! Thank you! Can't wait to see your next video!

[@LaurynAsh]

Dude 2k19 was also a huge terrible year for me with burn out. I'm so glad to hear you're doing better and keeping up. 2020 has been crazy rough, but for all it's taken from us, I still feel that it's given us a lot more knowledge about ourselves. Loving your content now that I finally found your channel again... and not just.... your blog... ahem. I'll see myself right out the door now.

[@callmemagi]

Exactly what I need, you're the best! I'll watch and the come back to edit this comment. But I wanted to say thank you already 🙏❤ EDIT: I had a terrible burn out years ago at university (luckily I managed to graduate but didn't get to do as much as I knew I was able to which is unfortunate) and even now I'm in such a creative block that even reading is hard. Just like you I tend to bite more that I can chew so I'm trying to cut some commitments too. I'm glad you're feeling better and I know that soon I'll get better too. 🌻

[@NenaLavonne]

callmemagi 😊✨

[@natalilandia]

This is just what I needed this year I had the worst burn out . It got to a point where I couldn’t do a thing . I was trying to make it all and I ended screwed

[@gustnsoo91]

I really appreciate this heart-to-heart, felt like I had a good, deep conversation with a trusted friend. 5th year PhD student here, getting older, wiser, and more cynical every year lol Got tons of motivation from your videos since I first started grad school, and just hearing this honest story from you made me feel like I'm not alone in feeling really burnt out; this is a normal process (especially among workaholics/perfectionists that won't leave themselves alone in peace and will constantly find work and ways to self-improve). My favorite KZbinr who's a superstar productivity master went through it, overcame it and shared how he did it; it's giving me hope that I can do it too. Thanks for this video.

[@TickerSymbolYOU]

Wow. The video I didn't know I needed but am super glad I watched. As a fairly new content creator, thank you.

[@hubblethetelescat]

I'm a Physics student in Uni and this is 100% relatable. Our schedule is supposed to include about 20 exams per year (10 practical ones plus the theoretical part). All of this in 3 years. The more it takes for you to do them, the more the years in Uni, the more you're involved in this environment, the more you pay for Uni. Since the very first year I went through a burnout. In September I passively decided I couldn't do everything. I had to, since things went really bad and I didn't pass any of the exams as I tried to study perfectly for all of them altogether. Now I accepted that I need more time that the one we're given. I'm attending again some courses and I'm trying to be more careful to my mental health, which is still fragile. I wish I could learn faster how not to take my decision to take more time for graduating as a failure. Thank you for this video.

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

Love it, still in the middle of this

[@sh0efridge]

I really needed this. Thank you for your honesty and hard work ❤️

[@samuelshehata7629]

Huge respect bro. It's very difficult to look on one's self objectively and diagnose the problem and the cause and discoverthe treatment and the hardest of all is to be brave enough to take the medicine which is very sacrificial on one side but it's very liberating on the other

[@heatherfeather1293]

I crashed HARD last week. Ended up leaving a VERY stressful situation since I had a nervous breakdown. Starting to recover, slowly but surely and I've realized that I need to take my life in a different direction.

[@Dana-rt3zw]

Wishing you well!

[@Patrick-pr4cp]

Definition: An extended period of time where someone experiences exhaustion and a Lack of interest in things, resulting in a decline in their job performance. Easier said: Everything makes you tired. You don't care about anything. Everything sucks. It doesn't happen overnight. It needs time to get there. Prevent it: 1. What causes it? (physical or mental issues, lack of personal motivation, outside influences (family, financial, time management, assignment overload) 2. Recognize the signs of burnout early (try to prevent them then) Try: • Don't bite off more than you can chew with your course load. (shift into a lower gear) • Your body and your mind need to be in working order (lack of sleep, nutrition, exercise) • Get organized Give yourself some free time, where you have high density fun. Currently I am in the same spot...

[@ignaciorodolfolloret5749]

I loved this video Thomas! It feels so sincere and it really touched me. Now I’m not feeling burned out but I’m having some creative blockade and it’s overwhelming, so somehow I felt identified with the feeling and the pressure!

[@arekmynarczyk4262]

that's exactly what I needed to hear right now. seems like I've been struggling with the same issues for a while now and even if somehow I knew I should do something about it, I just never could. it's like a big bang in my head. thanks for opening my eyes, Thomas!

[@RealEngineering]

Well this is far too relatable. Launching Real Science, The Logistics of D-Day, applying for my US work visa, and then just adding additional sponsor slots at a time I had no additional capacity caused me to fall behind schedule. I don't feel burned out, but my health has declined considerable. I have started turning down travel opportunities (although I hate turning down the vacation with you and the rest of the Standard crew) and I am quitting video games to use that time to exercise. I think living out of suitcase has been the largest factor in my health decline. I need my routines.

[@prakritisingha6906]

It's good to see my favourite content makers taking control of their life! Having burned out myself as a Med student, I realised there is nothing more important than health.

[@georgestrvanger6878]

@@prakritisingha6906 The irony of your situation...

[@RicmodUttara]

@RealEngineering How would one learn the secret handshake of the Standard crew?

[@just.donutssss]

“Dont work harder, work smarter”

[@RedRebel_99]

I really f***in needed this, thank you so much, Thomas. This is how my entire year has been.

[@BurnoutChronicles]

Nice and clear talking about important matter. Nice to hear that you got out of your burnout and I hope you are doing well today. Burnout is tricky thing to recover from. And not easy at all.

[@9Akin]

I'm probably the only one but this thomas story time format is my favorite.

[@DeanLondonSwift]

I like this down to earth Thomas Frank. Anyone else ?

[@karenferns6160]

I needed this & it's clarity on a very murky mindset/situation. Hope u r well & Thank You..!!!!

[@kathleenbefittwell8179]

Thank you for sharing & for being vulnerable. This was very helpful for me to hear right now. I think we share many of those internal stressors, as do so many people these days, I believe. I know that I could be more efficient, at the same time, I always feel exhausted. School, work, commuting, mealprep, running, yoga... Sadly, the yoga is the thing that gets skipped first. Your content is awesome, even this less complicated video style. The information is what is important and you are wonderful at distributing it 😊

[@GrowWithWill]

Taking some long weekends can help with burnout as well. I started implementing this this year, especially after mostly working from home. I'll take a Friday and sometimes a Monday off; having a 4-day work week then allows me to prioritize what I absolutely need to get done, while ensuring I have enough time to recharge.

[@rafaelsoares3907]

I felt it last year in an intensive way. Here in Brazil, we have a test called ENEM that evaluates your learning as a high school student and gives you a grade that later on the students use to get an enroll in a public university. Some courses are very disputed and you have to study a lot to take them. Today, looking back in the past even though I accomplished my goal, I see that the whole process to make it was very destructive to my physical and mental health.

[@Guilherme-ys4xg]

Olha só, um brasileiro por aqui... hahaha.

[@Guilherme-ys4xg]

Acabei me identificando, porém a pior parte é q eu tive um "burnout" poucas semanas antes das minhas principais provas e tudo foi por água abaixo. No caso, essas provas eram as segundas fases da Fuvest e da Unicamp (eu prestei engenharia), não o Enem.

[@SR-xv9gj]

same thing with the country i live in and i’m so tired bc i’m pursuing medical school and i have to take those exams every year in addition to the exams i already have i get at least 6 exams per week i’m on the verge on k!lling myself

[@yetAnotherGuyOnTheInternet]

thanks, this is exactly what I needed to hear for probably all my past life..; seriously, this video is a life saver

[@canucksocial908]

Thanks you for your honesty Thomas. Your content is always informative but more importantly relatable. Am really glad that you found a way out and arecon your way to balance and fulfillment. Cheers!!

[@loukes116]

It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials. - Bruce Lee

[@zsolthalasz3159]

It's currently 1 AM here so I wanted to sleep but nah man, video first lol

[@cdefgah4343]

Same haha

[@soomascorner]

My brain at midnight onwards: hmm let’s catch up on all the productivity videos you’ve missed My eyes: pleaseee but you have work at 8am- go to sleep. My brain: but....yhhhh mannnn, why are you burning out tho mannn *clicks*.... why is your idea of happiness wrong mannn *clicks*...study with mes *clicks*

[@syafiqasyrafkusni]

Been watching your vids since you were less than 100k and so proud of where you are man. Love this from the heart content! :)

[@jackieedwards-henry8315]

Great video and message! Exactly what I needed to hear as I prepare for retirement from full time college teaching.

[@alya-8205]

I took breaks. I even let go of many opportunities. But I still feel so burned out. I think I may not recover and the idea of change is so surreal that it might not happen.

[@thestudystrategist2219]

Thank you for this very honest and transparent video!

[@raschied2929]

Thank you Thomas. This is refreshing. Its been a while since I sat and fully watch your video without getting distracted by those annoying background noises/music. Please keep making these type of content. Re-subbed.

[@dye4na]

But what do u do when u've had an extreme burnout for years tho? Thinking of finally to get better but can't seem to do it

[@TaraWagner]

Diana Mariom it’s so hard. It requires really difficult decisions that will likely suck (in the short term). But what’s the alternative?

[@samuelshehata7629]

May it be psychological condition that needs to be checked i don't know . Cause it happened to me and a 2 week antidepressant rebooted my state totally

[@1976sammy]

It can also be a physical issue, vitamin or mineral deficiency. If the regular western doctor can’t find anything, try eastern practice (if you can afford it). I’m just figuring out since getting my burnout in 2011. Turns out just trying to change the way I think and act wasn’t enough. There really could be just a physical piece missing. Through a gut specialist (orthomoleculair doctor too) and hypnotherapist I’m learning the things that are holding me back. I’m not saying this is what you should do too. Everyone has different things that work for them, trust your instinct to decide what’s best for you. Maybe it really is being open to a new angle in approaching this or meeting the right person that can help you.

[@scottdake8566]

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a real thing and needs medical help. There is no silver bullet but you can overcome it. Do some research on CFS and you might be surprised.