Recovering from Burnout: More Than Just Rest
Burnout isn’t just an individual problem. It’s often a response to systems that reward overworking, constant output, and productivity at all costs. For many neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD, these demands clash with how our brains, nervous systems, and energy actually work.
Why Burnout Happens for Neurodivergent People
For those of us with ADHD, burnout often develops over years of:
Masking and pushing beyond our natural capacity
Constantly proving our worth
Perfectionism and emotional labour
Trying to keep up with expectations that were never designed for us
Hyperfocus and resilience can hide the early warning signs of burnout… until our bodies force us to stop.
Recovery isn’t just slowing down — it’s identity work. It asks us to explore our core values, boundaries, self-worth, and energy. It’s about questioning the pressures that made us speed up in the first place.
Energy Isn’t a Straight Line
One of the most important lessons in recovery is that energy isn’t consistent. It’s seasonal.
For those who menstruate, becoming aware of your cycle can be transformative. Some weeks you’ll feel energised and able to take on more. Other weeks, rest isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Aligning Actions with Values
Burnout often comes from misaligned values. For neurodivergent brains, there’s an extra layer: our dopamine-driven reward system can push us toward novelty, excitement, or external validation. If we chase what’s immediately rewarding as a “core value,” it can be destructive.
Recovery often involves learning to choose commitments, challenges, and focus areas that truly align with our values — not just what gives us short-term pleasure or approval.
When your decisions start to align with your energy, values, and boundaries:
Rest becomes intentional
Saying “no” becomes easier
Productivity stops being tied to self-worth
Reflecting on Burnout
Have you noticed the early signs of burnout in yourself? What have they taught you? For many neurodivergent people, burnout can feel like the default — often tied to systems built for overworking and constant output.
Recovery is more than rest. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, questioning the pressures around you, and learning to live in a way that honours your energy, values, and boundaries.
Take the Next Step: Book a Session
If you’re ready to explore your own path to recovery and create routines that actually work with your energy, boundaries, and values, consider:
Reflecting on your burnout triggers: Notice what pushes you beyond your limits.
Setting intentional rest periods: Plan rest as part of your schedule, not as an afterthought.
Working with a coach: ADHD coaching can help you uncover patterns, reset expectations, and reclaim your energy.
➡️ Book a session with me today to start your journey toward intentional rest, aligned action, and sustainable productivity