5 Signs You’re Burnt Out (and the Playful Ways to Recover)
Burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing on the couch for three days straight.
Sometimes it’s quieter. Sneakier. You wake up, sip your coffee, and feel… flat. Tired, sure. But also… just nothing.
I’ve been there. And honestly? It’s exhausting.
The tricky part is that adults are trained to ignore burnout until it hits hard. We push, grind, check boxes, and keep moving — hoping the fatigue will magically go away. Spoiler: it won’t.
But there’s good news. The fastest, most sustainable way to recover from burnout is not another “productivity hack” or “mindset shift.” It’s play. Tiny, deliberate, nervous-system-resetting play.
Let’s start by spotting it.
Sign #1: Your Energy is Stuck
You feel like you’re constantly running on fumes. Coffee helps… for an hour. Meetings feel heavy. Even hobbies feel like homework.
Playful Reset:
Take a 2-minute shake + hum break. Yes, literally shake your body, hum a silly note, and let your muscles loosen. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your nervous system shifts.
Sign #2: You Can’t Remember Your Last Joyful Moment
If it’s been weeks (or months!) since you felt genuine delight, that’s a signal. Joy is a biological necessity, not a bonus.
Playful Reset:
Do a “micro-joy scavenger hunt”. Look around your home or office and find three objects that spark curiosity or happiness — a colorful pen, a quirky mug, a random photo. Take a moment to notice them. Boom: tiny dose of joy.
Sign #3: You’re Emotionally Flat or Snappy
Burnout dulls emotional nuance. You might notice irritation over small things or feeling numb when someone else shares excitement.
Playful Reset:
Try co-regulation through laughter. Call a friend and intentionally laugh for 60 seconds. Or put on a ridiculous YouTube video and let yourself giggle. Your nervous system will thank you.
Sign #4: Your Imagination Feels Blocked
When your creativity feels like it’s trapped behind a brick wall, that’s your mind saying: I’m tired. I need play.
Playful Reset:
Pick a non-dominant play style for 5 minutes. If you’re usually structured, try a freeform drawing or storytelling exercise. If you’re usually creative, try a small physical challenge like juggling socks or silly stretches. Embrace awkwardness. It’s your playground.
Sign #5: You Feel Isolated
Even in a crowded room, burnout can make you feel like no one truly gets it. Human connection is vital for restoring energy.
Playful Reset:
Start a mini-play date with a friend, partner, or co-worker. Ten minutes of cooperative game, silly challenge, or shared creative task can reset both your connection and your nervous system.
The Common Thread
Burnout isn’t about laziness. It’s about disconnection — from your body, your joy, your nervous system, your people.
Play isn’t frivolous; it’s the antidote. It’s a tool to:
Rebuild your energy
Rekindle creativity
Restore emotional range
Strengthen connection
Remember who you are
Your First Micro-Play Prescription
Pick one sign above that resonates most and try its playful reset today. Even five minutes counts.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to notice when your system is tipping into burnout — and the faster you can reset.
Want a Year of Playful Recovery?
Inside Camp Playstate, we take burnout seriously — but we treat recovery like an adventure. Members get:
Guided micro-resets and Play Prescriptions every week
Monthly workshops and guest experts
Play style explorations to reclaim your unique joy
A playful, supportive community to practice with
Doors open January 7.
Join the waitlist to get early access and a free mini Play Reset Guide to start feeling alive again.
