Don’t Wait Until Your Body Breaks Down
Switching off is not a weakness. It’s wisdom.
Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash
WE WEREN’T BUILT TO RUN ON EMPTY
Yet in a world that rewards constant output, it’s become normal to push through exhaustion, ignore the warning signs, and wear burnout like a badge of honour.
But here’s the truth: ignoring your limits doesn’t make you stronger—it just brings the crash closer.
These days, the world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever. Many of us are barely keeping pace, overwhelmed, overextended, and quietly burning out.
As Buddhist teacher and author Pema Chödrön reminds us:
“Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing.”
When things unravel, we’re given a rare gift. We are given the chance to rebuild, not just to be stronger, but more aligned with who we really are.
And I saw this unravel in real time!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CAN’T SWITCH OFF?
A young engineer, early in his career, reached out after a friend encouraged him to get support. He works a full 40-hour week, then logs extra hours after dinner. Not for overtime. Not for growth. Just to ensure the client won’t question the company’s billable time.
He’s been doing this for over a year.
And now, he’s running on fumes.
His story isn’t unique.
During the same week, I facilitated a session on boundary-setting with a group of female professionals. One participant spoke of a senior manager who doesn’t know how to switch off, even while on leave. He checks in. Sends messages. Calls the team. Even on holiday, his presence looms.
I understood both stories deeply.
In my early career, I was that “engineer”—working to prove my worth.
Later, I became that manager—wired to stay on, even when I needed to unplug.
These stories are a wake-up call.
Burnout is no longer a late-career crisis.
It starts earlier, showing up more often, and doing more damage than we admit.
🧠 RETHINK WHAT SWITCHING OFF MEANS TO YOU
At Burn Bright Not Out, we believe that switching off isn’t a failure, it’s an invitation.
An invitation to pause.
To reimagine.
To return to what matters most.
Switching off is not a weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s where the healing begins.
Burnout doesn’t always come with a bang. Sometimes, it’s a quiet, steady leak.
That’s why rest is not a reward for overworking.
Rest is a biological need, just like food, water, and breath.
Your body doesn’t ask for permission to recover. It signals. It whispers. And if unheard, it will eventually shout.
Not because you’ve burned out… but so you don’t have to. So is saying no. So is pausing before your body forces you to.
✅ THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION: ASK YOURSELF
Ask yourself:
- Where am I saying yes from fear or guilt?
- What would it look like to protect just one pocket of energy today?
- Who could help me reinforce the boundary I most need?
✨CLOSING WITH KINDNESS
If you feel like you’re struggling to switch off, try these gentle resets like….
- Pause + Breathe: Ground yourself in a single breath. It’s not small. It’s sacred.
- Seek Connection: You don’t have to do this alone. (That young engineer didn’t.)
- Rediscover Joy: Anchor yourself in small, simple moments that light you up.
Examples:
- Feel the warmth of the morning sun on your face during your first sip of coffee.
- Listen to a quiet song that makes you pause.
- Think of how your pet greets you like you’ve been gone for years, even if it’s just been five minutes.
💬 Nudge: Resets happen in the showing up, not the having it all figured out.
✨ Coaching with Me
If you’re a mission-driven leader, founder, creator, middle manager, or self-starter feeling stretched too thin — I’ve been where you are. My coaching is designed to help you reclaim clarity and energy without losing your edge. Let’s talk.
Thanks for being here. You’re not alone in this journey — and you don’t have to choose between thriving and succeeding. You can do both.
To your spark,
Mary Vaz