ELI5: burnout

What is burnout?

Burnout is when you feel so tired and overwhelmed that you run out of energy, like a battery that's completely drained [1][3]. It happens when you have too much stress for too long, whether from school, sports, or activities you care about [5].

Why does it happen?

Burnout happens when you're trying to do too many things or dealing with stress that just keeps going and going without a break [5]. Your body and mind get so tired from working hard for so long that they stop working the way they should [3].

What does it feel like?

It feels like being a phone that's been charging all night but still won't turn on—you're completely exhausted emotionally, physically, and mentally [1][3]. You might feel like nothing matters anymore, or that you can't do anything right, even things you used to enjoy [3].

How do you fix it?

You need to take real breaks and stop doing so many things at once [5]. Talking to someone you trust, getting enough sleep, and doing things you enjoy can help your battery recharge [1].