The mind and the body are inextricably entwined, and rarely are their inseparability clearer than when we're under some kind of mental pressure. Our nervous system reacts... — Jeffrey Kluger

Nervous System Fatigue vs Burnout: And Why You Still Feel Exhausted

Let’s talk about something I’ve been seeing a lot of in my sessions lately…You’re journaling. You’re meditating. You’re doing the “right things.” And yet… you still feel exhausted. Not just tired — but deeply flat.

Not quite anxious. Not quite depressed. Just done.

Sound familiar? This isn’t just burnout. This is nervous system fatigue — and it needs a different kind of care.

So what’s the difference?

Burnout is what happens when you’ve been hustling too hard for too long. It’s depletion from overwhelm, overgiving, and overfunctioning.

But nervous system fatigue? That’s your entire body’s way of saying:

"I’ve been in survival mode for too long… and I don’t have the capacity to keep pretending I’m okay."

It’s subtle. It’s sneaky. And it’s incredibly common — especially for those of us who hold space for others or carry a lot emotionally.

And here’s the kicker:

✨ Bubble baths, green juice, and an early night won’t fix it.

This goes deeper.

Here’s what you can do right now:

If you’re not ready to book in just yet, here are 3–5 things you can start doing today to support your system:

🌀 1. Do less than you think you “should.”

Your nervous system heals in stillness. Cut your to-do list in half. Or just do one thing with presence.

🌿 2. Lay on the ground for 5 minutes.

Yes, really. Grounding your body calms your vagus nerve and tells your system: You’re safe now.

🌬 3. Try a 4-7-8 breath.

Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This slows your heart rate, down-regulates stress, and builds capacity gently.

✍️ 4. Write out your “emotional residue.”

Grab a page and write what you can’t say out loud. Get the noise out of your body and onto the paper.

🤍 5. Ask your body: “What do you need today?”

And then — actually listen. Even if the answer is: “to do nothing and be held.”

You’re not broken.

You’re not lazy.

You’re not doing it wrong.

You’re just tired on a nervous system level. And that kind of fatigue needs love, not pressure.

If this hits home — and you want to explore deeper support — I’m here.

You don’t have to do this alone.