The Invisible Burnout: When "Always On" Leaves You Empty
Recognise the subtle signs of professional exhaustion and learn why disconnecting is your ultimate productivity hack.
Hello BAE Community Members,
Last week, we talked about the sneaky Imposter Syndrome that whispers doubts in our ears. This Tuesday, I want to shine a light on another silent struggle that many professionals, especially BAs, face: The Invisible Burnout.
It's not always a dramatic crash…
Often, it's a slow seep, a quiet draining of your energy that you might not even recognise until you're running on fumes.
It's the feeling of being "always on"—emails pinging late into the night, quick checks on Slack during dinner, the mental endless loop of project tasks even when you're supposed to be relaxing.
You tell yourself, "It's just a busy period." Or, "Everyone works like this." You push through, because as BAs, we’re problem-solvers, we're reliable, we don't drop the ball. We pride ourselves on keeping all plates spinning, often at the expense of our own well-being.
The BA's "Always On" Trap
Our profession, by its nature, demands constant engagement. We bridge gaps, clarify ambiguities, and are often the communication hub for complex projects.
This means being accessible, being responsive, and absorbing a lot of information (and sometimes, stress) from all directions.
The digital tools meant to make us efficient can often blur the lines between work and life, turning our homes into satellite offices and our personal time into extension cords for client demands.
I've seen it—and felt it—countless times. That underlying hum of anxiety, the difficulty truly switching off, the feeling that even your downtime is somehow "unproductive" if it's not recovering you enough for the next onslaught.
This isn't just about feeling tired; it's about a deeper exhaustion that affects your creativity, your patience, and your joy, both inside and outside of work.
It’s the person behind the professional slowly eroding, piece by piece, under the relentless pressure of constant connection.
Reclaiming Your Energy: Disconnecting as a Strategy
Recognising this invisible drain is the first, crucial step. The next is understanding that true productivity isn't about how long you work, but how effectively and sustainably you work. And for that, true disconnection is not a luxury; it's a strategic necessity.
It's about giving yourself permission to be fully present wherever you are – whether it's with your family, a hobby, or simply in silence. It’s an act of radical self-care that recharges your mental battery, sharpens your focus, and ultimately, makes you a more resilient and effective professional. Because an empty well cannot draw water.
You are more than your output. Your energy, your peace, your self—these are priceless assets that require fierce protection.
Practical Action: Implement a "Digital Sunset"
Choose a specific time each evening (e.g., 7:00 PM) after which work emails, Slack, and project management apps are strictly off-limits on your personal devices. Don't just silence them; put them away or close them down. Try this for just 3 consecutive days. Notice the difference in your mental space.
All the best,
Esta
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