Burnout

Running on Empty: Since When Did Exhaustion Become Normal?

Mohammed Zaidan

Club Member · 5 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

"I'm feeling burned out." It's a phrase we've all heard recently, or maybe even said ourselves. You feel tired. Really tired. Like you're exhausted all the time. But you keep going because there's no time to stop. There's always another assignment. Another exam. Another project.

Since When Did Exhaustion Become Normal?

It's become so normalized that we almost expect it. These days, feeling tired all the time feels like just another part of being productive.

The Five Stages of Burnout

Burnout rarely appears all at once. It often develops gradually through several stages:

1. Honeymoon Phase: Motivation, excitement, and optimism are at their peak. You keep taking on more responsibilities because it feels good to be productive.

2. Onset of Stress Phase: That excitement starts to fade as your routine gets more stressful. You may have trouble focusing, feel tired all the time, struggle to sleep, and stop enjoying things you used to love.

3. Chronic Stress Phase: Even a small setback can feel personal. Your body wants to shut down, making you avoidant — socially, for example — which affects your relationships with family and friends.

4. Burnout Phase: Your mind and body reach their limit. It becomes harder to think clearly, stay focused, or handle everyday tasks. You might feel numb, doubt yourself more, ignore your own needs, and get frequent headaches.

5. Habitual Burnout: If ignored, burnout gets worse over time and can lead to mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

The Productivity Trap: Fuel for Burnout

People often equate busyness with productivity, measuring how productive they are by the number of hours they spend working or studying. But this can backfire. The busier you are, the less creative and focused you tend to become.

Many students use their stress levels as a sign that they've done enough. But this mindset makes burnout even worse. Students rely on stress as a default setting, feeling vaguely overloaded all the time — which is why they're so vulnerable to collapsing into full burnout when pushed by unexpected disruptions.

People only feel it's okay to say no when they are already close to breaking point.

To break this cycle, a few things can help: Time blocking — plan your week in focused blocks without distractions. Reduce your task list — cut unnecessary busyness and focus on key projects. Double your timelines — give yourself twice the time you originally planned, to reduce stress and work at a natural pace.

You're Not Alone in This

Burnout can feel isolating, but many people experience the same pressure, exhaustion, and self-doubt in silence. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone. Recognizing it is the first step. Slowing down, setting boundaries, and asking for support can make a real difference. You don't have to keep pushing through it alone.

Since When Did Exhaustion Become Normal?

The Five Stages of Burnout

The Productivity Trap: Fuel for Burnout

You're Not Alone in This

Further Reading