Why You’re Really Burnt Out (and What to Do About It)

The Real Reason You’re Exhausted Isn’t What You Think

You’ve been pushing. Holding it all together.

Meetings. Deadlines. Team check-ins. Family. Health — wait, what health?

You tell yourself, “It’s just a busy time.” But the truth is, it’s always a busy time.

Sound familiar?

I’ve worked with professionals and business owners just like you — smart, capable people who suddenly find themselves with brain fog, drained, overwhelmed, and short-tempered (that’s me too sometimes, by the way!).

They might say things like:

“I love what I do, but I’m so tired, I don’t feel the passion anymore.”

This isn’t just stress. It’s a disconnect with your values and purpose (what matters to you), and a free pass towards burnout.

But here’s what most people get wrong about it…

What If There’s Another Way?

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness.
It’s a signal.

A signal that somewhere along the way, output became the priority… and you forgot to put anything back in.

Energy doesn’t have to be a limited resource.


If you have the awareness and tools to plan your energy like you plan your day, you can sustain high workloads, pressure and challenges better.

I help professionals, leaders, and organisations reconnect with what fuels them — and build structures around it.

So the work still gets done, but the human gets to thrive, too.

4 Practical Ways to Refuel Without Taking a Week Off

  • Do an Energy Inventory

Not all tasks drain you equally. Some people feel more depleted after emails than they do after presentations. Use this free Energy Inventory to get clear on what drains and what restores you — then start planning your days with intention.

  • Create 15-Minute Non-Negotiables

These are micro-moments of care. A walk. Breathing. Eating lunch away from your screen. Don’t underestimate what 15 minutes of deliberate recharge can do daily.

  • Build In Recovery, Not Just Rest

Recovery is active. Recovery might mean journaling, stretching, laughter, or getting sunlight. Don’t just “take a break” or have a nap to switch off completely. every now and then, do something that gives back to your system.

  • Become a role model

If you are a high achiever, you also have high expectations of others around you. Spouse, child, colleagues, employees… they are also “not doing enough” and “not good enough”. Do what you model. Be compassionate with yourself and others. Normalise balance and boundaries. Block breaks in your calendar. Encourage deep work blocks without meetings.

Want Personalised Support?

If you’re ready to finally design a life that energises you — not drains you — I offer coaching services to help you shift your mindset and reclaim your wellbeing by re-designing a better lifestyle.

Ready to Take Ownership Too?

If this resonates, you're not alone. Many of my clients arrive in that same stuck place—waiting for someone else to make it better. My role is to help them stop waiting and start creating.

🌿 Through 1:1 coaching, we create mindset shifts, lifestyle upgrades, and sustainable strategies to help you build a life that works for you.

I also work with organisations to create structured wellbeing programs that go beyond tick-the-box efforts.

My Wellness Blueprint supports real culture change and helps workplaces meet their Positive Duty obligations while improving engagement, energy, and retention


🌿Sophie Anderson

Founder, Cairns Coaching | Coaching for Thriving Workplaces

www.cairnscoaching.au

Developing teams and individuals through:

🟣Workplace Wellness Program - The Wellness Blueprint

🟣Presentations & Workshops

🟣Individual Coaching

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About the Author

With over 25 years of experience working in the corporate world, Sophie Anderson has first-hand knowledge of the challenges of stress, disengagement, and poor health in the workplace. She now leverages this experience and her coaching skills to offer evidence-based, innovative wellness solutions that boost employee health and wellbeing for overall success.

Our Signature Program

The Wellness Blueprint by Cairns Coaching


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Cairns, Queensland, Australia

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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we coach, collaborate and grow, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Peoples. We acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.

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