I Feel Like I’ve Done a 360 Degrees—Same Feelings as Before, But Now I Have the Tools to Heal Myself

Burnout is more than just exhaustion; it’s that overwhelming moment when your mind and body can no longer keep pace with life’s relentless demands. For me, burnout hit hard while I was working continuous days aboard a charter boat, with no weekends or real breaks. I believed I could push through it, but eventually, I found myself completely drained.

Fast forward to today: I'm still on the same boat, facing the same gruelling schedule, but something has changed. I've come full circle, and yet I’m not the same person. This time, I have the tools to protect myself and heal.

In this post, I’ll share how I navigated my way through burnout, returned to my old self, but now approach my life with a renewed mindset and practical strategies that keep me grounded and strong, even in challenging circumstances.

When I say I’ve done a 360 with burnout, I mean that life feels like it’s come full circle—I’m facing the same challenges, stress, and pressures that led to my burnout in the first place. On the surface, not much has changed; I’m still on the same boat, still working long hours with little rest.

But what has shifted is my internal landscape.

While I still encounter familiar emotions, I approach them with a new perspective. Instead of feeling trapped and overwhelmed, I've learned to recognise the signs, set boundaries, and utilise the tools I've gathered along the way to take care of myself.

Even though the external circumstances look the same, I’m in a different place mentally and emotionally, and that makes all the difference.

 

My journey through burnout began gradually, sneaking into my life like an unwelcome shadow. At first, I noticed subtle signs—my mouth felt extremely dry, and I had a white coating on my tongue. I lost my appetite, eating only out of habit rather than hunger, often resorting to sugary snacks for a quick energy boost.

These physical symptoms were just the tip of the iceberg.

I became constipated for days without relief, and during my breaks, I managed to sleep for a couple of hours of sleep but woke up feeling as though I could hibernate for an eternity.

At night, despite being exhausted, I found it hard to relax, often staying up well past midnight, my mind racing while my body felt wired.

Emotionally, I felt increasingly withdrawn from my partner, as if I was mentally checking out of our relationship while trying to keep myself safe. I struggled with persistent pain in my lower back, neck, and hips, which felt tight and cracked when I moved. An itchy rash appeared on my neck and thigh, adding to my discomfort.

I noticed I was becoming easily frustrated, snapping at others, and generally feeling short-tempered—a massive difference to my usual upbeat self. Typically, I’m the one bringing positive energy to the boat, but negativity began to seep in, prompting me to distance myself from the crew.

The tipping point came during a break between charters when my intuition nudged me to take an early night and rest. Instead, I succumbed to FOMO (fear of missing out) and let alcohol become my escape from the mounting pressure of life.

But that only made my fight-or-flight response worse, and in that moment, I realised I was truly burned out and needed to make significant changes in my schedule.

 

Back in 2021, burnout completely wiped me out. I found myself relying on strong diazepam, struggling with nausea, and ultimately resigning from my position. I took several months off to recover, and when I noticed the signs of burnout creeping in again, I couldn’t help but think, “How could you let this happen again? Aren’t you supposed to be stronger than this?” My mind was swirling with questions from that pesky “Negative Committee” that loves to hang out in my head.

 

Suddenly, I remembered my Ayurveda teacher talking about "The Golden Latte." I began researching the digestive herbs within it, exploring each ingredient—Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwaganda, Cinnamon, and Black Pepper—and was intrigued by their benefits. If you're interested, you can read more about it on my blog here.

I decided to start making this warm, spiced drink with almond milk and maple syrup every night, about 30 minutes after dinner.

The effects were transformational!

 

This spicy golden latte, packed with remarkable spices, became a game-changer in combating burnout thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, while ginger supports digestion and provides natural energy. The warmth of the drink offers comfort, promoting relaxation and mindfulness—both crucial for mental well-being. Plus, it’s caffeine-free, making it a soothing alternative that encourages hydration and self-care, helping to ease both the physical and emotional symptoms of burnout.

 

Alongside my evening ritual, I started to do 30-minutes of meditation each morning, right after waking up and before diving into my social apps. I also made a conscious effort to choose healthier snacks and prioritise sleep over always putting everyone else first.

Although I still hit the same walls as before, I now approach these familiar stressful circumstances with a toolbox of new techniques to manage and prevent burnout. I feel more equipped to handle the pressures, knowing I have healthier habits and coping mechanisms at my fingertips.

 

The tools I’ve gathered on my healing journey have been incredibly empowering, reminding me that I have a new set of skills to support not only my well-being but also to help others on their healing journeys.

I’ve realised that as I to focus on others, I often forget about me, and put myself last on the list.

Self-nurturing has become essential for me—I’ve started choosing healthier snacks, engaging in energy healing sessions to protect my energy and indulging in that comforting golden latte.

I also incorporate essential oils into my routine, both for their uplifting scents and health benefits. Sipping on CCF (Coriander, Cumin and Fennel) tea, whilst listening to motivational podcasts keeps me inspired and engaged throughout the day.

 

The morning ritual focusing on meditation and yoga right after waking up helps to centre myself for the day ahead.

By prioritising sleep and consciously choosing what I eat, I’m taking active steps to care for myself instead of always putting others first. While I still face the same challenges as before, I now approach these familiar stressful situations with a fresh set of skills to manage and prevent burnout. I feel more equipped to handle the pressures, knowing I have healthier habits and coping mechanisms at my disposal.

 

Reflecting on my journey through burnout, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons along the way. Here are my three key takeaways:

 

1.      Always listen to your intuition.

If it’s telling you to take an early night, do it! Socialising can happen another time; your well-being comes first.

2.     Get comfortable with saying "no."

It’s a complete sentence, and setting boundaries is crucial for your mental health.

3.     Self-care is essential.

It’s not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for a balanced life.

 

Shifting my mindset towards stress has also been a game changer. Instead of viewing stress as a purely negative force, I now see it as a signal prompting necessary changes in my life.

I’ve learned to let go of perfectionism and embrace flexibility, allowing my priorities to shift according to my needs. It’s been refreshing to accept imperfections and recognise that taking rest days is not only okay but essential for my progress.

This mindset shift has helped me develop a more compassionate and understanding relationship with myself.

 

Recognising that healing from burnout isn’t a one-time fix has been a real eye-opener for me. It’s crucial to understand that burnout can creep back in, but the great news is that I’m now much better prepared to handle it when it does.

 

This journey has taught me that self-care isn’t just a quick solution; it’s an ongoing practice, especially when I incorporate Ayurvedic principles into my daily routine. You can read more about it here: 9 Tips for a Balanced Morning Routine.

 

By embracing continuous self-care, I’m building a stronger foundation for my well-being, making it easier to navigate the ups and downs of life. It’s all about being proactive and nurturing myself consistently so I can bounce back stronger each time.

 

As I look back on my own experiences, I want to remind you that you have an incredible strength within you to carry you through difficult moments, even when you feel trapped. It's perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but keep in mind that every small step you take can lead to meaningful change.

Making positive choices—such as prioritising your sleep, establishing boundaries, or drinking in a soothing golden latte—can influence your ability to manage stress and prevent future burnout.

You're not alone on this journey, and every positive step you take brings you closer to a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, healing is a process, not a quick fix. You'll still face challenges, but now you've got fresh tools and strategies to handle them in a whole new way.

As you move forward from burnout, embrace the uniqueness of your journey, filled with empowering lessons. Each step you take—no matter how small, even in the face of setbacks—serves as a testament to your resilience.

Embrace these moments as chances to grow stronger and wiser, and trust in your ability to rise, just like a phoenix. With each step forward, you're not just surviving—you're thriving.

Let’s continue to share our stories and uplift each other on this path of healing together.

Love and light,

Samantha x