I recently read a friend’s LinkedIn post that said:
“Sunday nights = the handover point between two full-time jobs.”
I smiled because it was so true and so relatable.
There have been many times when I felt the same way. At 6 p.m. on Friday, I’d hand over my professional role only to step into my home job managing meals, laundry, errands, and family care until Monday at 6 a.m., when the cycle started all over again.
But if I’m truly honest, there’s never really a handover.
Something always carries over, the late-night email, the unfinished task, the mental list that never ends.
By the end of the weekend, I’d be running on fumes mentally and physically drained, with no time to recover or just be.
That’s what burnout often looks like not a single collapse, but the slow erosion of energy, joy, and presence.
I learnt that burnout doesn’t announce itself loudly. It creeps in quietly, disguised as productivity and responsibility. And before long, exhaustion starts to feel normal.
We all need to recognize the signs in ourselves and those we lead. Burnout isn’t weakness; it’s a signal that something needs to change be it boundaries, support, or expectations.
One of the most productive things I do is R&R that is rest and reflection. This helps break that cycle by creating space to reflect, gain clarity, and reset. When we give ourselves permission to breathe, reflect and rest, we then can lead from a place of strength, balance, and authenticity.
R&R is not a reward. It’s a requirement.
Also do take a moment to read on LinkedIN post from Aiva Jokela, a leadership coach helping women leaders in high powered jobs
Image credit: Google & Canva
