Let's Talk About Burnout - The Velvet Girl

Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown. Sometimes it looks like smiling, showing up, and quietly running on empty.

Before We Start

Quick disclaimer: I am not a licensed specialist, psychiatrist, or therapist. Everything here comes from my own knowledge and experience. If you are suffering from burnout, depression, anxiety attacks, or panic attacks, please seek help.

Hi, ladies! Long time no see, no talk, and, to be honest, no writing. I have been burnt out. Between planning my wedding and working a full-time job, it has taken a toll on my mind and body.

I’m here today to talk about mental health, and specifically burnout, the one topic not many people like to talk about. I want to talk about everything that surrounds it and how you can heal and fully relax, even when that feels impossible right now.

Signs You Might Be Burnt Out

Burnout can sneak up on you, so here are a few signs to watch for:

You feel tired all the time, even after resting
You dread things you used to enjoy
You have trouble focusing or making simple decisions
You feel irritable, numb, or overwhelmed by small things
You have no motivation for the goals you care about

If this sounds like you, you are not alone, and you are not failing. Your mind and body are asking for a break.

Wedding Planning

I have been planning my wedding since December 25, 2025, the day I got engaged. That is also the day the stress started. I began planning like, literally, everything: venues, photographers, videographers, and the list goes on. I did take a few breaks because it was becoming a lot. To be honest, there are a few things I wish I had done differently, but all in all, I know my wedding will be just as beautiful.

Side tip for wedding planning: GET AN ALL-INCLUSIVE.

If I could give you one tip, it would be that one, because it will save you money down the line. Trust me. I looked at what an all-inclusive costs, and when I say it is less than my wedding, I mean it is less, for the same number of people. Look at Zola to find your dream venue.

Overworked

A lot of people, myself included, go to work on the same 9-to-5 routine every day, and it gets to the point where you are just tired of it all. That tiredness is a sign you are burnt out, and you, my friend, need to relax. Stop stressing. Use the PTO you have been saving up for no reason at all.

Family

Let’s be honest: family is something you can’t just leave behind, because, well, they are your family. If you are a caregiver, I know the stress that can bring, because I am also a caregiver to my 82-year-old father.

My sister and I take turns with him on weekends. I get a few hours to run errands while she stops by and hangs out with him, and then we switch. We plan things out, but I still get overwhelmed sometimes, especially on the days he has to be in the hospital for a week at a time.

Building a Business or Brand

As you know, I am working on building a business and brand, but with how things have been going, that has been pretty hard. Building a brand is not easy, and a lot of people (me!) get caught up in life and forget what they are building. Some days the feeling is there and you do an amazing job. Other days you are so tired and overwhelmed that you don’t want to work on it at all. Those are honestly the days you have to do the opposite, even if it is something small.

What Helps Me

Feeling burnt out while managing life is not easy, but it is something we all have to work on. Here are a few things I do to help myself.

Pray

I literally pray every day. As a Catholic woman who rediscovered God a year ago, I have learned a lot about the Church, and I love praying, even for something small like, “Lord, thank you for the meal I am about to eat.” I am currently reading and listening to The Bible in a Year with Father Mike.

Journal

Journaling has been a blessing to me for as long as I can remember. It is something I need to start doing again, but I need to find the time. Journaling has been shown to help calm your brain and nervous system, so you can let everything out on paper and relax.

Work Out

Working out is one of the best ways to release anger, sadness, or whatever you are carrying. Hitting the weights or the treadmill and focusing on your reps, sets, or miles is a great way to let go of stress. The other day I was angry about something, so I worked out through it, and after 30 minutes I felt amazing. I felt like I could run the world and not care. I felt stronger than I did before. There is something about working out that just works.

Rest and Ask for Help

This one is easy to forget: rest is not laziness. Protect your sleep, take that PTO, and give yourself permission to say no. It is also okay to ask for help. Whether it is a sister, a friend, or a coworker, tell someone, “I need a break,” and let them take something off your plate. You don’t have to carry everything alone.

Quit (If You Must)

If you must, quit whatever is draining you. I am not saying to quit your job just like that, because we all have bills to pay, but maybe find something else that can make you happy. Follow your dreams and don’t let others stop you. I have let a lot of people stop me from reaching my goals or moving forward, and here I am now, thriving the best way I know how. So should you.

Be Gentle With Yourself

Burnout is real, and it does not mean you are weak or failing. Be gentle with yourself, love. You are doing better than you think, and even the smallest step counts. Whatever you do today, whether it is a prayer, a few lines in your journal, a workout, or a nap, let it be enough.

Now I want to hear from you: what helps you when you are feeling burnt out? Leave it in the comments, and let’s lift each other up.