Burnout Recovery: Tapping Your Way to Renewal & Energy

Burnout can feel like hitting a brick wall, both physically and emotionally. It's a state of complete exhaustion where you feel depleted, unable to keep going, and struggle to do even the simplest tasks. I’ve been there. I pushed myself for so long, thinking I could manage the chronic stress, but in the end, my body had other plans. It was as if my mind and body just shut down, and I had no choice but to stop.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is not just feeling tired after a long day. It's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. This condition often arises from persistent anxiety and burnout, where the cumulative stress levels become overwhelming. Often, we ignore the warning signs until it’s too late, which is exactly what I did. I kept pushing through, working harder, taking on more projects, and not giving myself the rest I desperately needed.

Burnout has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition, but it impacts every aspect of our lives. It's so common, particularly in today's fast-paced world. Studies show that about 77% of professionals have experienced burnout in their current jobs. Addressing burnout involves not just recognizing the symptoms but also building emotional resilience to manage stress more effectively and restore balance to our lives.

Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout looks different for everyone, but some common signs include:

• Feeling exhausted all the time, even after sleep
• Reduced performance and productivity
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Cynicism and irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with even micro stressors
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension
• Finding simple activities emotionally draining
• Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Chronic impostor syndrome can occur when you see others coping well in what you perceive as similar situations, leading you to doubt your own abilities and feel like you don’t measure up.

Burnout often occurs when prolonged stress in your work environment or personal life goes unaddressed. Constant pressure, such as tight deadlines and an unmanageable workload, can lead to burnout, making it hard to function at even a basic level. For me, it started with chronic stress that gradually built up. At first, it was little things—sleeping less, forgetting to eat properly—but then it snowballed, leading to negative beliefs about my ability to cope. My mind was racing at night, filled with anxious thoughts. My sleep suffered, which only made my health anxiety worse. Eventually, I couldn’t get out of bed or think straight. My body was screaming for help, but I wasn’t listening.

The Moment Everything Changed

I’m reminded of the quote:

"If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness." (source unknown)

That’s exactly what happened to me. I was forced to stop because my body simply wouldn’t go on any longer. I had hit a wall.

During my recovery, I turned to a technique that had helped me before: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping. EFT works by gently tapping on acupressure points on the body while focusing on your emotions, negative beliefs/limiting beliefs and physical sensations. It may look a little odd at first, but it’s a powerful mind-body technique that promotes emotional health and freedom.

How EFT Tapping Helped Me Recover

At my lowest, when I was struggling to get out of bed, my EFT practice gave me a way to start healing. It allowed me to address the emotional burden of burnout in a gentle, nurturing way. I began by using the Tapping Solution app to find tap-along meditations that matched what I was feeling. This helped me get started and feel more guided. Over time, I grew more confident in creating my own tapping scripts. By tapping on specific points while focusing on the feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression - emotions I had always struggled with in the past, but which felt different this time - I was able to release some of the emotional tension that had been building up for months. This process not only alleviated immediate discomfort but also demonstrated the benefits of EFT Tapping by helping build resilience and improving my decision-making abilities over time. This was especially helpful when the pandemic hit in 2020. It didn’t happen overnight, but it was the beginning of my journey to improving my overall wellbeing.

Tapping helped me cultivate self-compassion. I could feel the soothing effects immediately after each round of tapping. Slowly, I started feeling lighter, more in tune with my body, and more willing to take care of myself. This gradual shift in my emotional state was crucial for my recovery and contributed significantly to rebuilding my physical and mental health.

The Science Behind EFT Tapping for Burnout Recovery

You may wonder, how does tapping help improve overall well-being? EFT is a powerful tool that combines ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology. Research shows that tapping can reduce the body's stress response, making it a valuable tool to prevent burnout. One study found that cortisol levels (the stress hormone) dropped by 24% after just one hour of tapping compared to talk therapy, which had no significant effect on cortisol levels. These findings demonstrate that EFT is effective in managing stress.

Another study published in Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing revealed that the benefits of EFT include significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain in participants. For those struggling with burnout, tapping can help by alleviating emotional distress and promoting a more balanced state of being, which can be life-changing.

My Burnout Recovery Journey

Recovery from burnout is a gradual process, and incorporating EFT into your routine requires patience and commitment. Even as an EFT Practitioner, I found it challenging to practice daily during my lowest moments. It's common to resist what’s good for us or even self-sabotage our efforts, which is particularly paradoxical when burnout is the time we need support the most. Remember, the focus isn’t on a rapid recovery but on rebuilding in a way that genuinely prioritizes your overall wellbeing. Taking small, consistent steps with EFT can significantly contribute to your healing journey, helping you regain balance and resilience over time. Along with tapping, I made small changes to support my recovery:

• Prioritizing rest: I reminded myself that even if I couldn’t sleep well, resting was still healing. Resting my body allowed me to recharge slowly.

• Eating better: I started eating nutritious, whole foods, which made a big difference in my energy levels. I realized how much I had neglected proper nourishment during my burnout.

• Doing things I enjoyed: I started small—going for short walks, inviting friends to visit me rather than going out, allowing myself to do less. Over time, these little things brought me joy and boosted my energy.

• Self-compassion through tapping: Each time I tapped, I felt like I was giving myself permission to heal. It was a reminder that I didn’t have to do everything at once, and that it was okay to ask for help when I needed it. Integrating tapping into my routine provided a nurturing way to practice self-compassion and and support my overall recovery.

Tips for Recovering from Burnout

If you’re experiencing burnout, here are some tips that helped me on my journey:

• Acknowledge the signs: Recognizing that you’re burnt out is the first step. Don’t push yourself beyond what your body can handle.

• Prioritize rest and self-care: Give yourself permission to rest, both physically and emotionally. Listen to your body and what it needs.

• Use EFT Tapping: Tapping is an accessible, gentle self-help tool to address the emotional burden of burnout. Here’s a simple EFT tapping process for burnout:

  • Start by tapping on the side of your hand and say, “Even though I feel completely burnt out, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Move through the tapping points with the following phrases:

  • Eyebrow Point: “I acknowledge how hard this is.”

  • Side of the Eye: “All this stress and fatigue are weighing me down.”

  • Under the Eye: “I’m struggling to keep up with everything. It’s okay to feel this way.”

  • Under the Nose: “This sense of being overwhelmed feels heavy and consuming.”

  • Chin Point: “I accept that burnout has taken a toll on me, and I’m ready to start healing.”

  • Collarbone: “I release the tension and stress that are contributing to my burnout.”

  • Under the Arm: “Even though it’s hard to manage all this stress, I’m open to finding relief.”

  • Top of the Head: “I choose to allow myself to let go of this overwhelming exhaustion and embrace calm.”

  • After each round, take a deep breath and notice any shifts in your emotions or physical sensations. This process can help you release some of the emotional tension that has been building up and bring a sense of calm and balance.

• Talk to a professional: Burnout can also mimic other health issues, so it’s important to consult with a GP to rule out any underlying conditions.

• Get support: If you need guidance and accountability to stay on track, consider working with a coach or EFT Tapping Practitioner who can provide personalized support, help you navigate challenges, and keep you focused on your recovery goals.

• Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy. You don’t have to do it all.

• Engage in activities you enjoy: Slowly start adding back things that bring you joy, even if it’s as simple as a short walk or spending time with a loved one.

• Be patient: Recovery takes time, and it's okay to move at your own pace.

Moving Forward

Burnout recovery isn’t linear, and it’s essential to be gentle with yourself. Prioritizing self-care is crucial during this time. EFT tapping was a vital tool in my recovery because it supported my emotional regulation and helped me reconnect with my emotions, offering the self-compassion I needed to heal. Additionally, it played a role in my stress management, allowing me to address the underlying emotional burden of burnout. If you’re feeling burnt out, consider giving it a try. It might just offer the relief and renewal you’re seeking.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.

Written by Suzannah, Founder of the Tapping Association

Ready to take the next step toward emotional freedom?

Integrating EFT tapping into your routine is simple and effective for shifting emotional states and finding lasting peace. Here’s how you can get started:

• Learn the Basics: Start with our EFT for Beginners Mini-Course.
• Practice Regularly: Use our Free Tapping Planner to stay consistent and focused.
• Join a Supportive Community: Connect with others, ask questions, and access EFT resources, including tap-along videos, meditations, and more. Explore Membership.

By making EFT a part of your daily life, you can experience greater peace, reduced stress, and more emotional balance.