Burnt Out and Trapped: Finding Space in a Busy Life
The Moment:
“I’m feeling burnt out professionally and a bit trapped personally. I don’t know if I can focus like I need to this year—it’s the same thing with constant deadlines. Personally, I’m never home alone anymore. My husband works from home, as do I. I need space! Today I worked from my son’s bedroom to get some space from him for the first time.”
Why This Matters:
This HERstory moment captures a feeling so many of us can relate to—navigating the constant demands of work, the loss of personal space, and the emotional toll of burnout. Whether it’s the never-ending deadlines or the challenge of sharing your home as a workspace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and trapped. Yet, even in these challenging moments, small changes, like finding a temporary workspace in a new part of the house, can offer a surprising sense of relief.
Reflection and Insights:
This moment invites us to reflect on our own experiences of burnout and feeling trapped.
Burnout can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about feeling overextended with no time for yourself. For others, it’s the realization that your work no longer fulfills you.
Feeling trapped doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. It might mean you’re craving physical or mental space—and small steps, like carving out a corner just for you, can help.
Working from home doesn’t always have to mean staying at home. Sometimes, a new environment—a coffee shop, library, or co-working space—can give you the reset you need.
Your Turn:
What does burnout or feeling trapped look like for you? How are you finding space—physically or mentally—in your life?
Share Your HERstory Moment:
Inspired by this HERstory? Share your own moment and receive a personalized reflection to help you navigate your next steps.