5 Books to Read if You’re Burned Out and Feeling Lost
When the going gets rough, it’s easy to fall into our emotions and put self-development on the back-burner. But it’s important to acknowledge the way we feel and explore it a bit so that we can better understand the both the cause and the path forward. I’ve always felt like the easiest way to start to understand and break down my own feelings is to read. With the wide availability of books on every topic, there are a lot of ways to get your hands on some helpful pages. 📚✨
For high performers like us, burnout is one of the most few emotions that is able to truly stop us in our tracks. Burnout is simply defined as a state of complete mental and emotional exhaustion. It commonly happens to people who love to consistently give 150%, making them feel emotionless, lost, and no longer passionate about their career and the things they (used to) love the most in their life.
Burnout can be painful and frightening, but it is also an opportunity for some serious leveling up - both personally and professionally. There are tons of great books out there that can help you navigate this inevitable emotional place, but below are some of my absolute faves to help you get started.
#1: The Joy of Burnout, Dr. Dina Gloughberman
If you only choose to read one of these recommended books…this is one I recommend the most. Two hundred and twenty seven pages of pure gold from the fairy godmother of burnout herself. For me it was absolutely incredible, dare I say, life changing . A compilation of a lot of stories to keep it relatable , but also Dr. Dina masterfully combines science and practical exercises to guide the burnout sufferer to recovery. For those searching to feel less alone in burnout, this can be your bible.
#2: The Prophet, Khalil Gibran
This masterpiece offers poetic lessons that are absurdly beautiful, inspirational and comforting. The calming nature of this book is incredible, and it’s no wonder that it is one of the most translated books in history! It provides lessons of love, family, community, work, self and much more. It’s stunning. If you need a book to help you find your “center,” this is the one! Here’s a little gem, as a bonus:
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” - Khalil Gibran
#3: The Desire Map, Danielle LaPorte
Alright, this one isn’t everyone’s margarita. Some may find it a bit “woo-woo”. But if you’re open to it, it can change your life. It’s part workbook, aimed at peeling off the layers of “woulda coulda shoulda”. It’s definitely a different approach to getting what you want out of life. As I mentioned, it gets a bit ‘cosmic’, but it can be the right read for big-hearted people to figure out what they really want for themselves, their lives and their goals.
#4: Arianna Huffington, Thrive
What can you say about Arianna that hasn’t already been said? She’s an incredible speaker, humanitarian, and social leader whose passion for helping people live happy, healthy lives is contagious. Probably one of my favorite people on earth! Through her own story of burnout and backed by science--- Arianna illustrates how you can change your life in small ways to make a huge difference. This book is not only an easy read, but it’s an absolutely enjoyable one!
#5: You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero
I mean, where do I begin? Jen Sincero is the tall, vulnerable, inspiring, freaking hilarious mentor you’ve always wanted and needed! I seriously think everyone needs a little Jen in their back pocket. Most people have seen this book on the racks or in someone’s hands, so seriously, what are you waiting for? It’s packed full of personal stories, hilarious anecdotes, and no BS #truthbombs. The end result? You can’t help but feel like a badass after reading this!
The consistent message you will see regardless of where you start in this list is this:
If you let it, burnout can be a beautiful moment when you realize the life you have is not working and that you must take the leap to create something new and that’s where you’ll find the joy. Happy reading, friends! 📖
Do you have a favorite book with a powerful message that you keep coming back to? 👇👇
