Are you really burned out, or are you just spiritually depleted?

Nervous SystemMental HealthSpiritual Practice

8 Oct

Women are burning out at an unprecedented rate. This alarming trend has had me questioning whether it's solely about burnout or if there's a more profound issue at play.

Having personally endured the grueling experience of two major burnouts, I've come to see this crisis as a symptom of something much darker: a profound disconnect from our own souls and spirituality.

In our fast-paced, modern lives dominated by endless to-do lists and obligations, many of us find ourselves adrift and disengaged. It's no surprise that, in a world that glorifies constant hustle, we've lost touch with our inner selves and our sense of purpose.

One recurring question that my clients frequently pose is, "What is my purpose?" I think that this yearning that I see repeated so often, stems from a deeper desire to transcend our cultural addiction to mere busyness and engage with a more meaningful existence. Whether we're self-employed or part of the corporate grind, we all sense the dissonance of our current paths.

Yet, the quest for 'purpose' is not merely about doing more; it stems from a profound yearning to connect with something greater than ourselves.

Spiritual depletion emerges from this disconnection with our true selves and our soul's calling. Its manifestations are diverse, encompassing fatigue, irritability, a struggle to focus, and dwindling motivation. It can lead to overwhelming feelings of emptiness, isolation, and a profound lack of fulfilment in our lives.

Here are some signs that you might be grappling with spiritual depletion:

Disconnected from Self and Inner Voice:

A good sign that you’re feeling spiritually depleted is when you experience a profound disconnection with yourself. You might find yourself in a spiral of indecision, looking to others for advice or guidance and unable to connect with the inner voice within yourself to feel into what’s right for you. This disconnection can lead to a sense of inner emptiness and confusion about your true desires and needs.

Persistent and overwhelming Fatigue:

Physical exhaustion can be a manifestation of spiritual depletion. The weariness you experience may not solely be due to a lack of sleep or excessive work but can also be a result of feeling spiritually drained. This fatigue can be both physical and emotional, sapping your energy and enthusiasm.

Loneliness and Isolation:

A sense of loneliness and isolation can accompany spiritual depletion. You might find yourself withdrawing from relationships, or struggle to connect with those you love. Even when surrounded by people, you may feel disconnected from them and struggle to form deep, meaningful connections. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of emptiness.

Feeling Cynical and Negative:

Spiritual depletion often manifests as a pervasive sense of cynicism and negativity. You may find yourself constantly seeing the downside of situations, people, and life in general. This negative outlook can seep into your interactions and experiences, making it challenging to appreciate the beauty and positivity around you. Cynicism can also lead to skepticism about the intentions of others, making it difficult to trust or form meaningful connections. This negativity can affect your relationships and your ability to find joy in everyday life.

If any of these sound familiar, then it’s a good sign that you’re experiencing spiritual depletion and burnout. Here are some actions you can take to help reconnect with yourself:

Listen to your body

Your body is always talking to you, but it can be hard to hear its messages when you're constantly busy and stressed. Take some time each day to sit quietly and listen to your body. What is it telling you? What does it need?

Spend time in nature

Nature has a powerful healing and restorative effect. Spending time in nature can help you to relax and connect with your inner self.

Book your free 30 minute Empowerment call with me

I have 5 spaces available in October for free 30 minute coaching sessions. We will identify your core stressor, tap into intuitive guidance and define some clear actions steps to help you reconnect to your purpose. You’ll walk away with tips on how to regulate your nervous system to move through this situation with ease, clarity and confidence.

If you're ready to start your journey to spiritual reconnection and fulfillment, I have 5 free 30 minute coaching sessions available in the month of October. Head to my bio to book or jump into my DMs.