Overcoming Burnout: Why Talking It Out Beats Pushing Through

Sherwood Pines Half Marathon July 2025 at 28 degrees.Sarah J Naylor is exhausted!

There are occasions when even the most energetic among us hit a wall and feel totally knackered.

That was me just recently.  I was exhausted.  Thoroughly worn out. Yes, me – the one usually full of vitality and energy!!

I had headed out with Gareth with the intention of doing hill reps in the woods.  But instead of powering up and down the incline, I stopped in my tracks. The overwhelm, the mental clutter, the sheer exhaustion caught up with me.

So, we didn’t run. We talked. Well, I say 'talked', I emotionally 'threw up' all the stuff swirling in my head, and Gareth listened.

And here’s the thing: listening is one of the most underrated yet powerful tools we have.

As every great coach knows, listening helps people process the noise in their minds, create space, and begin to see things with clarity.

When you talk, when you get it off your chest, the overwhelm lifts, the clutter vacates, and decisions suddenly feel lighter and clearer. It helps you overcome burnout!

Recognising When to Stop

I live most of my life through a positive lens, firmly rooted in a growth mindset. But I’m still human. And after months of being glued to my computer creating content for my redesigned website, online courses, and membership programmes, the fatigue hit.

I’ve reached the stage where I’m promoting everything, but here’s my truth: it’s just not me to 'market the life out of it' with funnels, FOMO, and endless sales noise. I’ve invested thousands in social media experts over the years and, yes, I now understand the jargon… but it still doesn’t sit right.

Why?

Because people don’t need more noise. They need connection, resonance, and authenticity.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is recognise when we need to stop.

• Step away.

• Take time out.

• Breathe.

The AI Conversation

Interestingly, this cropped up in a conversation I had recently with Vanessa Raath, an international speaker and powerhouse when it comes to AI in recruitment when we chatted about AI in recruitment.

She told me about platforms that auto-apply for jobs that in turn result in 500 applications per job, leaving businesses scrambling to use AI to sift through the avalanche.

Even AI-generated humans are now conducting interviews on behalf of candidates. (Yes, really!)

It’s fascinating — and exhausting in equal measure. Technology is moving fast, but what it’s showing us is this: if we’re not careful, our days will be swallowed by screens, systems, and scrolling.

Which is why I believe it’s never been more important to unplug.

From Screens to Sand Dunes

AI can take over many tasks — but what it can’t replace is human connection, conversations that clear the mind, or the grounding power of nature.

That’s exactly why I offer Walk & Talk Coaching and Coastal Retreats here in Norfolk.

Stepping outside, feeling the sea breeze, moving your body - it changes everything.

The overwhelm fades, perspective returns, and you reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.

It’s in those moments — away from tech, away from the noise — that clarity and breakthroughs happen.

A Gentle Reminder

Exhaustion isn’t failure. It’s feedback. It’s your body and mind asking you to pause, reflect, and re-align.

For me, that pause has been a reminder to re-evaluate everything. To do things differently. To trust that rest, reflection, and real connection are just as productive (if not more so) than endless hustle.

So, if you’re at a crossroads or feeling like you’re running on empty — perhaps it’s time to talk it out, clear the clutter, and make space for what really matters.

👉 Book a free Discovery Call with me here - let’s create clarity together.

PS – What I’ve Been Reading

I’ve just finished A Better Me by Gary Barlow — one of my latest charity shop finds.

Now, confession: I was never a huge Take That fan in the ’90s (I was more of a Robbie girl at the time 😅), but I’d always been curious about Gary’s story.

And wow, what a fascinating and honest read.

He lifts the lid on the toxic diet industry, the importance of eating real food cooked from scratch, and shares insights that anyone interested in psychology, people, and personal growth will appreciate.

👉 You can find the book here: https://amzn.to/463lh2H 

NB for total transparency this is my Amazon Associates affiliate link