Older female and male asian couple sitting outside at a table having a picnic. They are smiling at each other while the man is pouring his partner something to drink at couples therapy Massachusetts. — At *Couples Therapy Massachusetts*, individuals and couples discover a path to reconnect—both with themselves and with each other.

Burnout can show up in many forms, low energy, a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feeling like no amount of sleep is ever enough, or procrastinating and avoiding tasks you know need to be done. It might feel like depression, and in some ways, the two can look similar. But burnout often stems from how you're living your life, especially when you're out of alignment with your values. At Couples Therapy Massachusetts, I understand how burnout can impact not only your personal well-being but also your closest relationships.

You may wonder if you’re depressed. After all, depression and burnout can look very similar. But there’s an important difference: burnout often stems from how you’re living your life. When your day-to-day experiences are misaligned with your core values and needs, burnout begins to creep in. It can also happen when you push past subtle signs your body is giving you, whispers that say, “Hey, something’s off.” When those signs are ignored, they eventually become louder, more disruptive. Our bodies, minds, and spirits have limits.

What Does Burnout Look Like?

Burnout can show up in ways you might not expect. Maybe you're clocking long hours at a job that no longer aligns with your values. You dread showing up. Or perhaps you dream of taking a vacation but never actually plan one, always putting it off for “later.”

Pay Attention to What Fuels You

Start by noticing what brings you energy and joy. Who are you with? What are you doing? Then ask yourself the opposite. What drains you? Are you avoiding certain people, places, or responsibilities?

When you consistently ignore the things that energize you and force yourself to endure what depletes you, you risk burnout. Living out of alignment with your needs and values is a recipe for emotional and physical exhaustion.

Tips to Help You Prevent Burnout

1. Identify What Energizes You

Take inventory of what lights you up. What activities fill your cup? Maybe it’s being in nature, reading a book, gardening, or engaging in meaningful conversation. I’ve noticed that when I go too long without gardening, my energy drops. I also know that too much social interaction without enough alone time drains me. For others, being around people may restore energy, but it needs to be the right people, those who uplift you.

2. Plan Ahead for Stressful Seasons

If you know certain times of the year are more demanding, plan accordingly. In my family, the transition from school to summer is one of those times. My partner is a teacher, and we’ve learned to prepare mentally and practically for that shift. Whether it’s planning childcare or building in downtime, being proactive helps reduce stress.

3. Use Your Time Off

If you have vacation time, use it! Don’t wait until you're running on empty. I used to schedule my four weeks of vacation across the year, one every three months. That gave me something to look forward to and helped prevent me from reaching a breaking point.

4. Ask for Help

You don’t have to do it all alone. Talk to trusted friends, coworkers, or your partner. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re incapable, it means you’re resourceful and self-aware. And when you make it okay to ask for help, you’re also creating space for others to do the same.

5. Schedule Rest Days

If you’re like me, your calendar can quickly get packed. Everything sounds like a good idea at the time of scheduling, but when the day arrives, you might find yourself craving stillness. That’s why I intentionally block off unscheduled days every couple of weeks. No commitments, no plans. Just space to breathe, rest, and reconnect with myself and my family. And if we decide to do something on a whim, then we do it, but it is not an obligation!

Why Burnout Matters in Relationships

Burnout doesn’t just impact you. It affects your partner, your kids, your friends, the people who matter most. When you're depleted, you don’t have much left to give. You may feel more irritable or disconnected, which can strain your relationships.

This is especially important if you're navigating the ups and downs of a relationship. At Couples Therapy Massachusetts, we often explore how chronic stress and burnout affect emotional connection. When one or both partners are running on empty, communication suffers, intimacy fades, and resentment builds.

If you're noticing these patterns in your relationship, it might be time to talk to your partner. If you’ve tried having these conversations in the past and they didn’t go as well as you hoped, you don’t have to go it alone. You can always reach out to a couples therapist for help. Couples therapy can help you realign with your values, both individually and as a couple, so you can reconnect and build a more supportive, sustainable life together.

Final Thought

Meghan, a white woman with dirty blond hair, blue eyes wearing glasses smiling warmly beside a bookshelf and plants at Couples Therapy Massachusetts. — Meghan C. Foucher, LICSW at Couples Therapy Massachusetts

Burnout is real, but it’s not inevitable. By tuning into your needs, making space for rest, and aligning your life with what truly matters, you can prevent burnout, or recover from it, and show up more fully for yourself and the people you love.

If you and your partner are feeling the strain, Couples Therapy Massachusetts can help you navigate this season with more clarity and connection.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and begin your path toward balance and deeper connection with Couples Therapy Massachusetts.

Couples Therapy Massachusetts: Burnout and Recovery