The High Performer’s Burnout Checklist (Because Apparently “I’m Fine” Doesn’t Count)

I used to feel proud and complete when the boss tells me, "I feel at ease when you're there". When everyone thinks that I'm the reliable one. The one that keeps the boat afloat in chaos and the glue that holds everything together. But lately? I'm one more inconvenient email away from punching someone in the throat and reporting myself to HR.

Let's do an audit. I have collated a High Performer's Burnout Checklist, because the scary algorithm in my phone has been pushing me to do a self-check. True enough, self-awareness is free and burnout is expensive.

Here's a list and hopefully some band-aid tricks that can provide short term solution.

✅ 1. You wake up tired… like your soul hit snooze.

Sign: You slept eight hours but still feel like a resurrected zombie — minus the miracle.

Try:

Weighted blanket for deeper sleep.

Magnesium glycinate to calm your nervous system.

Faith-driven bedtime journal to unload your brain before bed.

✅ 2. You can’t concentrate unless you have 3 tabs, 2 drinks, and the Holy Spirit open at once

Sign: Brain fog so thick you could butter toast with it.

Try:

Blue-light glasses to save your eyes.

Focus planner or ADHD-friendly task sheets

Noise-cancelling earbuds because the world is loud and you’re on the brink.

✅ 3. You’re productive… but only in random chaotic sprints

Sign: One moment you’re the CEO of Efficiency, the next you’re staring at a wall in a mental coma.

Try:

Pomodoro timer cube (simple, cute, effective).

Desk organization set to make you feel put together even when you’re not.

Energy vitamin B complex — the legal kind of motivation.

✅ 4. You’re emotionally one papercut away from crying

Sign: Someone asked “How are you?” and your left eye twitched.

Try:

Calming essential oil roller (lavender + eucalyptus + prayer).

Sassy affirmation cards

Anti-anxiety coloring pages for adults who need Jesus and silence.

✅ 5. You’re overthinking everything… especially things that don’t matter

Sign: Your brain hosts a 24/7 board meeting that Jesus did NOT approve.

Try:

Guided journal for overthinkers

Mint herbal tea to turn down the mental noise.

Digital detox: blue-light blocking screen protectors.

✅ 6. You get irritated fast… and repent equally as fast

Sign: You’re snapping at people, then whispering “sorry, Jesus” two seconds later.

Try:

Stress-relief gum or adaptogen drinks.

Daily “sanity walk” with worship music.

A cute water bottle that forces you to hydrate like a functioning adult.

✅ 7. Rest feels like guilt and productivity feels like survival

Sign: You sit down to rest, and your brain says “we should be doing something.”

Try:

Devotional book for exhausted high achievers.

Soft throw blanket that forces you to stay wrapped and seated.

Meditation practice apps (guided rest).

🔥 Your Burnout Score

Count how many you checked:

0–2: You’re tired, not toast. You can recover with minor tweaks.

3–5: Medium burnout. You’re functioning, but at what cost?

6–7: Girl… you’re one prayer away from emailing your resignation to the entire department.

🌿 What To Do Next (The Actual Fix)

Stop pretending you’re fine.

Schedule real rest — non-negotiable.

Declutter your commitments.

Add tools that support your energy, clarity, and peace.

Ask God what needs letting go. His yoke is easy. Your workload is not.

Burnout is not a personality trait. It’s a warning light. It crept on me like a thief in the night disguised in compliments, awards and more work and responsibilities. It laughed at boundaries and made me question my priorities.

And high performers? We're not meant to run on coffee alone. It's ok to stop. It's ok to rest. It's ok to recharge and realign. Then, run again with more awareness and purpose.

Don't wait to crash.

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