I don't know if it's a German epidemic, but I know SO many people with burnout, it's scary. My inner circle (aka my chosen family) is mostly made of overachieving people-pleasers in recovery, and we all struggle to embrace rest as part of self-care.
The difference is that I'm the only one in my group who can't work due to health reasons. I've been unable to work since 2022 because of how badly my Complex PTSD and Fibromyalgia got. Cognitive issues, sleep problems, panic attacks, body aches and paralysis force me to rest, and so I have a little more time to think about life and have some insights.
Which led me to tonight. I was talking to my friend who is struggling with burnout, and they mentioned how incredibly frustrated they are that thet have to stop their lives now to rest fully, because burnout simply robbed them of all their energy. “It's okay to be upset”, I said. “It makes total sense, and I can relate”. But then I also realized that this person had been non-stop working on their hobbies, career and going out with friends, so that they barely had any time left to rest, be alone and just process all the amazing and stressful moments life brings. They are also going to trauma therapy which takes quite a lot of mental power and energy.
When I pointed it out, I told them how important it is to add rest time into our lives before our bodies force us to. It's normal to take a week and do nothing but rest, so we can go ahead with more energy the week after. Nature is also like that. Even the ocean has ebb and flow. Imagine if the ocean would fight it's own ebbing… It would neither ebb nor flow: it would just be stuck, fighting the current. It's so much better for our overall goal if we allow our bodies to follow their natural rhythm and enjoy the natural ebb and flow of life. In fact, I'd say it's necessary! A well rested brain is a healthy brain, and a healthy brain has much more creative energy than an overworked brain, trying to quickly prepare for a presentation at 3am because they finally have the time (but zero energy).
So next time you start to feel too tired or overworked, see where you can reduce, if possible, and introduce some compassion into your self talk. Take the time to rest, meditate, sleep, read a book, go for a low effort walk, whatever it is that your body needs in that moment. With practice and self awareness, you will notice that your goals will actually be achieved quicker that way, and you won't have to pay the price with your health.
Life is about the journey. Make it the most comfortable journey you can - after all, the journey is already bumpy enough without our own self imposed pressure.