ADHD Burnout: Recognising the Struggle...

.. and Giving Yourself Permission to Rest. 

Running a business has always been my dream, but living with ADHD means navigating a maze of challenges along the way.

Recently I had felt like I hit a wall; a familiar wall that so many of us with ADHD encounter: burnout. 

Burnout with ADHD isn’t just about being tired; it’s a mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. It’s waking up with a to-do list but staring at it blankly, unable to take the first step. It’s wanting to keep pushing forward but feeling like your mind has hit a "freeze" button you can’t unstick, even if you reaaaaally want to. 

Why ADHD Burnout Happens. 

For those of us with ADHD, life often feels like an endless balancing act. We hyper-focus on tasks, trying to "prove" our worth to ourselves and others, only to spiral into overwhelm when we can’t sustain the momentum.  

For me, running a business only amplifies these feelings as there are so many moving pieces, so many responsibilities. Staying busy keeps my mind quiet for a time, but it’s a double-edged sword, it’s hard to step back, even when I know I need to. 

The guilt sets in when I feel like I’m falling behind or not doing "enough." 

Sound familiar? 

The Importance of Recognising Burnout. 

The first step to managing burnout is recognising it. For me, the signs were clear: 

• Constant mental fog. 

• Feeling "on edge" but also drained. 

• Loss of interest in things I usually love. 

• The urge to withdraw from everything and everyone. 

  
  

At first, I would ignore the signs. I would tell myself, “Just push through it, you’ll feel better when you’re productive.” Spoiler: I didn’t. The harder I pushed, the deeper the burnout took hold. 

It wasn’t until I let myself sit in the discomfort and admit, “I’m not okay right now,” that I started to feel a shift. 

Rest Is Not a Weakness 

This is the part that’s hardest for me to embrace, and maybe it is for you, too: it’s okay to rest. Resting is not quitting, nor is it failing. It’s the opposite. Recognising your need to slow down is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and self-respect. 

You don't always have to be on the go you know? 

I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t go away by ignoring it or pretending it’s not there. Rest is the only way to recover, and that rest can look different for everyone. For me, it’s been: 

• Taking intentional breaks where I completely unplug. 

• Journaling my thoughts to untangle the chaos in my head. 

• Spending quiet time outdoors, reconnecting with myself. 

  
  

It’s Okay to Let the Plates Fall 

In a world that praises hustle culture and "doing it all," pausing can feel terrifying. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to keep all the plates spinning. Let some fall. You can always pick them up later. 

Your worth isn’t tied to how much you achieve in a day. It’s tied to how you show up for yourself, even in the hard moments. 

A Gentle Reminder 

To anyone reading this, whether you’re running a business, balancing a family, or just trying to get through the day; you’re not alone. ADHD burnout is real, and it’s tough, but you’re tougher. You have permission to stop, rest, and recover. 

If you’re in the middle of the fog right now, I see you. Take it one moment at a time. Give yourself grace. And when you’re ready, you’ll find your way back. Until then, let rest be the most productive thing you do. 

Let’s normalise talking about ADHD burnout. Let’s normalise resting unapologetically. 

You’ve got this. And so do I. 💛 

Untill next time Peeps x