Ask HN: Rest Doesn't Help with Burnout

- Taking local language courses helped me when I was abroad. I enjoyed it, it helped me to feel better in the country I was, and I met friends there (people more or less in similar situation than me)

- I met a lot of people and some friends working from a small co-working space (I picked one where I feel good)

- I enjoyed volunteering - doing something different than my work, and something useful- and it also helped me to meet friends

All this happened when I was not burnt-out, so my situation was clearly different, but just sharing just in case it can somehow be useful

Running helps me decompress. I also switched to a new programming language for my new job which helps to develop interest.

> ...which requires professional help, behavioral therapy, and possibly even psychedelics since you have had 20+ years of conditioning yourself to be the way you are now.

Why? Sounds like marketing propaganda from the psychoanalysis industry.

> .... General happiness and fulfilment in life

Are not related to being burned out and are overrated.

To OP: Do something else with your time, keep trying till something works out. Long time ago, I took a vacation from work that I have been enduring severe stress daily for over a year, when I got back to work it was too much.

Find something you enjoy doing and keep doing that.

I could relate at multiple levels.

I suffered from series of burnout, bordering depression, for the longest of time without even realizing I'm going through one. When I lost the will to work, I attributed it to the work isn't interesting and took on more side projects to "keep it interesting". When that didn't work, I thought I just lost it and this is how long it's supposed to last.

I did every commonly suggested things, exercised very regularly, kept myself fit, quit smoking (2 years now), didn't drink, solo travel, etc., but nothing really resolved it completely. (thinking back now, maybe it's those things that kept everything at bay)

For me what finally moved the needle noticeably was when I started introspecting consistently (i do with everyday notes). I strived to have clear reasonings for why i do what i do, taking a third person view on certain emotions and diagonsing/troubleshooting it as you would a bug. This had led me to make several changes in my life/career sever of which i don't think i would've done otherwise.

I don't believe there is one solution fits all nor one solution for everything. I arrived at this after attempting all of these above and even I can't say for sure if it is THE ONE thing that solved, most likely it's a combination of everything else as well.

Unfortunately what works for you can only be figured out by you and only by doing it can you tell if it's the one. Keep iterating.

I'm in a similar situation. Except I moved to a country where I do speak the language during COVID. I left my job due to a burnout last year and took some time to recover. I tried most of the usual HN advice. I do multiple different sports for years, don't drink, don't do drugs, eat healthy and sleep properly. And I try to engage with various social activities. Alas, none of these helps in any meaningful way. This is aggravated by the slowdown of the remote job market (there aren't many open roles where I'm at), and I feel on the verge of a complete breakdown most of the days. Being around the same age as you doesn't help.