Burnout: My Journey So Far and What You Can Do to Take Care of Yourself
Raymond Kirungi AkiikiI want to share my experience with burnout — a topic that's both personal and important.
My Story
I remember vividly the moment I first felt overwhelmed. It got so bad I was cleaning the house and doing dishes at 3:00 a.m., just to catch up with what I had to do or because I had been so stressed and crippled by procrastination during the day.
To give you some context: I attended MUBS for university, pursuing a degree in Real Estate. I commuted about 9km each way daily on public transport. I worked hard, did well in class, and couldn’t drop the burden of constantly trying to meet the self-imposed expectations of my peers and family.
Adding to the strain, this was during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. The university struggled to realign its calendar, so we had virtually no breaks — completing four semesters in 2022 with just two-week holidays, while squeezing in internships.
I was fortunate to secure an internship with my current employer during that year, but balancing it with studies was exhausting. After graduation, I was retained at my job, but the increased responsibilities and long hours brought on chronic stress and burnout. I managed to hide it well, but inside it was overwhelming.
Today, I've found better ways to cope, and I’m sharing this in the hope that it helps someone else recognize and manage burnout before it goes too far.
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Understanding Burnout and Its Dynamics in the Workplace
Burnout often goes unrecognized. We aren't good at spotting the signs — not in ourselves, not in our colleagues. It's more than stress. It's about being unsupported while constantly overwhelmed.
In our culture, admitting to burnout or stress can be seen as laziness or ungratefulness — especially if you have a stable job. I was told this myself. But burnout doesn't discriminate. It affects everyone, no matter how “put together” their lives might seem.
It’s important to understand the complex mix of factors — internal and external — that lead to burnout.
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Common Advice vs. Real-Life Hustle
We’re often told to “just balance life” or “manage your time better.” That advice, while well-meaning, usually comes from people who’ve already figured it out or are no longer in the trenches.
But for many of us, the hustle is real — it’s necessary. The real question becomes: How do we keep grinding without burning out?
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Building a Sustainable Hustle: What Helps Me
Here are some of the habits and mindsets that have made the biggest difference for me:
1. Sleep (Harness REM Sleep)
Quality sleep is not optional. It's the foundation. Aim for deep rest. Block out noise and interruptions. REM sleep, in particular, is vital for emotional regulation and brain function.
2. Move Your Body
Physical activity isn't just about fitness — it's a stress release, a focus booster, an energy charger. For me, it's tennis, jogging, stretching, and a few sit-ups here and there.
3. Schedule “Me Time”
You need intentional downtime. Whether it's watching a movie, enjoying solo moments, or going out with friends — it recharges your social battery and keeps you grounded.
4. Delegate and Outsource
You’re not meant to carry it all alone. Share responsibility. In teams, let others lead where they can. In your personal life, say yes to help when offered.
5. Set Boundaries
Learn to say no — without guilt. It’s one of the most powerful skills I’ve built. Whether it’s professional or personal, knowing where your energy matters most is everything.
6. Mind Your Diet
Your body is your machine. Skipping meals or eating the same bland food every day catches up with you. Fuel yourself with the same care you’d give someone you love.
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Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy. It can affect your health, your goals, your relationships, and your joy.
Here's the truth: chasing success doesn’t have to cost you your peace. So I’ll ask you — how are _you_ managing your hustle?
Are you taking care of yourself along the way?
Let’s do this together. Let’s build dreams — without burning out.
About Raymond Kirungi Akiiki
Exploring how tech, real estate, systems, and personal growth all connect. Learning in public, building practical tools, and sharing ideas that help young people create better lives.