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Is everyone else as stressed as I am? Maybe it’s the state of the world — I gesture wildly around me. Maybe it’s my own busy schedule. My ADHD can’t get anything done unless I have a lot to get done. So often, I’ll pack up my schedule to the point where I’m constantly fried.

But it seems I’m not the only one on a crazy-busy schedule. Maybe it’s part of getting older, maybe it’s inflation and cost of living keeping us all in the rat race but everyone seems busier than ever. My friends all seem to hit me with that “so sorry but I have a work thing at the last minute…” or “I have a deadline,” and the “work is running late …” text more often than ever. I can’t blame them, because I’m doing the same. Stakes are higher than ever. And therefore, so is stress.

To make matters worse: we can’t escape these damn notifications. Work emails never stop, social media keeps us perpetually connected, and the pressure to hustle is glorified. I get a panic response from the Slack notification sound, my alarm makes me on edge from the minute I wake up, and the only thing getting me out of bed is the fear of falling behind — in my career, bills, and life.

So, it’s no surprise that burnout is an out-of-control,  modern epidemic. The term, once reserved for law firms, money management dudes, and the rest of the overworked professionals, now applies to students, parents, and even harried teenagers struggling to keep up with school, extracurriculars, and social pressures. The conversation around burnout has become mainstream, with countless studies, news articles, and social media posts highlighting the alarming rates of mental and physical exhaustion.

Experts define burnout as “chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness.” The chronic part is key. Burnout isn’t quickly gained, so it’s not quickly lost. It isn’t merely about being tired — it’s about feeling drained in a way that rest alone can’t fix. It’s when your job, relationships, and those hobbies, which once brought joy, become insurmountable burdens. Burnout has consequences that go beyond a bad mood or a rough week. Studies link chronic stress to high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of anxiety and depression.

The pandemic only exacerbated the issue (because what didn’t it make it worse?). Working from home permanently bulldozed the lines between personal and professional lives. On the one hand, I love no longer having to commute. But to compensate, many of us are working longer hours with way less downtime. The pressure to be productive skyrocketed, while social isolation left many without a crucial outlet for stress relief. 

I don’t know whether 2000s rom-coms lied to me about life in my late-20s, or if the pandemic killed that dream. But I know that unlike those sugary love stories, I no longer constantly hang out with my friends, spend hours lingering over matte in my local cafe, working out, and go on multiple dates a week. Turns out, our society suffers when we don’t have leisure time. Now, in 2025, we’re seeing the long-term effects of hustle culture: a burnt-out workforce, rising cases of mental health struggles, and a collective search for solutions.

Image by B-Me for Pixabay

One of the biggest challenges in tackling burnout is that it often sneaks up on us. Again, burnout doesn’t happen overnight. Stress accumulates and accumulates until it’s impossible to pinpoint when we crossed the line from being tired to being truly burned-TF-out. And when we do recognize it, who knows how to fix it? While major life changes like sorting out your work-life balance, or finding a therapist that really gets you,  or even up and quitting your toxic job may seem like the solution, they’re not for everyone. Beyond the big steps, small, everyday actions can make a massive difference.

Burnout isn’t something to suck-up and push through — it’s a serious condition that requires care and attention. While lifestyle adjustments, therapy, and rest are essential components of recovery, small tools like these can make a meaningful difference in day-to-day stress management. Whether it’s through guided meditation, quality sleepwear, or simple hydration, prioritizing self-care is the first step toward long-term well-being. If burnout is creeping in, take a moment to pause, breathe, and invest in products that help create a more balanced life.

I will say, a person can only take so many chill pills — literally. I pop sleep and chill supplements like they’re my job. Burnout can’t be cured by natural supplements and luxury PJ sets, even if they do help me sleep.

A serious solution—like sustainable lifestyle changes—can help prevent burnout, support mental well-being, and restore balance by keeping stress in check.

Here are my tippy-top picks:

1. Headspace (Mindfulness & Meditation App)

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps available. It offers guided meditation sessions, sleep sounds, and stress management exercises that help users develop healthier mental habits. With just a few minutes of mindfulness a day, users can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and gain better emotional resilience. The app’s sleep content, including guided meditations and calming bedtime stories, is especially helpful for those whose stress manifests in restless nights.

2. Eberjey Tencel Pajama Set

Quality sleep is critical to combating burnout, and comfortable pajamas can make a surprising difference. Eberjey’s Tencel Pajama Set is made from ultra-soft, breathable fabric that feels luxurious while promoting restful sleep. Tencel fabric is known for its moisture-wicking properties, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night. For me, anything that motivates me to do my full nighttime routine and get to bed on time goes a long way for my stress.

3. Luna Cooling Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety by simulating a human hug — another thing that vanished in the pandemic. As someone who lives alone, I’m definitely lacking in oxytocin and serotonin — the hormones you get from connection. The Luna Cooling Weighted Blanket distributes gentle pressure evenly across the body, helping reduce cortisol levels and boosting all the good hormones. Whether used while sleeping or just while tucked up on the couch binge-watching some freakin good drama, this blanket is a powerful stress-relief tool.

4. VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser

Aromatherapy is a natural way to create a calming environment. Don’t knock it until you try it — essential oils can’t like, cure cancer, but they can help you stress less. The VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser doubles as a humidifier, which can improve air quality while filling a room with the soothing aroma of essential oils. Lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus oils are particularly effective for stress relief and relaxation. Multiple light settings add a customizable ambiance, turning any space into your much-needed oasis.

5. Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

Hydration plays a major role in overall everyday health. Dehydration is my Achilles heal. And it can exacerbate fatigue, brain fog, and stress. Your Owala FreeSip makes staying hydrated effortless with double wall insulation for a cool, refreshing drink every hour of the day. The bottle is leakproof, easy to clean, and keeps drinks cold for hours — so convenient for any self-care routine. Pro tip: keep it where you can see it. Pop a slice or two of lemon in there — great for the digestive system. And before you know it, you’ll be hitting your daily water requirement.

6. Adult Coloring Book by Jade Summer

Coloring isn’t just for kids — it’s a proven stress-relief activity that promotes mindfulness. Coloring helps shift the mind from stress to calm, making it a great way to unwind. Connecting with your inner child also helps you keep perspective. It reminds you that your life is bigger than the stress you’re facing right now. Pssst: Be sure to color outside the lines. 😉

7. New York Behavioral Health Goal Setting Download

Sometimes, stress is due to lack of direction. This free downloadable guide from New York Behavioral Health can help individuals identify the root causes of burnout and set achievable goals for improvement. It includes worksheets and exercises that provide clarity so users can create actionable steps toward a healthier work-life balance.