All burned out and nowhere to go

Midnight multitasking.

Looking through my (very old) high school reports there's a common theme running through all the comments: Karen has so much potential, it's a pity she wastes it.
My coach* has a theory that these comments may have contributed to my workaholism and subsequent burnout. With the underlying message that the child is lazy and couldn't be bothered to work underachievers may feel guilty about their perceived poor work ethic and spend the rest of their lives trying to prove they can work as hard as anyone else.
Underachievers and workaholics are not the only people at risk; Dr Sherrie Bourg Carter has devoted an entire book to helping superachievers avoid burnout.
"In this authoritative, thoroughly researched volume, psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter draws on more than 15 years experience and expertise to explore the unique challenges high-achieving women face and provides helpful insights and practical ways to avoid burnout, enjoy healthy fulfilling lives, and find the perfect work/life balance."
Disclaimer - I haven't read the book, nor do I qualify as a superachiever, so I'm not in a position to comment. I have serious doubts about anyone finding the perfect work/life balance though.
Burnout is not new, but it is a growing problem worldwide, with health professionals leading the way. The casualties are also getting younger as Larissa Faw wrote in her 2011 Forbes piece Why Millennial Women Are Burning Out At Work By 30
I suspect our hyper-connected lifestyle isn't helping - there is no clear distinction between work time and down time anymore. Increasing work loads and expectations you will be available all the time mean there is less and less time for work-unrelated activities. People feel guilty about saying no and have problems switching off from work even when they are away on holiday.

The Mayo Clinic has a piece on how to spot job burn out and the Helpguide's recovery strategy gives good advice on what you should do to recover.
Are you suffering from burnout? Let me know what your recovery strategies are, I'm shamelessly stealing all good suggestions.


*I know, right? But in this instance an unrelated professional has provided me with a lot of help.