Some Days I Just Feel Stuck

Burnout Again? A Personal Story on Feeling Stuck and Overwhelmed

Sometimes it feels like I’m going through the same cycle again and again: things pile up, my body gets tired, and I end up feeling like I can’t do anything. That’s exactly how I feel right now — and I wanted to write it down here, hoping it clears my mind and maybe helps someone else who feels the same.

What Happened

Before we flew back home to the Philippines, things were already hectic. Responsibilities stacked up one after another, and on top of that, I started having pain in my elbow and knee. I went to the clinic and was told to rest — something I really needed before the flight.

But after we returned to Japan, I didn’t feel better. In fact, I felt more drained. I don’t even know how to describe it — stress, fatigue, confusion — maybe all of them at once. My mind is full of plans, dreams, and things I want to do, but somehow I can’t start any of them. It’s like there’s an invisible block holding me back.

How I Feel Right Now

• I feel worthless, like I’m not moving forward.

• I want to start something, but I don’t know where to begin.

• I know I already have too much on my plate — my child, my family, my work.

• I want to achieve career goals and do something more for myself, but at the same time, my family needs me. My child needs me to guide them in school. My family needs me at home. And sometimes, I don’t know how to handle it all.

Small Reminders to Myself

• “It’s okay to rest.”

• “Not everything needs to be finished today.”

• “One small step is still progress.”

Practical Things I’m Trying (and Maybe You Can Too)

1. Micro tasks. Break down big goals into tiny steps. Instead of “fix my whole career plan,” just write down 5 sentences about my next goal, or open one job listing.

2. The 15-minute rule. If I can’t start, I tell myself to just do 15 minutes. Usually once I begin, I continue.

3. Energy-based priorities. Do the tasks that need the most focus when I have more energy. Save the simple or repetitive ones for later.

4. Take care of my body first. Elbow and knee pain are real. Stretch, follow up with the doctor, rest when needed. A lighter body helps a lighter mind.

5. Set boundaries with work. If the doctor says rest, I need to communicate that and not push too hard.

6. Talk to someone. Share with my partner or a friend how overwhelmed I am. I don’t need to carry everything alone.

7. Celebrate small wins. Replied to an email? Took a 10-minute walk? That counts.

8. Time block for family and goals. For example, 45 minutes for personal planning while my partner helps with our child — teamwork makes it lighter.

What I’m Learning Through This

• My body and mind have limits — and that’s not a weakness.

• Being responsible for my family doesn’t mean I have to be a superhero all the time. It’s okay to ask for help.

• Plans matter, but tiny actions matter more. Overthinking won’t move me forward, but one small step will.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re reading this and feel the same — tired, overwhelmed, stuck — please know you don’t need to fix everything in one night. Rest when your body asks for it. Forgive yourself for the things left undone. Start with one small thing tomorrow. That’s already progress.