5 clear signs that you need to get off the hamster wheel

1. You're constantly tired - and rest doesn't help you relax

If you wake up exhausted in the morning or can barely unwind during the day even though you're “just relaxing”, this is a strong warning sign.

👉 Why: Your body is in permanent stress mode. Sleep and free time hardly help - this is not a feeling of exhaustion, but burnout in the making.

What you can do:

- Check your priorities: What really makes sense?

- Consciously build moments of relaxation into your day (even if it's only 5 minutes)

- Think about whether you need to structurally - i.e. through change - get out

2. You're just functioning - your life feels externally controlled

Maybe you've already caught yourself saying “I can't do it anymore”.

You get up in the morning, think about your to-do list, your job, your appointments - but not about yourself.

👉 The most blatant sign: You live for others - and hardly notice what's really good for you.

What you can do:

- For 1 week, make a note of what you really had energy for

- Allow free time - and see what you use it for (communication vs. creativity)

- Realize: If your days are determined by others, real life is not possible

3. you feel emotionally empty - even close people hardly touch you

You notice it in your family and friends:

Feelings are extinguished. You hardly ever laugh, rarely cry, almost never feel happy.

👉 This isn't just tiredness - it's also emotional burnout.

What you can do:

- Consciously give yourself the gift of time with people or hobbies that used to be good for you

- Write about it: “I feel little” - as a test for clarity

- When an “inner wall” builds up - you can look and act

4. Physical symptoms - and no one asks how you are really feeling

Common signs:

- Headaches, back pain, palpitations

- Digestive problems, frequent infections

- Sleep disorders, emotional restlessness

👉 If you recognize any of these points - take it seriously!

Your body is reacting to a lack of balance in your life.

What you can do:

- Do something good for yourself regularly (e.g. meditation, breathing breaks, walks)

- Talk to your GP, health coaches or (online) therapists

- Don't wait - get started before you quit completely

5. Suddenly you're thinking about a new start - and you can hardly say it

Your mind wanders - more and more often.

- “If only I was my own boss...”

- “What if I only did what I enjoy?”

👉 This is the first glow that grows out of burnout.

What you can do:

- Gather ideas without pressure (“What could I want to do?”)

- Get guidance with a freebie or initial coaching

- Save small windows of time for your creativity - count 10 minutes every day

👉 Do you feel affected? Get my freebie now with your first tools & impulses for a carefree start to your new life.

How do I recognize burnout early on?

Look out for persistent exhaustion, reduced drive and physical symptoms. It is important to act early - instead of “enduring” the current situation.

Can I get out of the hamster wheel without changing jobs?

Yes. A hamster wheel can be changed both internally and externally (mindset, routine, automation, etc.). However, a complete restart is not mandatory.

📝 Conclusion - you're not alone

If you recognize yourself in these 5 signs, then you've already taken the most important step: you're starting to notice yourself again.

A new beginning doesn't get any easier the longer you wait - but it becomes possible as soon as you take the first step.

👉 Start now - with my freebie and the way out of the hamster wheel.