What the Mahabharata Taught Me About Burnout

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I was reading the Mahabharata one evening when a line struck me:

“Even the greatest warrior must rest his bow.”

It hit me because I was exhausted. Juggling work, home, parenting, grandparenting, trying to stay updated on everything—and it felt like I couldn’t stop.

Then I thought of Arjuna. In the middle of the battle of Kurukshetra, he breaks down. He puts down his bow. He says, "I can't do this."

And that’s okay.

Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s a signal.

Just like Arjuna needed Krishna to help him regain clarity, we need moments that bring us back to ourselves.

What I do now:

  • I take one full day each week to disconnect.

  • I say no to things that stretch me too thin.

  • I journal what I’m feeling, not just what I’m doing.

My rule now: If I feel like I’m forcing my way through life, I pause. I rest my bow.

There is wisdom in resting. And courage in asking for help.

If the heroes of the Mahabharata took time to reflect, so can we.

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