Beating Burnout: When to Rest, and When to Reset

At this point in the season, many Dancers are pushing harder than ever - fulls at every class, extra practice sessions at home, long weekends of Feising, and the pressure of the Oireachtas on the horizon.

But what happens when your body and mind start saying “enough”?

Let’s talk about burnout…what it really means, how to spot it, and what to do about it.

What Burnout Really Is 💭

Burnout isn’t just tiredness. It’s when your body, mind, and motivation are running on empty.

You might notice:

• Feeling drained even after rest
  
  
• Losing excitement or drive
  
  
• Constant niggles or injuries
  
  
• Struggling to focus in class
  
  
• Comparing yourself more than usual
  
  

At this time of year, many Dancers mistake burnout for laziness or lack of discipline. But it’s actually your body’s way of asking for help.

When to Rest 💤

Rest isn’t weakness - it’s productive!

You need to rest when:

• You’ve lost power or precision, no matter how hard you try
  
  
• Your body feels sore, not just tired
  
  
• You’re dreading class instead of looking forward to it
  
  
• You’re not sleeping well or you’re constantly lacking in energy
  
  

👉 Take a few days fully off. Move your body gently (for example, go for a walk, stretch, or do light Pilates). Refuel and re-hydrate properly. Get extra sleep. 

Remember: a few days off now can mean a stronger, sharper dancer when it matters the most.

When to Reset 🔁 

Sometimes you don’t need a break - you just need a reset.

A reset means shifting your mindset or changing the way you’re training, not stopping completely.

Try:

• Changing your goal for the week
  
  
• Shorter, more focused sessions instead of long exhausting ones
  
  
• Reconnecting with why you started dancing - watch old videos or favourite performances
  
  
• Talking to your teacher, parent or coach for a mini plan to rebuild confidence

How to Tell Which One You Need 💚 

Ask yourself:

“Am I physically tired or mentally drained?”

If it’s physical → Rest.
If it’s mental → Reset.

If it’s both - then Rest and Reset.

Both are valid. Both are part of being an athlete and both are essential to reaching your best when it matters most.

You can’t perform like a champion if you’re running on empty. Listening to your body and choosing to rest or reset isn’t falling behind - it’s smart training. The strongest Dancers know that discipline isn’t just pushing through pain, it’s knowing when to pause, breathe, and rebuild.

Need Help? 💬 

At Move With Meg, we support dancers through every stage of their journey - from movement to mindset.

You can:

💪 Work 1-1 on your Movement Coaching - perfect for refining technique, overcoming long term weaknesses or corrections, improving alignment, and building strength.

🧠 Work 1-1 with Annabelle on your Mindset Coaching - ideal for managing nerves, boosting focus, and staying motivated through competition season.

✨ Or join the MWM Gold Club - our coaching community packed with movement classes, mindset sessions, goal setting, and challenges designed to help you train smarter, not harder.

Whether you need to rest or reset, we’ll help you find the balance to perform your best at your Oireachtas and beyond.