Running on Empty cover art

Running on Empty

You’re Not Lazy, You’re Burnt Out: A Guide to Recognizing the Signs, Reclaiming Your Energy, and Creating a Life That Fuels You

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Running on Empty

By: Roberta Creek
Narrated by: Deanna Holum
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About this listen

Life should be filled with joy, and you should have the energy to receive it…

Discover how to get it back!

Do you ever have moments when exhaustion hits you so hard that you feel utterly drained?

Do you feel like you’re running on fumes and no amount of rest is ever enough?

Have you noticed that you’re feeling less joy in the things that used to bring you pleasure?

Perhaps you think you should be able to push through—after all, it seems like everyone else can.

But here’s the truth: They can’t.

That’s a myth we’ve been sold, and we’ve grown up in a culture that’s taught us to work hard, show up for everyone all the time, and manage everything, no matter how many balls we have in the air.

People in every profession are feeling the weight of this, and whether you’re an entrepreneur, a teacher, a healthcare worker, or a parent, there’s no shame in it affecting you.

The problem is that you’re giving so much of yourself to every aspect of life that it feels like you have nothing else to give. This is burnout, and it’s a normal response to chronic stress.

You might think this is a sign that you’re not trying hard enough or that you’re getting it wrong, but it’s usually the people who try the hardest that get to this point—so it’s time to stop beating yourself up and find out what you can do about it.

This empathetic and practical guide is here to guide you gently back to your energy and a life that fuels (rather than drains) you.

This is society’s fault, not yours, and it’s a myth. You’re not meant to be “on” all the time. You’re meant to feel joy in life and wake each morning feeling rested and energized.

That future is waiting for you… and this comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know to get there.

©2025 Cathy Noel (P)2025 Cathy Noel
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Stress Management Feel-Good Inspiring
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Listener received this title free

This book helped me see that burnout isn’t a personal failure.. it’s a signal that we’ve been carrying too much for too long. I appreciated how it explained the difference between simply being tired and being truly depleted, and why pushing harder only makes things worse. What struck me most was the reminder that rest isn’t indulgent, it’s essential, and that creating a life that fuels us is not selfish but necessary. It left me feeling hopeful that with small changes, joy and energy can return..

Rest is essential, not optional

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Listener received this title free

Started this audiobook feeling skeptical, but Creek's approach felt a bit different. She acknowledges that high achievers often dismiss their exhaustion, which was uncomfortably accurate, and the practical exercises helped me see patterns I'd been ignoring. Deanna Holum's narration has this gentle quality that makes difficult truths easier to hear. The book doesn't promise overnight changes, which I appreciated. Perfect for anyone who keeps thinking they should be able to handle more but feels guilty about being tired. Some sections dragged, but the core message landed.

I don't feel guilty anymore!

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Listener received this title free

Listening to this felt like being understood for the first time. It explains burnout in such a kind, relatable way, reminding you that you’re not broken or lazy, just exhausted from giving too much. The advice is practical and gentle, helping you slow down, refocus, and rebuild your energy without the pressure to “do more.” This is for anyone who’s been running on fumes and needs a reminder that rest is not a sign of failure.

Gentle, Honest, and Reassuring

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Listener received this title free

Running on Empty is an eye-opening and supportive guide that helps you recognise the real signs of burnout. It reminds you that exhaustion isn’t laziness and offers practical advice to restore balance, energy, and joy in daily life. A must-read for anyone feeling drained and ready to make positive changes.

Burn burnout

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Listener received this title free

This audiobook spoke to the reality of burnout and how draining it can be. I like how it explains why exhaustion and lack of joy are so common and it does it in a way that feels relatable and not judgmental. The advice is practical and focused on getting energy and balance back. I also liked how it emphasizes that burnout isn’t a personal failure but a response to stress. It’s a supportive and encouraging listen for anyone who feels worn down.

Helpful Guide for Burnout

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