I find these days more than when I was in my early 20’s that I burn out much more quickly. Although I still suffered burn out after a few weeks or months these days in my 40’s it seems to happen in a matter of days.
I have been learning to pace myself. I try to ensure my engagements such as appointments are spaced out and have rest in between. It’s the only way I can cope with what’s on my plate as otherwise I have to start cancelling the things I was going to attend.
Burn out for me isn’t just tiredness. Although I get some lethargy and tiredness from the medications I take I get tired emotionally too. Anti-psychotics are tranquilizers after all. I usually become overwhelmed with people and need quiet time away from people. This article helps explain Autistic Burnout.
I find watching Star Trek or Stargate at home alone helps me relax. Usually I will watch episodes I have seen multiple times so it’s not too taxing to concentrate. I find cuddling Snoopy under my duvet helps me too. Alone time at home without anything heavy seems to help a great deal. 2 or 3 days of relaxing makes so much of a difference.
The difficult part is people don’t understand it. They can be quick to judge and assume you are lazy. I guess if you have no experience of it and don’t want to listen you would never understand. Although I do think the UK is full of workaholics as well. They worship the God of Achievement or money whilst I worship Jesus.