The 15 Best Books for Burnout (from a neuroscientist)
Burnout doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s tied to how we set boundaries, manage guilt, and prioritize rest and recovery. That’s why this list isn’t just books directly about burnout but also books that address the surrounding topics that help us prevent and recover from it. Whether you’re looking to understand burnout, explore productivity in a healthier way, or embrace rest without guilt, these are the best books for burnout to guide you toward a more balanced, sustainable life.
I’ve been through burnout myself. During my recovery, I was searching for answers - not just about how to feel less drained but also how to work in a way that wouldn’t lead to further burnout. Some of the books on this list were lifesavers for me personally, giving me insights and strategies that helped me recover and reframe my approach to work and rest.
Now, as a burnout and stress management speaker, I come across incredible books that deepen my understanding of this topic and help me share valuable strategies with my clients. Some of these books were published after my own experience with burnout, but they’ve become essential recommendations in my work.
Each book on this list holds a piece of the puzzle for preventing and recovering from burnout, making it one of the best resources for anyone looking to regain balance.
The 15 Best Books for Burnout (and Topics That Help You Rest and Recover)
Why These Are the Best Books for Burnout
I chose these books because they go beyond surface-level advice. They address burnout from multiple angles, including the root causes, practical recovery strategies, and surrounding factors like boundaries, productivity, emotions, and rest.
You’ll notice that most of the books aren’t actually on burnout. Instead, they cover a variety of key topics that will help you overcome burnout.
Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just tweak your approach to work-life balance, you’ll find a book on this list to meet your needs.
Hopefully, it’s a mix of books you’ve been meaning to read and books you’ve never heard of!
The 15 Best Books for Burnout
1. “Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout" by Cal Newport
In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional notions of productivity in the modern work environment. He advocates for doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and focusing on quality, offering a framework for more meaningful and sustainable work practices. This is a great book on burnout to start with because it really hits on how our overarching approach to work needs to change to prevent burnout.
This book is newer so it wasn’t around when I burnt out, but it recently came on to my radar and I love recommending it.
Why it’s on the list: Newport's philosophy directly addresses the root causes of burnout by promoting a balanced approach to work, making it one of the best books for burnout prevention and recovery.
2. “The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control" by Katherine Morgan Schafler
Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler offers a fresh perspective on perfectionism, encouraging readers to embrace their perfectionist tendencies in a healthy way. She identifies five distinct types of perfectionists and provides tailored advice for each, aiming to transform perfectionism into a superpower.
Perfectionism is a big theme among the teams that I work with on burnout prevention, so I absolutely love this book. I might be a little bit of a perfectionist myself, too…
Why it’s on the list: Perfectionism is often linked to burnout. This book is one of the best for burnout because it helps readers understand and manage their perfectionist traits, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
3. "The Burnout Epidemic" by Jennifer Moss
Moss breaks down the root causes of burnout at an organizational level, shifting the focus from individual responsibility to systemic solutions. Her insights, grounded in research, shine a light on what leaders and workplaces can do to prevent burnout culture.
The research model that Moss draws on to explore common cause of workplace burnouts is the same one that I use in my work! This book is an excellent, deep-dive into each job factor.
Why it’s on the list: I love that this book addresses the bigger picture. The Burnout Epidemic is one of the best books for burnout because it shifts the narrative from “self-care fixes everything” to addressing the organizational factors that contribute to burnout, making it especially valuable for leaders and HR professionals.
4. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown
McKeown’s philosophy is simple: focus on what truly matters and eliminate everything else. By stripping away the nonessential, you can create space for meaningful work and a more fulfilling life.
It’s an “easier-said-than-done” tasks to start stripping away non-essential pursuits but ultimately worthwhile. I have found that, paradoxically, the fewer things I say yes to, the more I accomplish. McKeown will inspire you to do the same!
Why it’s on the list: For me, Essentialism was a revelation. During my burnout recovery, I realized that saying “yes” to everything had depleted me - even when the things I said yes to were great opportunities in many ways. McKeown’s step-by-step approach to prioritization is one of the best tools for avoiding overwhelm and staying aligned with your values.
5. "Playful Rebellion" by Gary Ware
Gary Ware emphasizes the importance of fun and play in fostering creativity and preventing burnout. He shares actionable ways to incorporate play into your daily life and make work more enjoyable. What could be better than making the workday more fun? His ideas are so original.
I met Gary at a conference where we were both speaking at. Our work is so aligned that we cited the same study during our talks!
Why it’s on the list: One of the things I’ve learned from both my personal and professional experiences with burnout is that we often forget how much joy matters. Playful Rebellion is one of the best books for burnout because it introduces fun as a strategy for recovery and resilience.
6. "Boundary Boss" by Terri Cole
Terri Cole teaches readers how to identify, set, and maintain healthy boundaries. Her strategies empower people to protect their time, energy, and emotional health while fostering better relationships.
Setting boundaries is essential to burnout prevention and recovery, but very books go into detail on how to do that. This book does and it’s a great read!
Why it’s on the list: Burnout often comes from overcommitting or saying “yes” when we should say “no.” Boundary Boss is one of the best books for burnout because it equips readers with the tools to set boundaries without guilt, ensuring long-term emotional and mental health.
7. "Do Nothing" by Celeste Headlee
Headlee explores the cultural obsession with busyness and how we can break free from it. Her practical advice helps readers rediscover the art of doing less and living more.
I first heard about this book on Tik Tok. Creators regularly read excerpts from the book to spark conversions around doing less so I had to read it for myself - and it lived up to the hypoe!
Why it’s on the list: Do Nothing is one of the best books for burnout because it challenges the deeply ingrained belief that we need to be constantly busy to be successful. It’s a powerful guide for anyone ready to embrace rest and simplify their lives.
8. “The Cure for Burnout" by Emily Ballesteros
In this empowering guide, burnout management coach Emily Ballesteros combines scientific research with practical strategies to help readers identify and overcome burnout. She delves into five key areas—mindset, personal care, time management, boundaries, and stress management—offering actionable tools to reclaim balance and fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.
Emily and I have followed each other on Tik Tok for a while now! I love her content and highly recommend giving her a follow, too.
Why it’s on the list: Emily’s holistic approach addresses the multifaceted nature of burnout, making it one of the best books for burnout recovery. Her emphasis on sustainable habits and self-compassion provides you with a comprehensive roadmap to regain control over their lives.
9. "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
Brown’s work on authenticity and belonging sheds light on how disconnection from ourselves and others can leave us feeling isolated and alone. She offers tools for cultivating meaningful relationships and self-trust.
I read this book during my return-to-work after burnout. I was pursuing a promotion at work when an alternate role became available. This book helped me realize the new opportunity was a better fit, and shift gears - something that my previous, tunnel-vision approach would not have allowed for.
Why it’s on the list: Burnout is about more than workload - factors like community and values also play a role! Braving the Wilderness is one of the best books for burnout because it helps readers reconnect with their values and find strength in authenticity.
10. "The Reset Mindset" by Penny Zenker
Penny Zenker provides strategies for shifting your mindset to overcome overwhelm and thrive. Her science-backed advice is a practical guide for managing stress and finding clarity. Sometimes a small shift in perspective can make a big difference, and Penny teaches a powerful practice for doing exactly that.
Penny is a colleague so I actually got to review this book before it came out. It’s a great read!
Why it’s on the list: Burnout can feel all-encompassing, but The Reset Mindset is one of the best books for burnout because it offers a clear framework for shifting your perspective and regaining control over your life.
11. "No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work" by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
This book tackles the role emotions play in the workplace and how embracing them can lead to better productivity and satisfaction. The mix of humor and science makes it a delightful read. Plus, Liz Fosslien is an artist so the book is full of fun illustrations that highlight key concepts.
It’s a fun, practical guide to emotions at work, teaching healthy and realistic ways to express yourself.
Why it’s on the list: Suppressing emotions at work often leads to stress and burnout. No Hard Feelings is one of the best books for burnout because it teaches readers to navigate emotions in a way that enhances workplace well-being.
12. "Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change" by Nicole Vignola
Neuroscientist Nicole Vignola offers a transformative neuro-toolkit designed to help readers break free from limiting habits and behaviors. By demystifying the principles of neuroplasticity, she provides practical strategies to rewire the brain, fostering personal growth and fulfillment.
This book covers everything from getting over a breakup to overcoming phone addiction. Ultimately, it’s about how to change you brain. You’ll be able to use these principles to do things like develop better wellness routines and release guilt about read.
Why it’s on the list: Burnout often results from entrenched thought patterns and behaviors. "Rewire" is one of the best books for burnout because it empowers readers to understand and modify these patterns, promoting resilience and mental well-being.
13. “Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You" by Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal, a doctor and productivity expert, challenges the traditional notion that productivity requires relentless hard work. He introduces the concept of "feel-good productivity," emphasizing that enjoying the process leads to better outcomes. The book outlines three 'energisers' that enhance enjoyable productivity, three 'blockers' that cause procrastination, and three 'sustainers' that prevent burnout, all supported by psychological research and real-life examples.
I read this while I was preparing for my PhD Comprehensive exams and was very disenchanted with my work. The principles in this book really helped me reconnect to my work!
Why it’s on the list: This book is one of the best for burnout because it shifts the focus from sheer discipline to finding joy in work, offering a sustainable approach to productivity that mitigates burnout.
14. "The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time" by Alex Korb
This book uses accessible neuroscience to explain how small, actionable changes can create a positive feedback loop in your brain, improving mood and reducing stress. Korb demystifies how the brain works during times of stress and depression, making it an empowering read for anyone dealing with burnout.
Burnout is an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic work-related stress, so it’s different from depression. A lot of the insights in this book have widespread application though, making it a great choice.
Why it’s on the list: Burnout often comes with feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, and even mild depression. "The Upward Spiral" is one of the best books for burnout because it provides a scientific understanding of these feelings and offers practical steps to retrain your brain for resilience and positivity.
15. “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
In this book, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang dispels the myth that longer hours equate to better outcomes. He introduces the concept of "deliberate rest," emphasizing that rest is not the opposite of work but an integral part of it. By examining various forms of rest - from sleep to vacations - and drawing on scientific research and examples of successful individuals, Pang illustrates how intentional rest can boost productivity and creativity.
If you’re struggling to rest or with guilt about rest, this book is the perfect place to start! It will motivate you to use your vacation days.
Why it’s on the list: Burnout often results from continuous overwork without adequate rest. "Rest" is one of the best books for burnout because it provides a roadmap to incorporating deliberate rest into daily routines, helping to prevent burnout and enhance overall well-being.
How to Choose the Right Book for Burnout
With so many great options, here’s a guide to five standout books from the list to help you choose based on your current challenges:
If you’re looking to understand burnout and how to break free from it:
Start with The Cure for Burnout: How to Find Balance and Reclaim Your Life by Emily Ballesteros. This book offers practical strategies for identifying and managing burnout, focusing on mindset, time management, and boundaries.If your workplace culture feels like the main culprit of burnout:
The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It by Jennifer Moss is your best bet. It highlights systemic causes of burnout and provides actionable solutions for organizations and teams.If you want to slow down and focus on what really matters:
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport encourages a more intentional approach to work, emphasizing quality over quantity to avoid burnout.If you want neuroscience-backed tools to rewire your brain for resilience:
The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time by Alex Korb provides practical, research-based strategies to create positive feedback loops and improve your mood.If you’re struggling with perfectionism and want to let go of control:
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler offers insights into embracing perfectionism in a healthy way that reduces stress and enhances well-being.
No matter which book you choose, you’ll gain valuable insights and strategies to help prevent or recover from burnout. Select the one that resonates most with your current challenges and start your journey to a healthier, more balanced life.
These best books for burnout offer a wide range of perspectives on burnout and the factors that contribute to it. From learning to set boundaries to embracing rest without guilt, these resources can help you create a work-life balance that truly works for you. Pick one—or a few—and take the first step toward reclaiming your energy and well-being.