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Exhausted: An A–Z for the Weary
AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4 WOMAN'S HOUR * WHAT TO READ IN 2024 FINANCIAL TIMES PICK * A BEST NON-FICTION OF 2024 STYLIST PICK
'Antidotes to our exhausting modern life' Sunday Times
'Sensible wisdom for finding emotional support, combating stress and embracing rest - allowing you to find the energy and ability to handle your life and the world's bigger worries' Best non-fiction for 2024, Stylist
'Schaffner is insightful, charming and visionary, both in her description of ailment and her selection of cures. As ever, the answer to everything can be found in a book' - Susan Elderkin, author, The Novel Cure
Burnout is said to be the defining feeling of the post-pandemic world - but why are we all so exhausted? Some of us struggle with perfectionism, while others are simply overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. But whatever you're feeling, you are not alone - and this liberating, enlightening guide to exhaustion in all its forms will help you find the energy to beat burnout and weariness.
From confronting our inner critics to how our desire to be productive stops us from being free, Anna Katherina Schaffner, cultural historian and burnout coach, brings together science, medicine, literature and philosophy to explore the causes and history of exhaustion and burnout, revealing new ways to combat stress and negativity.
Inventive and freewheeling, full of comfort, solace and practical advice, Exhausted is an inspiring guide to getting control of your own exhaustion - and rediscovering happiness along the way.
'Antidotes to our exhausting modern life' Sunday Times
'Sensible wisdom for finding emotional support, combating stress and embracing rest - allowing you to find the energy and ability to handle your life and the world's bigger worries' Best non-fiction for 2024, Stylist
'Schaffner is insightful, charming and visionary, both in her description of ailment and her selection of cures. As ever, the answer to everything can be found in a book' - Susan Elderkin, author, The Novel Cure
Burnout is said to be the defining feeling of the post-pandemic world - but why are we all so exhausted? Some of us struggle with perfectionism, while others are simply overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. But whatever you're feeling, you are not alone - and this liberating, enlightening guide to exhaustion in all its forms will help you find the energy to beat burnout and weariness.
From confronting our inner critics to how our desire to be productive stops us from being free, Anna Katherina Schaffner, cultural historian and burnout coach, brings together science, medicine, literature and philosophy to explore the causes and history of exhaustion and burnout, revealing new ways to combat stress and negativity.
Inventive and freewheeling, full of comfort, solace and practical advice, Exhausted is an inspiring guide to getting control of your own exhaustion - and rediscovering happiness along the way.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2024
65 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 19, 2024
I was delighted when @profile.books got in touch to offer me a proof copy of Exhausted by Anna Katharina Schaffner because I, like so many people I know, have been utterly exhausted since about 2018. It seems like every conversation I have these days involves trading stories of how tired everyone is. This is something Schaffner agrees with, noting that burnout is a defining feature of our current world. Exhausted is her A-Z of thoughts on exhaustion, drawing on research and possible solutions from across the centuries.
📚
Despite being enthusiastic to read Schaffner's thoughts, on receiving the book I quickly realised that I was, of course, too tired to read it. Thankfully, it's not a heavy academic text - the book is split into twenty six short essays, making it perfect for reading a few pages at a time. Given the number of topics covered, it's impossible to do the book justice within Instagram's permitted caption length, but suffice to say that it's a veritable treasure trove of easily digestible information that you can take or leave depending on your own circumstances.
📚
As you might expect from a book focusing on burnout, work and technology feature heavily, and Schaffner's reflections are often justifiably critical of capitalism and the value we place on productivity. That's not to say that exhaustion is a phenomenon confined to our current times though - Exhausted illustrates similar concerns from a number of different periods in time, looking both at how exhaustion has been understood and the different solutions that have been posited, with a view to determining what lessons can be learnt.
📚
My favourite reflection concerned Bartleby, a character in a Herman Melville story whose oppressive living conditions resulted in him preferring not to do most things including, eventually, living. That, I think, seems to be the danger with exhaustion - that we lose all joy and eventually start to turn our backs on life itself. I was also particularly intrigued by the discussion of energy vampires and narcissists as a source of exhaustion (personally I don't believe it's a coincidence that I started feeling exhausted around the time I decided to divorce someone who then spent several years trying to make my life as difficult as humanly possible).
📚
I think the lessons that people take away from this book will vary greatly depending on what resonates with them. I liked the ideas of looking at the life cost of the decisions I'm making, identifying what I would prefer to do, having realisitc expectations of people, limiting the number of energy vampires in my life, and having a positive vision of who I want to be going forward. There was also some discussion about hanging out in graveyards while contemplating the inevitability of death but, as you should all know by now, that's a hobby I've long since perfected.
📚
If you're looking to solve your own exhaustion, I'd definitely recommend giving Exhausted a read.
📚
📚
Despite being enthusiastic to read Schaffner's thoughts, on receiving the book I quickly realised that I was, of course, too tired to read it. Thankfully, it's not a heavy academic text - the book is split into twenty six short essays, making it perfect for reading a few pages at a time. Given the number of topics covered, it's impossible to do the book justice within Instagram's permitted caption length, but suffice to say that it's a veritable treasure trove of easily digestible information that you can take or leave depending on your own circumstances.
📚
As you might expect from a book focusing on burnout, work and technology feature heavily, and Schaffner's reflections are often justifiably critical of capitalism and the value we place on productivity. That's not to say that exhaustion is a phenomenon confined to our current times though - Exhausted illustrates similar concerns from a number of different periods in time, looking both at how exhaustion has been understood and the different solutions that have been posited, with a view to determining what lessons can be learnt.
📚
My favourite reflection concerned Bartleby, a character in a Herman Melville story whose oppressive living conditions resulted in him preferring not to do most things including, eventually, living. That, I think, seems to be the danger with exhaustion - that we lose all joy and eventually start to turn our backs on life itself. I was also particularly intrigued by the discussion of energy vampires and narcissists as a source of exhaustion (personally I don't believe it's a coincidence that I started feeling exhausted around the time I decided to divorce someone who then spent several years trying to make my life as difficult as humanly possible).
📚
I think the lessons that people take away from this book will vary greatly depending on what resonates with them. I liked the ideas of looking at the life cost of the decisions I'm making, identifying what I would prefer to do, having realisitc expectations of people, limiting the number of energy vampires in my life, and having a positive vision of who I want to be going forward. There was also some discussion about hanging out in graveyards while contemplating the inevitability of death but, as you should all know by now, that's a hobby I've long since perfected.
📚
If you're looking to solve your own exhaustion, I'd definitely recommend giving Exhausted a read.
📚
February 7, 2024
Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary, by Anna Katharina Schaffner
Rating: 5/5
Published: Now
As a sufferer of chronic burnout, I am still trying to figure out why I can’t break the cycle. For this reason, I could not wait to get my hands on #Exhausted, and I was right to be excited. I’ve read plenty of books about burnout, because I am desperate to understand why working yourself to the point of exhaustion and sickness is the norm in today’s society. Schaffner’s, Exhausted is definitely up there with the best. She looks at the cultural shifts that have taken place around us, and examines why we’re all so fatigued. I love how she structures this book as an A-Z, and how she uses literature, philosophy, and psychology to reveal new and better ways to combat the cycle. She speaks about social media’s ability to make us feel more alienated and isolated than ever before (and all in the name of so-called accessibility!) and how we’ve conditioned our identities to revolve around our work lives. We ask - who are we without working ourselves to death? But we should be asking – who could we be if we rest and show up more fully to things that truly matter? This is a must-read, and one that I will recommend to all my friends,
Rating: 5/5
Published: Now
As a sufferer of chronic burnout, I am still trying to figure out why I can’t break the cycle. For this reason, I could not wait to get my hands on #Exhausted, and I was right to be excited. I’ve read plenty of books about burnout, because I am desperate to understand why working yourself to the point of exhaustion and sickness is the norm in today’s society. Schaffner’s, Exhausted is definitely up there with the best. She looks at the cultural shifts that have taken place around us, and examines why we’re all so fatigued. I love how she structures this book as an A-Z, and how she uses literature, philosophy, and psychology to reveal new and better ways to combat the cycle. She speaks about social media’s ability to make us feel more alienated and isolated than ever before (and all in the name of so-called accessibility!) and how we’ve conditioned our identities to revolve around our work lives. We ask - who are we without working ourselves to death? But we should be asking – who could we be if we rest and show up more fully to things that truly matter? This is a must-read, and one that I will recommend to all my friends,
May 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I liked this! I always think if you find yourself telling others about bits in your book it’s a good sign and I did this a couple of times!
I especially liked the bit about hobbies and explaining properly what a hobby is. Really made me think.
I liked this! I always think if you find yourself telling others about bits in your book it’s a good sign and I did this a couple of times!
I especially liked the bit about hobbies and explaining properly what a hobby is. Really made me think.
September 3, 2025
Very helpful during my burnout.
September 19, 2024
This book resonated with me so much just now. The endless drama of work, the attention economy and my own personality traits which weave to leave me feeling tired at all times...well, these have been on my mind a lot recently...especially work!
As I take time off for a 2 week holiday, finishing this book feels like a good way to begin and reflect on my mental health and well-being.
Definitely recommended if you are interested in this topic. Although, the audiobook narrator drove me crazy with her 'entengles, benking, enger' and every other word she didn't pronounce the a in. For that, I had to take it down to a 4.
As I take time off for a 2 week holiday, finishing this book feels like a good way to begin and reflect on my mental health and well-being.
Definitely recommended if you are interested in this topic. Although, the audiobook narrator drove me crazy with her 'entengles, benking, enger' and every other word she didn't pronounce the a in. For that, I had to take it down to a 4.
September 15, 2024
Was too exhausted to properly take this in
November 7, 2024
Nothing you haven’t heard before but I guess is good to be reminded.
June 22, 2025
This was a deep and often intense read – the kind of book that doesn’t shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths about burnout, fatigue, and the modern condition. I found Exhausted to be a thoughtful blend of history, psychology, and cultural critique. Schaffner traces how exhaustion has been understood and expressed over centuries and links that to the way we live and work today.
Some chapters really hit the mark – almost uncomfortably so – with insights that felt bang on. It explores everything from capitalism and perfectionism to restlessness and the struggle to find meaning. It’s not a “quick fix” kind of book, more a mirror and a meditation.
If you’ve ever felt worn out by life, work, or just… everything, this book might not fix it – but it might help you understand it a little better.
Some chapters really hit the mark – almost uncomfortably so – with insights that felt bang on. It explores everything from capitalism and perfectionism to restlessness and the struggle to find meaning. It’s not a “quick fix” kind of book, more a mirror and a meditation.
If you’ve ever felt worn out by life, work, or just… everything, this book might not fix it – but it might help you understand it a little better.
January 8, 2025
The book is split into 26 sections: a for acceptance, b for burnout, and so on.
For me, this made the book really accessible, I was able to dip in and out easily. This also meant I could take the time to think about what each chapter was trying to say. The author often left questions throughout the text, so I could question my own view of failure, perfectionism, rest, or whatever the chapter is about.
I especially enjoyed how the author offered many different conceptions of energy - some I really resonated with, some I didn’t, and some I skipped completely. Overall it was comforting, and my main takeaway is to take the time to rest properly.
For me, this made the book really accessible, I was able to dip in and out easily. This also meant I could take the time to think about what each chapter was trying to say. The author often left questions throughout the text, so I could question my own view of failure, perfectionism, rest, or whatever the chapter is about.
I especially enjoyed how the author offered many different conceptions of energy - some I really resonated with, some I didn’t, and some I skipped completely. Overall it was comforting, and my main takeaway is to take the time to rest properly.
May 13, 2025
A good insight
March 21, 2025
The cover of this book caught my eye when it was first announced, but its subtitle—’an A-Z for the weary’—didn’t appeal. I imagined it to be a slightly patronising self-help book, and I didn’t buy it when it was published in January. This brief review in the TLS changed my mind, and I thought I’d give it a go.
The book is a literal A to Z, from ‘A is for Acceptance’ through to ‘Z is for Zeitgeist’. Each chapter is only a few pages long, but provides some genuine insight into burnout, and the relationship between modern work and exhaustion. Schaffner is a ‘burnout coach’, which is not the sort of title that fills me with confidence, but she is a great writer and clearly brings a wealth of experience and insight.
This isn’t a self-help book in as much as it isn’t directive: there are no instructions here for overcoming burnout. It’s a book designed to provide insight. Many of the chapters were about things that were already familiar—Bartleby the Scrivener, for example, or the Stoic philosophers—but I did find value in having Schaffner’s reflections on how these examples related to modern-day burnout.
So, I enjoyed this more than I expected.
The book is a literal A to Z, from ‘A is for Acceptance’ through to ‘Z is for Zeitgeist’. Each chapter is only a few pages long, but provides some genuine insight into burnout, and the relationship between modern work and exhaustion. Schaffner is a ‘burnout coach’, which is not the sort of title that fills me with confidence, but she is a great writer and clearly brings a wealth of experience and insight.
This isn’t a self-help book in as much as it isn’t directive: there are no instructions here for overcoming burnout. It’s a book designed to provide insight. Many of the chapters were about things that were already familiar—Bartleby the Scrivener, for example, or the Stoic philosophers—but I did find value in having Schaffner’s reflections on how these examples related to modern-day burnout.
So, I enjoyed this more than I expected.
December 21, 2025
This is probably one of the best self-help books I’ve ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The collection of essays is both highly informative and beautifully written.
April 8, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this book. Highly recommend to everyone who is interested in the causes of burnout and methods of its prevention/healing.
It was really helpful reading this book during one of the most challenging and busy periods of my life. Made me feel like I am not alone♥️
And it was also special to me because, as the author, I am also a coach, so reading the book felt like talking to a colleague😊
It was really helpful reading this book during one of the most challenging and busy periods of my life. Made me feel like I am not alone♥️
And it was also special to me because, as the author, I am also a coach, so reading the book felt like talking to a colleague😊
December 31, 2024
A book that welcomes reflection and encourages the reader to participate in a personal 'energy audit': reviewing what drains and restores our energy. Combining philosophy, literature and science, this book offers gentle guidance on how to reprioritise and battle everyday exhaustion to make room for the things you want to do, and not just need to do.
June 27, 2025
I was hoping this would contain an exhaustion cure, but really there was very little practical advice in this book that I hadn't heard before.
I listened to the audibook and did enjoy the narrator, her voice was lovely and soothing.
I listened to the audibook and did enjoy the narrator, her voice was lovely and soothing.
July 4, 2025
The book opens with depth and clarity, especially in how it contextualizes modern burnout historically and philosophically. However, the alphabetical structure—though unique—felt increasingly forced, which made it harder to stay engaged toward the end.
July 17, 2025
Pretty good for some reminders about how it’s mostly society’s fault we’re all fucked up and anxious. And some pretty cool tips and tricks on how to better cope with the fast-paced forevermore optimising world we live in.
Dope, thanks.
Dope, thanks.
December 16, 2025
Exhausted: An A–Z isn’t perfect, but it offers plenty of genuinely helpful advice. While the last few letters felt a bit uninspiring, overall it’s a thoughtful and relatable read with practical insights that make it worthwhile.
June 12, 2024
Easy read, good advice
August 16, 2024
good book to use as a resource or reminder
October 23, 2024
A must read- I heard this as an audio book a chapter at a time, perfect bite sized learnings.
December 26, 2024
Well-written and helpful collection of short essays. Schaffner deftly weaves together many strands of wisdom to address this important subject.
January 16, 2025
An intelligent, informative and inspiring collection of essays on exhaustion
October 26, 2025
One of those very few proper self help books.
September 25, 2024
I don’t generally listen to audiobooks as I prefer the feel and experience of print writing. Upon seeing the format of the books going alphabetically I thought it might be an interesting listen. While I don’t think the ideas in the book are inherently new or unique, the presentation of them is the beauty of it. I found myself identifying with many of the metaphors or comparisons and taking the time reflect on my own relationship with work. In short, this book won’t change your life if you’ve already gotten a grasp of how to manage burnout but it can serve as a welcome reminder and recommend it to anyone who’s gone through or is currently going through burnout.
September 17, 2024
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read and really should be required reading for our exhausted, collective souls. I closed this feeling an inspiration and hope that I’d not felt in many, many months.
January 5, 2026
This book made me feel exhausted!
You can see it has taken me a while to finish it.
The structure of the book allows you to dip in and out.
Some of it was too hard going to keep me focussed 100% of the time.
V for vampires is an interesting read.
You can see it has taken me a while to finish it.
The structure of the book allows you to dip in and out.
Some of it was too hard going to keep me focussed 100% of the time.
V for vampires is an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews