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Burnout: a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

In other words… Burnout happens when we’ve been hustling to hard for too long without prioritizing our mental or physical health! We become so exhausted and so depleted that the symptoms start showing up all over our lives.

In this episode, we’ve compiled 3 of my favorite interviews about burnout on the Balancing Busy Podcast and gave you some of the best gems right here! You’ll discover what burnout really means and how we can prevent it.

This episode will help:

🔥 Burnout Warriors: If you’re caught in the never-ending cycle of stress and burnout, this episode is your lifeline. Discover strategies and stories from experts and real-life experiences to help you combat burnout, regain balance, and prioritize your well-being.

💼 Entrepreneurs and High Achievers: Business owners, entrepreneurs, and high achievers who are pushing themselves to the limit will find valuable insights in this episode. Learn how to harness your drive and ambition while avoiding the pitfalls of overwork and burnout.

🙋‍♀️ Self-Care Advocates: For those who understand the importance of self-care but struggle to implement it in their daily lives, this episode provides practical guidance and inspiration. It will empower you to prioritize self-care and find the balance you need to lead a fulfilling life.

Defining Burnout with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

Dr. Sheryl Ziegler is a clinical psychologist, and in one of our favorite episodes, she provided a clear definition of what burnout truly is. It’s not just feeling stressed; burnout is chronic stress that you can’t manage or mitigate, and there’s no end in sight. It’s more than just a buzzword; it affects our mental and physical health. Recognizing this is essential for addressing the issue.

I can personally relate to this because I’ve experienced burnout myself. About ten years ago, I pushed myself beyond my limits, believing that there was no time for self-care. It led to a breaking point where my body simply shut down. We can’t keep stripping away the things we need for our mental health. It’s unsustainable.

So, how do we deal with these feelings of discontent and guilt? Dr. Ziegler advises us to first understand what’s happening, take it seriously, and recognize the early warning signs. For me, it’s a feeling of drowning, and I’ve learned to communicate this with my loved ones to get the support I need. We should be proactive, not reactive when it comes to our mental and physical well-being.

The Impact of Busyness

From Episode 32; Busy & productive are NOT the same thing, I shared research showing how being too busy can harm our health and overall well-being. Busyness can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. It disrupts sleep, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and reduces productivity. It’s time we recognize that busyness is not a badge of honor but a detriment to our health, our families, and our kids.

Are You Hardwired for Burnout? with Heidi Hope

Heidi Hope, a successful entrepreneur and high achiever, joined us in another episode to discuss whether certain personalities are more prone to burnout. High-achieving individuals often struggle to find an off switch. When you’re constantly striving for more, it’s easy to slip into burnout. The hustle culture, where working the hardest is celebrated, can be a trap.

Heidi’s story resonates with many of us. She mentioned that she doesn’t have a dimmer switch; she’s either on or off. This all-or-nothing mindset can lead to burnout, and we often believe we can’t stop. But as Heidi realized, there’s a point where we need to rest and replenish ourselves.

How to Quit Burnout with Dr. Taniqua Miller

Dr. Taniqua Miller, a board-certified OB/GYN, shared her powerful journey through burnout and recovery in episode 49. She spoke about the pressure she faced to keep achieving and working harder. After experiencing chest pain and panic attacks, she realized she couldn’t continue down the same path.

Dr. Miller’s story reflects how many of us feel like we’re never enough, even when we’ve achieved so much. Burnout can be a wake-up call, and we need to acknowledge the signs. She emphasized the importance of taking time for ourselves, setting boundaries, and leaning into our intuition.

Dr. Miller’s “QUIT” formula is a valuable tool. She encourages us to Question everything, Understand the impact of our choices, lean into our Intuition, and Take action. Quitting doesn’t have to be a scary concept. It can be a path to self-discovery and a better, more balanced life.

Reclaiming Balance and Bliss

I’m so grateful to these incredible women for sharing their insights on burnout. The message is clear: we deserve to replace burnout with balance in our lives. We can live fulfilled lives without compromising our health, happiness, or families.

Balancing the demands of our careers, passions, and roles as mothers can be challenging, but it’s possible. I’m here to help you find more balance and bliss, so you can bring your unique gifts to the world without sacrificing your well-being.

Remember, it’s not about having it all; it’s about having what truly matters. So, let’s continue this journey together. Thank you for listening to the Balancing Busy Podcast, and I can’t wait to bring you more wisdom and inspiration in our future episodes.

Links You Need:

Episode 18: Are You Hard Wired for Burnout with Heidi Hope

Episode 42: Avoiding Mommy Burnout with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

Episode 49: QUIT: Is Your Boundless Life On The Other Side of Quitting?