EP 88: How to Heal and Prevent Burnout: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy
Hello, beautiful soul! I’m so glad you’re here today. Let’s talk about something that's been coming up a lot in my conversations with clients lately—burnout. This is something I know many of us struggle with, especially those of us who are high achievers and constantly striving toward our goals. But I want to remind you that burnout is preventable. And even if you're already feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to burn out.
What Is Burnout and Why Does It Happen?
Burnout can feel like you’ve reached the edge of your capacity, where you’re working hard, but your energy is drained, and your time feels like it’s slipping away. Some of you may even feel like you’re already there. But here's the thing: burnout doesn't have to be inevitable. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure or that you’re doing something wrong—it simply means you need a better way of managing your time, energy, and resources.
Our culture has conditioned us to believe that success requires constant hustle. We’re told that if we’re not working all the time, we won’t achieve what we want. But let me tell you this: the hustle mindset is not sustainable. Constantly pushing yourself to do more will only lead to burnout, leaving you feeling depleted and unproductive.
The Signs of Burnout
If you’re starting to feel like you're about to hit the wall, your body is sending you signals. These are the things to watch for:
Fatigue: When you're constantly exhausted, no matter how much rest you get.
Brain fog: When it's hard to concentrate or stay on top of things.
Irritability: When you’re snapping at people or losing your patience more than usual.
Emotional numbness: When you’ve reached a point where you’re emotionally drained and have no energy to care.
These signs are your body’s way of telling you that something’s out of balance. You can’t push through forever. It’s time to listen to these signals and take action before you reach full-blown burnout.
Preventing Burnout: The Key Is Self-Care and Boundaries
So, what can we do to prevent burnout before it happens? The answer lies in taking care of ourselves and setting boundaries—intentional boundaries that protect our energy. This isn’t about being selfish; it’s about protecting your ability to serve and show up for the people and things you care about.
1. Listen to Your Body
Start by tuning into your body. If you’re feeling drained, take a pause and ask yourself, "What does my body need right now?" Fatigue and stress are often signs that your nervous system is out of whack, and that’s when it’s crucial to practice nervous system regulation. One of my favorite tools for this is breathwork. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can help you relax even when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you’re new to breathwork, try simple belly breathing to calm your system down. It’s like going to the gym—if you practice it consistently, it strengthens your resilience.
2. Time Management: Pay Attention to How You Spend Your Day
A lot of my clients struggle with time management, especially when they feel overwhelmed. That’s why I often encourage them to do a time audit—write down how you’re spending your time. Are you numbing out on social media? Are you distracting yourself with tasks that don’t align with your goals? Being aware of these habits is the first step in shifting your routine and creating more space for what really matters.
If you’re finding that you're overwhelmed by everything on your plate, it might be time to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all on your own. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work or leaning on your support system, asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
3. Challenge the Perfectionist Mindset
For many, burnout is driven by perfectionism. You might be trying to do everything perfectly, which only adds pressure. Ask yourself: What would happen if I let go of the need for perfection? It’s okay if things aren’t perfect—what matters is that you’re moving forward and staying aligned with your values.
4. Healing From Burnout: Deep Work Is Necessary
If you’re already feeling burnt out, it’s not about taking a vacation and hoping it fixes everything. While a vacation might feel rejuvenating in the short term, it won’t heal the underlying causes of burnout. This is where deep healing comes into play.
Burnout often comes from unresolved emotional and mental blocks—things like feeling unsafe, not trusting yourself, or fearing you’re not enough. To heal, you need to acknowledge these patterns and beliefs that are driving your burnout. Through one-on-one coaching, I help my clients identify what’s going on under the surface, whether it’s the perfectionist within or the fear of using their voice to advocate for themselves.
5. Create Sustainable Habits for the Long-Term
Once you’ve done the inner work, you need to implement new habits to prevent burnout in the future. This isn’t about doing things perfectly; it’s about consistency and creating habits that nourish your body and mind. That might look like integrating regular self-care practices, setting clearer boundaries, and staying mindful of how much you’re taking on at any given time.
You Can Heal from Burnout
Burnout doesn’t have to be your story. With the right tools, support, and mindset shifts, you can break free from the cycle of overwork and exhaustion. By learning to listen to your body, setting intentional boundaries, and healing from past trauma, you can create a life where success isn’t defined by hustle, but by balance, energy, and fulfillment.
If this resonates with you and you’re ready for some deeper healing, I’d love to support you in my Success Beyond Success coaching program. We’ll work together to identify the root causes of your burnout and create lasting change that supports your overall well-being and success.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Let’s heal and create a more empowered, balanced way of showing up in your life.
Sending love and healing energy to you. 💛
WORK WITH ANA:
1:1 Coaching – Success Beyond Success
Secure Your Spot: Sedona Soul Recharge Retreat
CONNECT WITH ANA: