How I Got Into And Managed to Walk Away from Burnout




How did a self-care-promoting, work-life balance advocate wake up one day and realize that burnout had gripped my life? When did I stop taking my own advice about well-being in favor of chasing validation? And what could I do to escape the cycle and find a new, more sustainable way of being?These are the questions I found myself asking about a year ago after my partner looked at me and said, “It’s like you’re not even here.” Hearing that felt like a punch to the gut. And it also inspired me to take a look in the mirror and make some big changes.Today, I’m sharing the story of my burnout intervention and how I’ve spent the last year of my life making a concerted effort to break free from the toxic cycle.Most people who know me probably wouldn’t expect me to describe myself with the words burned out.

I’m a longtime proponent of being realistic about my own capacity (and have been for years), an avid practitioner and lover of yoga and mindfulness, and a human who values relationships and well-being over all else.I’m also a staunch advocate for taking time off, resting, and caring for myself, and I support my colleagues, friends, and family in doing the same.Over Labor Day weekend in 2022, my partner and I took our then 4-year-old daughter to a cabin to spend what was supposed to be a restful and rejuvenating weekend away. In theory, it should have been easy enough to enjoy the break. Who wouldn’t want to luxuriate in a few days off with the people they love?