109: When Stress Becomes Something More Serious

Drop the BS w/ Dr. Kirleen

In this episode, I'll be sharing insights from both my personal experiences with burnout and my clinical expertise. Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can become overwhelming if not addressed. I'll talk about how to identify when your exhaustion has crossed the line into burnout and offer strategies to recover before reaching the point of no return. This episode is perfect for anyone feeling drained by work, family, or life in general and unsure whether they're simply tired or experiencing full-blown burnout. Tune in for a blend of personal reflections and clinical advice on recognizing the signs and taking action.

Key Takeaways: •

1. Recognizing the Signs: Take a Burnout Self-Assessment – Spend a few minutes to evaluate yourself honestly. Are you feeling persistently exhausted, detached, or cynical? Regular check-ins can help you catch burnout early by distinguishing these signs from everyday stress.
2. Prioritizing Self-Care: Build a Deep Rest Routine – Schedule specific time each week for deeper forms of rest, such as nature walks, meditation, or mindful breathing. These practices can be more restorative than traditional self-care when burnout is at play.
3. Work-Life Balance: Set Non-Negotiable Boundaries – Identify a couple of work boundaries, like not answering emails after 7 p.m. or committing one day of your weekend to recovery activities. Enforce these boundaries to reclaim balance and guard against burnout.
4. Seeking Help: Reach Out for Support – Whether it’s a trusted friend, mentor, or mental health professional, talking through your experience can offer relief and insight. If burnout feels overwhelming, consider scheduling a therapy session to get personalized support.
5. Different Domains of Burnout: Address Burnout Holistically – Try an activity that addresses each domain of burnout: emotionally, spend time journaling; physically, incorporate regular exercise or gentle stretching; occupationally, reassess your workload or ask for support on specific tasks to relieve pressure.

Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show
Neely Counseling Center neelycounseling.com
Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/usInstagram
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