09/20/2026
I was on a podcast last week talking about burnout and the consequences that come with pushing past our limits.
Some things we discussed were in reference to life’s hardest transitions. I once was told by a therapist that the hardest transitions in life are usually divorce, new job or career, and moving. When I was experiencing these all at once, and didn’t have the tools yet to manage the demands on my nervous system, it lead to fatigue, physical and mental health decline. I started with constant sinus or throat infections, insomnia, rashes and allergies, and eventually migraines. I had severe anxiety, depression and fatigue that I couldn’t seem to rest away. So many of these symptoms were new to me since I was usually a healthy person that rarely got sick. As a collective during that time we were also all trying to adapt to a new way of life after the pandemic.
Now as I navigate these transitions again, I have a new level of awareness, understanding, and tools. What I learned from before is that my body needs a very specific amount of sleep. I need to maintain a very balanced diet, monitoring iron. I learned the regulation techniques that work well for me. I need a morning routine, that’s my non negotiable time. I have a support system, a crisis plan, and a team of medical professionals.
The thing about life is that it keeps going and the things about us humans is we tend to keep going with it. Sometimes we go back to our old and familiar patterns. However, each time we swing back around we are equipped (hopefully) with more effective tools and supports than before. This has been the case for me as of late. I got so excited about moving into my own space, starting a career that feels aligned, wanting to become more independent, that I wasn’t taking inventory of my capacity vs what I was saying yes to.
When I was planning for September I realized that right in the middle of the month I had scheduled things for 14days in a row! 😭😬 Weekdays were packed with work trainings. Weekends packed with second job and pop ups. Oops I did it again! And again my body spoke. Last Friday I woke up feeling achy, congested, fatigued. Sick! 🤒 And there it is…my body giving me an early warning sign that burnout could come if I keep pushing through. So I adjusted my schedule and rested, and still am resting. It’s what I needed to snap back and recall my wellness routines.
All this to say that life happens and will keep happening. Recovering from burnout or mental health episodes does not mean you’re “cured” and it will never happen again. Chances are it might, and if you don’t pay attention and take notes from the first time(s) it happens it will take a long time to recover again. This is a lifestyle, sticking to the methods and routines you’ve chosen to remain well is an everyday practice. It’s also ok to forget or take steps back. Reach in your toolbox and past experience to keep moving forward. That’s what maintaining wellness is about.
