logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
16m 31s

#sarahshares: How do You Resolve Burnout...

Cait Donovan
About this episode

On a recent trip to Thailand, Sarah experienced jet lag that was comparable only to the exhaustion she experienced while deep in the midst of burnout. She highlights that while jet lag might need just a few days of rest to overcome, recovering from burnout—a state of deep energy depletion—requires more time and patience. Sarah offers practical advice that could potentially reduce the recovery time from burnout by up to 80%, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic expectations and how this approach also helps in alleviating fear and uncertainty.


Throughout the episode, Sarah explores the principles of Chinese medicine, focusing on the most energizing foods and their preparation to maximize energy recovery. She delves into the Chinese concept of having two internal "batteries" and their locations, ways to enhance the quality of your blood and chi (vital energy), and explains why the heart is considered the central element of one's being. 


Additionally, Sarah talks about the significance of self-reflection on energy use, the benefits of maintaining a resentment journal, and the crucial step of releasing guilt associated with reaching a state of burnout. She encourages listeners to embrace self-compassion and recognize the potential for improvement, marking the beginning of a journey towards better energy management and self-care.

 

Quotes

  • “Unfortunately, burnout exhaustion is not the kind of exhaustion that a few nights of good sleep or a vacation will make better.” (2:18 | Sarah Vosen)
  • “The Chinese call the heart “the emperor” because they see it as the organ in charge, not the brain.” (7:54 | Sarah Vosen)
  • “Stop for a second and recognize all the times you’ve spent more energy than you woke up with, thanks to caffeine or sheer willpower to keep pushing and going and doing. And then realize that every time you did that and went to bed beyond exhausted, that you actually dug that hole of depletion deeper. Ugh, I know.” (10:53 | Sarah Vosen) 
  • “Once I got into the habit of pushing the things that weren’t priority from my schedule, I started to see how those things weren’t priority at all. A lot of them weren’t even necessary for me to do, and a lot of them I never did again.” (11:56 | Sarah Vosen) 
  • “Stop and give yourself a hug and acknowledge how much this sucks. And please, borrow my trust that it’s temporary and tell yourself that you will get better, slowly but surely.” (14:41 | Sarah Vosen) 


Links

The Resentment Journal: https://www.caitdonovan.com/resentment-journal

Sleep episode with Cait and Sarah: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sfc-s-burnout-and-sleep-a-chinese-medicine-perspective/id1469939920?i=1000641567682

Scheduling acupuncture with Sarah near Minneapolis, MN: https://acusimple.com/access/7008/#/appointments/8888/list/42506/2024-03-14/



Connect with Cait:

Initial Call with Cait: bit.ly/callcait

Initial Call with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahv


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Up next
Aug 24
Dr. Jen Wagner: Canyon Ranch Burnout Retreats Fall 2025
Burnout Recovery works better with support. UNFRIED is our small group (5 people max!) coaching program to help guide you through your recovery. Apply now! [http://bit.ly/unfried]Burnout reaches far beyond the office, touching every layer of health, purpose, and identity, and Dr. ... Show More
38m 26s
Aug 17
#straightfromcait: How Long Does Burnout Recovery Take
Burnout Recovery works better with support. UNFRIED is our small group (5 people max!) coaching program to help guide you through your recovery. Apply now! [http://bit.ly/unfried]Burnout recovery takes more than waiting for time to pass. It asks you to examine who you’ve been, wh ... Show More
9m 45s
Aug 10
Burnout Recovery Exercise: Worst Case Scenario
Burnout Recovery works better with support. UNFRIED is our small group (5 people max!) coaching program to help guide you through your recovery. Apply now! [http://bit.ly/unfried]Burnout can make every decision feel impossible. When you’re stuck in fear and second-guessing everyt ... Show More
12m 34s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
S3 Ep07 - Managing Stress & Burnout
We often overlook the early warning signs of burnout—subtle hints like exhaustion, irritability, or loss of motivation. Instead, we push forward, believing that powering through will get us to the finish line faster. But ignoring these signs only brings us closer to a breaking po ... Show More
23m 8s
May 2024
Are You Tired All The Time? Easy to Follow Tips to Increase Your Energy Throughout The Day
Have you always been feeling tired recently?  Feeling tired is something we all deal with—it's like running on empty, trying to keep up with everything on our plates. But what if there are simple ways to avoid that drained feeling without making things overly complicated? In this ... Show More
46m 43s
Feb 2024
144 - Workaholism, burnout and adrenal fatigue + healing
⭐ All supplements linked below with 10% off (15% for new Healf Customers) ⭐ Girlbossed a little too hard? This is the life update + supplement haul you never knew you needed. This week, join me and Integrative Health Practitioner Sarah Murphy for what I’ve been going through rece ... Show More
54m 13s
Feb 2025
How to Maximize Energy and Burnout
📌 FREE 4-Day Ramadan Prep Challenge – Prepare for a smoother, more intentional Ramadan! Sign up here 👉 https://www.mindful-muslimah.com/ramadan-prep-challenge/ 🔑 In this podcast, I’ll break down: ✅ The Realistic Morning Minimum (small sips of energy, not overwhelming routines) ... Show More
11m 33s
May 19
You’re Not Broken—You’re Burned Out: Why Biofeedback > Bubble Baths
If one more person tells you to fix your burnout with meditation or a bubble bath and it makes you feel like smacking someone...You’re not alone! Because when you’re already running on empty, another “should” just adds fuel to the fire. In this episode, we’re tossing the fluffy s ... Show More
23m 42s
Jun 2024
Leading Burnout Expert | How to Finally Feel Better
Exhausted, cynical, and ineffective? You could be experiencing burnout. In this candid conversation, Dr. Neha Sangwan provides a radical reframe, defining burnout as a profound mind-body disconnect from ignoring our core needs while chasing society's narrow "success." Drawing fro ... Show More
58m 40s
Apr 2025
The Extra Scoop: What is Burnout?
Burnout is a growing concern, dominating workplace discussions and social media. But what does it actually mean? Is it just a buzzword or a real issue we need to take seriously? In this episode, we explore what burnout is, why it’s such a big deal right now, and what you can do t ... Show More
30m 25s
Mar 2025
The Unexpected Link Between PTSD Treatment & Meditation for Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling emotionally drained and completely exhausted? Ever wondered if there's a way to restore your energy and reset your nervous system through meditation? Compassion fatigue and emotional burnout are all too common, especially when juggling the demands of caregiving, work, and ... Show More
15m 19s
Mar 2025
#354 - The Truth About Willpower – How to Use It to Your Advantage
In today’s episode of The Business of Happiness podcast, Dr. Tarryn McCarthy uncovers the science behind decision fatigue and why putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Learn how your daily energy levels impact your choices, why self-care should come before serving ... Show More
23m 36s