Feeling overwhelmed? I totally get it. And if you clicked this particular blog, chances are you’re a powerhouse woman who’s juggling a gazillion things—running your own business, creating fabulous content, being an incredible mom, partner, friend, and still finding time for you. But let’s be real: sometimes, you need a break. I recently faced some hard burnout and even though I am very much still in my messy middle, I’m slowly coming out the other side with some hard-earned wisdom. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea as I share a recent and personal experience with burnout and the three things I did to heal my nervous system.
1. Unfollowed a lot of people and stayed off social media
First, let me start with the obvious: social media is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a wonderful tool for building your brand and connecting with your audience, but it can also be a relentless source of stress. The comparison game, the constant pressure to post, and the endless stream of notifications—ugh, it’s exhausting!
So, I made a bold move: I unfollowed a lot of people on social media. Like, A LOT. If their content didn’t inspire, educate, or entertain me, I hit that unfollow button. I did it with the intention of knowing that if I wanted to follow again, they would be there. The reality is, I followed a lot of people for content inspiration only to fall into the comparison hole. And I was nowhere near where I wanted to be and each time I saw their amazing content, I felt less than and slowly over time it ate away at me…and my self-love and trust.
So yes, I took a break from it all, even the stuff I loved to do. This was so hard but so necessary. I needed to step away and remind myself why I love this industry so much. I started creating from a place of have-to vs. from a place of desire to share and serve my community. A complete detox was exactly the ticket to finding my why again. So, I said no to creating content for 4 months.
2. Actually Rest…No Agenda
Ladies, let me tell you: rest is not just lying on the couch scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. True rest means doing absolutely nothing with no agenda. For weeks, my body was screaming at me to slow down. My chest was so tight I could barely breathe, I had hives, and I couldn’t stop shaking. My body was in full-on rebellion mode, demanding I pay attention.
So, I listened. I spent days in bed, doing the bare minimum for my kids and my business. This wasn’t easy for a go-getter like me, but it was necessary. I remember talking to my biz bestie on the phone, and she could hear the exhaustion in my voice. There was no hiding it—I was spent.
Giving myself permission to truly rest, with no pressure to be productive, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It went against everything I believed and how my body and mind were wired. My body fought it every step of the way, but gradually, the tightness in my chest eased, the hives disappeared, and I started to feel like myself again. It took time, but healing always does. So, please, allow yourself the grace to rest. Your business will survive, and your body will thank you.
3. Get Outside Every Day
Now, I know this sounds like cliché advice, but getting outside every day was crucial for my healing. Nature has this magical way of grounding us, reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of life. I started small—short walks, sitting in the sun, feeling the breeze on my face. Gradually, those short walks turned into longer hikes, and eventually, I was running again. (Which was amazing since the past 2 years it’s been a struggle, and I love running.)
There’s something incredibly therapeutic about being in nature. The fresh air, the sounds of birds chirping, the sight of trees swaying in the wind—it’s like a big hug for your soul. Even if it was just for 10 minutes, being outside every day helped me reconnect with myself.
No one starts this journey to do it alone. If you’re experiencing signs of burnout, reach out to someone who can support you in ways you need. Perhaps it’s childcare, help to clean the house, or maybe it’s in your business. I know asking for help can be hard for us perfectionists and people-pleasers, but at some point, we have to find value in our own health and healing. Being open to receiving is a result of my recent burnout.
My new motto is to slow down, just don’t quit.
I needed to slow down and create a better rhythm to my days, weeks and months that I could sustain. Going full speed, gas pedal floored, might be ok for a bit, but not for long periods of time. Eventually you will run out, and if you’re like me, break down in the middle of your biggest launch yet.
Don’t be like me. Slow down, remove some to-do’s off of your list. Just don’t stop.
Is content creation contributing to your burnout? Most of us are in the content creation hamster wheel. If this is you too, I’d love to have a conversation about my signature program, the Confident Creator Mastermind. Doors open soon, so let’s chat and see if it’s a good fit for you. Spots are limited. DM Me at @becca.feauto. Let’s chat, friend.
Comments +