Podcast Summary: Breaking the Cycle of Burnout & Stress
Podcast Information:
- Title: You Can! Inspiring Women In Business
- Host: Sarah Jolley-Jarvis
- Episode: Breaking the Cycle of Burnout & Stress
- Release Date: January 24, 2025
Introduction to Overwhelm and Busy Culture
In the episode "Breaking the Cycle of Burnout & Stress," host Sarah Jolley-Jarvis engages in a deep conversation with Jen Wilson, a specialist dedicated to helping women overcome overwhelm and burnout. The discussion centers around the pervasive "busy being busy" culture and its detrimental effects on women's personal and professional lives.
Jen Wilson: "I help women who are overwhelmed and burnt out to get organized, take back control and start living a joyful, happy life again." [00:25]
Sarah emphasizes the core issue: "Are you actually happy and enjoying life when you are running around feeling overwhelmed, feeling super busy?" [00:35]. Both agree that the relentless busyness often masks a lack of genuine fulfillment.
Jen Wilson’s Journey Through Burnout
Jen shares her personal battle with chronic stress, detailing how over a decade of high-pressure work environments led to two severe burnouts. The first, stemming from a demanding job, left her feeling unsupported and isolated. The second burnout occurred while managing her own business, significantly straining her relationship with her young son.
Jen Wilson: "I hit my second burnout as a business owner when my son was only four. That was really my turning point because it was significantly impacting my relationship with him. I just thought, what am I doing? This has got to stop." [00:59-02:32]
Determined to never experience burnout again, Jen made substantial lifestyle changes, including setting boundaries, seeking help, and incorporating self-care. Despite these efforts, she felt "unsettled" due to unresolved mindset issues, which she later identified as the missing piece in her recovery journey.
The Crucial Role of Mindset
The conversation delves into the importance of mindset in managing stress and preventing burnout. Jen explains that while practical changes like setting boundaries and seeking support are essential, addressing one's mindset is equally critical but often overlooked.
Jen Wilson: "When I started working with a coach, what I realized was missing was mindset." [03:43]
Sarah highlights a common misconception: "People want to be skilling themselves all the time and they don't realize that actually they've got the skills they need. It's just their head needs to be in a different place." [04:30]
Jen agrees, noting that negative thought spirals fueled by chronic stress can trap individuals in a cycle that's hard to escape without intentional mindset shifts.
Societal Pressures and Perceptions of Stress
The discussion shifts to societal norms that normalize stress and overwhelm, particularly among women juggling multiple roles. Sarah observes how terms like "overwhelmed" and "stressed" are often used casually, undermining their serious impact.
Jen Wilson: "Overwhelm and stress... people say it flippantly. I'm so overwhelmed or I'm so stressed, but it's actually really quite serious." [06:25]
They explore how societal expectations, amplified by social media's portrayal of "having it all," perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and failure.
Sarah Jolley-Jarvis: "It's like a reflection on you that you're not able to do this." [07:55]
Jen reveals the commonality of masking true feelings behind a facade of competence:
Jen Wilson: "Everyone's really good at putting a front on... only really close family knew how serious things were." [09:28]
Understanding Chronic Stress and Burnout
Jen elaborates on the concept of chronic stress, distinguishing it from acute stress reactions. While acute stress arises from significant events and subsides once the event passes, chronic stress results from continuous exposure to minor stressors, keeping the body's stress response perpetually active.
Jen Wilson: "We're exposed from the minute our alarm goes off... it's a constant onslaught of things happening." [18:49]
She outlines the physical, emotional, and mental toll of chronic stress, including:
- Physical: Headaches, muscular aches, digestive issues [19:53]
- Emotional: Irritability, detachment, exhaustion [20:39]
- Mental: Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness [19:53]
Jen Wilson: "Burnout is when you've got nothing left to give." [20:46]
She shares her personal experience of burnout, describing it as a state of utter exhaustion where even beloved activities no longer bring joy.
Recognizing and Addressing Burnout
Identifying burnout early is crucial for effective recovery. Jen provides a comprehensive list of warning signs, urging listeners to take them seriously rather than dismissing them as mere stress.
Signs of Burnout:
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Persistent physical pain like headaches
- Emotional detachment and exhaustion
- Difficulty making decisions and concentrating
Jen Wilson: "Nobody should feel like going through the motions every day robotically. That isn't normal." [26:32]
Coping Strategies and Resources
To combat burnout and chronic stress, Jen advocates for proactive measures, including:
- Boundary Setting: Clearly defining work-life boundaries to prevent overextension.
- Seeking Support: Engaging with coaches or support networks to address underlying issues.
- Mindset Work: Actively working on one's mindset to break negative thought patterns.
Sarah and Jen also discuss the importance of realistic planning and prioritization, recognizing that "something has to give" when overwhelmed.
Sarah Jolley-Jarvis: "Is understanding what your all is and prioritizing." [11:09]
Jen offers a valuable resource for listeners—a free quiz on her website designed to help individuals identify how stress is affecting them and determine whether they need additional support.
Jen Wilson: "I've got a quiz that helps people identify how stress is affecting them. It asks questions based on how people are thinking, feeling, and behaving." [23:49]
Conclusion and Empowerment
The episode concludes with an empowering message for women to acknowledge their stress and take actionable steps to reclaim their well-being. Sarah encourages listeners not to normalize chronic stress or view it as a personal failure but to seek help and implement the strategies discussed.
Sarah Jolley-Jarvis: "Don't just assume that this is normal. Don't feel like it's something that is a reflection on you." [27:31]
Jen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of early awareness and intervention to prevent the debilitating effects of burnout.
Jen Wilson: "I really want women to understand and be aware so much earlier on than I was." [25:10]
Listeners are encouraged to access Jen's resources through her LinkedIn and Instagram profiles to further support their journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
Notable Quotes:
-
Jen Wilson: "I hit my second burnout as a business owner when my son was only four. That was really my turning point because it was significantly impacting my relationship with him. I just thought, what am I doing? This has got to stop." [00:59]
-
Sarah Jolley-Jarvis: "Are you actually happy and enjoying life when you are running around feeling overwhelmed, feeling super busy?" [00:35]
-
Jen Wilson: "When I started working with a coach, what I realized was missing was mindset." [03:43]
-
Jen Wilson: "Everyone's really good at putting a front on... only really close family knew how serious things were." [09:28]
-
Sarah Jolley-Jarvis: "Don't just assume that this is normal. Don't feel like it's something that is a reflection on you." [27:31]
Resources Mentioned:
- Jen Wilson's Stress Quiz: Accessible via her LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.
Contact Information:
- LinkedIn: Jen Wilson's LinkedIn
- Instagram: Jen Wilson's Instagram
Empower yourself by recognizing the signs of chronic stress and burnout. Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life by utilizing the resources provided and reaching out for support.