Chapter 1
Burnout prevention
Burnout is not a sign something is wrong with you. It’s a sign something is wrong with the way you’re working.”
— Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
Burnout is a stress cycle, not just stress
You don’t just need rest, you need to complete the stress cycle, say the Nagoski sisters.
That means moving, laughing, crying, breathing, or hugging until your body feels safe again.
Burnout is not about doing too much, it’s about doing too much without meaning
When effort feels disconnected from purpose, exhaustion hits harder.
Purpose protects energy.
Exhaustion isn’t always the first symptom
Watch for cynicism, brain fog, or feeling like nothing makes a difference.
Burnout often hides behind sarcasm and “I don’t care” vibes.
Burnout can be a healthy signal
In The Joy of Burnout, Glouberman argues that burnout is your system calling for transformation, not failure.
Something important needs to shift.
Burnout isn’t cured by self-care alone
Massages won’t help if your boundaries are broken.
Fix the system, not just the symptoms.
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