Self-Care That Sticks: A Gentle Approach to Burnout Recovery
When you’re deep in burnout, self-care can feel like one more thing on your endless to-do list.
We’re told it should be luxurious spa days, quiet mornings with a matcha latte, or a two-week vacation far from our inbox. And while those things are lovely, they’re not the kind of self-care that actually helps you recover.
They’re a break—not a solution.
Real, lasting self-care is built into your everyday life. It’s the way you speak to yourself when you’re behind on deadlines. It’s the systems that support you when your energy is low. It’s the tiny rituals that gently pull you back to yourself—even when everything feels like too much.
This post is for you if:
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You’re tired of “treat yourself” culture that leaves you feeling more drained than nourished.
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You’ve tried the bubble baths and massages, but you’re still running on empty.
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You want a simple, doable way to feel like yourself again—without having to overhaul your entire life.
Let’s talk about how to build self-care that sticks.
The Myth of “Doing It All”
For years, I prided myself on being the woman who could juggle it all—demanding corporate job, ambitious side goals, family obligations, and an overflowing calendar of “shoulds.”
But beneath the checklists and accomplishments, I was exhausted. And worse—I felt like taking care of myself was yet another thing I was failing at.
The truth? Self-care doesn’t work when it’s built on burnout. It works when it’s built into your life in a way that honors your energy, your values, and your reality.
What Gentle Self-Care Really Looks Like
Here’s what I’ve learned: the best self-care isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like...
✅ Saying no—even when you feel guilty
✅ Using a checklist to reduce mental clutter
✅ Blocking 15 minutes between meetings to breathe
✅ Asking “what do I need right now?”—and actually listening
✅ Making your workspace a little softer, a little calmer
✅ Planning around your natural energy flow, not just your calendar
It’s not always easy. But when self-care becomes a rhythm instead of a reward, everything changes.
You show up with more clarity. You recover faster from stress. You remember who you are—beyond the titles, the roles, and the pressure to perform.
Systems Make It Stick
One of the biggest shifts I made during my own burnout recovery was learning how to create systems that supported me.
Not rigid routines. Not overly complex plans. But simple rhythms and gentle tools I could return to when life felt heavy.
If you’re not sure where to start, try sitting with one of these journal prompts:
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What is one small action that brings you peace—even on your busiest day?
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When do you feel most grounded during the week?
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What parts of your current routine feel nourishing—and which feel draining?
When you can answer these questions with honesty and curiosity, you’ll begin to uncover what sustainable self-care looks like for you. From there, it’s all about building a rhythm that feels supportive—not another thing on your to-do list.
Your Next Step: Join the Bundle Waitlist
This summer, I’m bringing together over 15 women entrepreneurs and coaches to share their best self-care tools in the Self-Care for Success Bundle—and it’s completely free to sign up.
Whether you're a corporate woman on the brink of burnout or a busy entrepreneur trying to stay afloat, these tools were made with you in mind.
You'll get early access to:
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My Aligned Planning Mini-Course
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The Self-Care Garden Starter Mini-Course
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15+ digital gifts from heart-centered women who’ve been there
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…and a chance to truly care for yourself, without guilt or overwhelm
💌 Ready to simplify your self-care and stop burning out trying to feel better?
Join the Self-Care for Success Bundle Waitlist and get early access to everything when it opens.
👉 Click here to save your spot
Remember- You don’t have to earn your rest. You just have to remember that you’re worthy of care—every single day.
Let this be your first small step back to yourself. 💛