Episode Summary

Ever caught yourself staring at the toaster, totally blank on whether you actually pressed the button? (Same.) That moment of mental buffering is a red flag that your burnout bank account might be in overdraft.

In this episode of The Superwoman Code, Dr. Ashley Margeson ND walks you through the four warning signs your energy reserves are running low: decision fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and emotional reactivity. With relatable stories (yes, even cold toast), science-backed explanations, and practical ways to refill your account, this conversation will help you recognize burnout signals early and respond with compassion instead of self-criticism.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How the burnout bank account helps explain energy withdrawals and deposits.

• Why decision fatigue is your brain’s overdraft notice, not a character flaw.

• The chemistry behind irritability when you’re stressed and depleted.

• Why brain fog is your body rationing energy to survival mode.

• How emotional reactivity (snapping, crying, or feeling flat) is tied to capacity, not weakness.

• Simple ways to start making small daily deposits to rebuild your reserves.

Quotable Moments

💬 “Decision fatigue isn’t about laziness. It’s literally your brain’s version of overdraft fees.” 💬 “Brain fog isn’t a personality flaw — it’s your body budgeting energy.” 💬 “Small deposits compound. Thirty seconds here, five minutes there — they add up, just like pennies in a jar.”

Resources & Links

• 🎟️ Tickets to the Hormone Intelligence Event — November 6, Halifax

• 👋 Connect with Dr. Lindsey & the Cornerstone Team at the Atlantic Menopause Show on October 17 in Halifax

• 📲 Follow Dr. Ashley on Instagram: @drashleymargeson

Takeaway Challenge

This week, notice the red flags: decision fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and emotional reactivity. Then choose one daily deposit — a walk, an earlier bedtime, a slow lunch away from your desk — and give your burnout bank account a boost.