How do you handle burnout? We have all asked that question at some point because modern society has a lot of demands, and it's become too easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a free and accessible tool that could help you turn towards yourself again, away from overstimulation and crazy schedules? In this episode, I will share with you my own experience with deep depression and severe burnout, and how I found healing through making major life shifts centered around spending more time in and with nature.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:24] Maria shares her experience with depression and severe burnout over the past three years
• [01:54] Plants are a great way to reconnect with a part of ourselves that modern society ignores
• [10:24] How is burnout defined?
• [12:27] How do you recover from burnout?
• [13:25] What is Attention Restoration Theory?
• [14:23] First type of attention: Directed Attention
• [14:37] Second type of attention: Involuntary Attention (aka fascination)
• [16:10] Involuntary attention practices to help you find balance in life
• [16:14] Look at a plant before you look at your screen
• [18:00] Thank the trees
• [18:36] Pair it with gratitude
• [19:25] Ritualize engaging with nature
• [22:54] Go outside
• [23:02] Forest bathing and its benefits
• [25:51] Mental health walks
• [26:44] Get your bare feet on the earth (aka grounding/earthing)
• [28:36] Practice mindfulness through plant care
• [30:53] Lean into scent
• [33:24] Two different types of plants for healing purposes
• [33:38] Slow burn plants
• [35:57] Quick win plants
• [38:23] Pruning back to inspire growth

Mentioned in our conversation:

• My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - IMDb
• HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat
• Growing Joy Episode 188 The Art Of Aromatic Gardening With Amy Of NYC Aromatica
• Pocket Wall Planters | WallyGrow
• We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle on Apple Podcasts

For a detailed list of Maria's recommended practices,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

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