In this episode, I open up about the very real experience of burnout and what self-care can look like when workplace support feels absent. Together, we’ll walk through a case study of a worker left frustrated when scheduled teammates didn’t show up — and the tough question that followed: “Would a vacation really fix this?”

I share why self-care isn’t just about escape, but about sustaining our ability to contribute meaningfully at work. Through mindfulness, we can learn to notice our thoughts and emotions, and choose how to respond when challenges arise. To illustrate this, I use the metaphor of a soda pop bottle — showing how unregulated emotions can build pressure until they explode. A simple breath, though, can be a powerful release valve: free, accessible, and always available.

This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider how you care for yourself in moments of stress.

Here are a couple of journaling prompts:

Check out our video about it here!