Burnout recovery doesn’t happen all at once. Small steps add up, even when progress feels impossible.

Hey Fried fam! Ever looked back at an old journal entry or email and realized you were clearer on what you needed than you thought? In this episode, Sarah Vosen walks through a listener’s raw, unfiltered reflection from a time when burnout had them feeling stuck, exhausted, and unsure how to move forward.

What can you do when you know what you want but can’t see a way to get there? Sarah explores how small shifts, support, and patience can turn overwhelm into real progress. She shares insights from her own recovery and the power of recognizing the wins, even the tiny ones.

Burnout can make change feel impossible, but what if you’re already on your way? Tune in for an episode that will help you see the progress you’ve made and remind you that healing is within reach!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

05:04 Reflecting on Burnout and Desires

08:28 Initial Steps in Burnout Recovery

09:45 Fajardo Method and Nervous System Healing

10:51 Working While Recovering

12:05 Moving and Major Life Changes

13:00 Current Work and Practice

14:09 Achievements and Progress

15:02 Enjoying Nature and Retreats

15:56 Family and Boundaries

17:01 Letting Go of Control

18:07 Physical Health Improvements

18:59 Reflecting on Progress

20:04 Writing Your Burnout Story

21:08 Self-Compassion and Validation

22:22 Burnout Web of Causation Guide

25:03 Encouragement and Support Options

Links

Burnout isn’t a personal failure or a lack of resilience. It’s a signal that something in the system, expectations, roles, pace, or support, is out of alignment. Conversations like this one help surface the human experience of burnout, while the broader work continues to explore how organizations can respond more intelligently and sustainably.



To explore burnout, leadership, and sustainable performance through a workplace and organizational lens, connect with Cait Donovan: https://bit.ly/bookcait

Learn more about Cait’s speaking work: 

https://www.caitdonovan.com/speaking

Short on time? Watch this 3-minute reel: 

https://bit.ly/caitdreel2025

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm