Burnout doesn’t just affect your energy—it infiltrates every corner of your life, impacting your productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. In today’s episode with special guest Marissa McKool, we dive into the hidden costs of burnout and provide practical strategies for recovery.
Marissa McKool, MPH, The Public Health Burnout Coach, is a renowned coach, speaker, and advocate with a mission to help female leaders and mid-career professionals alleviate their persistent work-stress and double their free time to achieve work-life balance. With over 15 years of public health leadership experience and a personal journey overcoming burnout, Marissa empowers women to thrive while prioritizing self-care.
Today we discuss…
- Discover the silent but pervasive impact of burnout on every area of life
- Learn to track your energy and identify what boosts or drains it
- Understand how burnout silently strains relationships and connections
- Explore the importance of true rest and its four critical categories
- Gain insights into the mental and emotional toll of burnout—and how to recover
- Find practical strategies to build energy reserves and emotional resilience
- Learn why small, intentional actions like five minutes of rest can make a big difference
- Embrace the idea that recovery is a practice, not a one-time fix
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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: The Secret Cost of Burnout and How to Recharge
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #210 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
🎙️ Do you feel like you’re juggling a thousand things and still not getting it all done? You listen to podcast after podcast trying to find the best way, but it feels like you must be doing something wrong. If you could just find the perfect schedule or the perfect planner, you could unlock the secret. What if I told you that you can do it all, without actually doing it all?
Inside The Supermom Society–our private community designed just for busy moms like you–we get it.
Every week, together, we help you create a plan that feels both productive and doable. Every month, we help you create a solid plan to boost your energy, sharpen your time management skills, and connect you with other moms who are ready to beat burnout for good.Being a mom is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Today is your day to join us in The Supermom Society! Visit www.thesupermomsociety.com for all the details. I can’t wait to see you inside!” 🎙
Burnout is a silent thief. It doesn’t just rob us of energy and enthusiasm; it sneaks into every corner of our lives, affecting our productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Marissa McKool, burnout coach and expert joins us to explore insights on burnout recovery and how to reclaim your energy and your life.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Many of us have been there: days where everything feels like an uphill battle, and even small tasks seem monumental. The signs of burnout might show up as exhaustion, irritability, or even feeling disconnected from people and goals that once mattered. What’s tricky is that burnout doesn’t just affect one area of our lives—its effects ripple out, impacting our work, relationships, and health.
One powerful tool for self-awareness is tracking your energy. By noting tasks that either boost or drain your energy, you can begin to see patterns. Are you consistently pouring energy into activities without replenishing it? Are you neglecting tasks or relationships that used to bring you joy? These insights can be eye-opening. As Marissa highlights, recognizing where your energy bleeds can explain why some days feel particularly overwhelming.
The Hidden Impact on Relationships
When burnout takes hold, our relationships often suffer. Whether it’s a short temper with loved ones or pulling away from friends, the emotional toll can strain even the strongest bonds. Burnout depletes the reserves we need to be patient, present, and compassionate. It’s no surprise that recovery often leads to improved connections, as people rediscover their ability to engage meaningfully.
“When we are depleted, our critical thinking skills are offline,” Marisa explains. “It’s hard to show up in the way we want to in our relationships.” Addressing burnout isn’t just about feeling better individually; it’s about improving the quality of our lives, including how we interact with others.
Why Rest Is Foundational
One surprising truth about burnout recovery is how essential rest is—and not just any rest. It’s about meeting your mind and body’s specific needs. True rest is multi-faceted, including:
- Physiological Rest: This includes getting quality sleep, which allows your brain to consolidate memories and recharge.
- Physical Rest: Beyond sleep, this could mean stretching, light walking, or addressing chronic pain through proper care.
- Mental Rest: Shifting from self-critical thoughts to more positive, constructive ones. Making decisions, rather than staying in a draining cycle of indecision, is another form of mental rest.
- Emotional Rest: Releasing resentment and overwhelm through vulnerability, whether it’s talking to a friend, journaling, or seeking professional support.
Marissa points out, many parents don’t find vacations restful, particularly those with young children. True rest isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a skill that requires ongoing practice.
A Small Step to Start
Feeling burned out and don’t know where to begin? Start small. Schedule five minutes of intentional rest each week. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, reading a few pages of a book, or taking a short walk, the key is consistency. By making yourself a priority, even in small ways, you start to shift habits and create momentum for change.
Marissa emphasizes, “Your brain might say it’s not enough time or that it’s a waste. Ignore the complaints and do it anyway. You’re building a habit of prioritizing yourself.”
The Long-Term Benefits
Recovery from burnout isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. By addressing burnout’s root causes and consistently practicing rest, people often find they are more productive, creative, and connected. As a result, they can pursue meaningful goals—whether it’s deepening relationships, starting a business, or achieving a long-held dream.
Ultimately, the journey through burnout is a practice, not a checklist. It’s about learning to listen to your body and mind, setting boundaries, and building a life that supports your well-being. If you’re feeling burned out, start with one small change and trust that it will grow into something bigger—and better.
Are you interested in learning more about Marissa McKool?
https://www.mckoolcoaching.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mckool-a9701892/
About Our Guest: Marissa McKool
Marissa McKool, MPH, The Public Health Burnout Coach, is a renowned coach, speaker, and advocate with a mission to help female leaders and mid-career professionals alleviate their persistent work-stress and double their free time to achieve work-life balance. With over 15 years of public health leadership experience and a personal journey overcoming burnout, Marissa empowers women to thrive while prioritizing self-care.
Marissa’s coaching approach blends evidence-based strategies with feminist coaching principles and personal insights, aiming to eliminate the epidemic of burnout in public health. She teaches women how to set boundaries, reclaim control over their schedule, navigate work-life dynamics, and prioritize rest and self-care—without compromising career aspirations. Her clients experience profound transformations, achieving professional milestones like promotions, significant salary increases, and improved well-being.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
