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
