From Burnout to Breakthrough: 7 Books to Guide Your Journey
When I begin working with new patients to heal their burnout, they inevitably ask, “What books did you read during your burnout recovery?”
I LOVE this question. As a curious person, I, too, wanted to understand how I had become burnt out, how I could heal it, and how I could prevent it from happening again.
The truth is that when I was at the peak of my burnout, exhausted after 10 hours of sleep, too tired to make food, and no amount of coffee in the morning would help, I didn’t even have enough energy to do my favorite activity- reading.
Instead, I listened to many of these books on audiobooks.
As I healed, I continued to listen to them, this time while I was walking around my neighborhood or on a hike! Listening to these books taught me so much, gave me hope, and continued to inspire deeper levels of healing and change.
My sincere hope is that they will help you, too!
Burnout Science & Solutions
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle // Emily Nagoski P.h.D, Amelia Nagoski, DMA
If you're like me and crave the science behind burnout, this is a must-read. The Nagoski sisters break down the exact reasons behind burnout, what you can do about it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Spiritual Support for Burnout
The Universe Has Your Back // Gabrielle Bernstein
Burnout can feel incredibly isolating. In this book, Gabby offers extraordinary wisdom, insights, and practical tips, mantras, and meditations to help you manage anxiety and find inner peace. I keep this one on my desk for those moments I need a boost.
How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living // Rob Bell
Again, this is another book I have returned to many times. This book was absolutely vital in helping me to examine the deeper reasons behind my burnout and how to create a life aligned with my values. It’s a guide for anyone feeling lost and wanting to make meaningful changes.
Inspiration & Motivation
Heart Talks: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life // Cleo Wade
Cleo is a magician with words. This book is perfect for those times when you need a quick dose of inspiration and motivation on your recovery journey. It’s a book that you can read a few pages, pick up in the middle, or read from the beginning, and no matter where you end up, you’ll feel better than when you first started reading.
Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman’s Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream // Diana Nyad
While not directly about burnout, this memoir is a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. Diana's story will definitely inspire you to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
Addressing Alcohol & Burnout
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol // Holly Whitaker
Exploring your relationship with alcohol can be important in burnout recovery. This book offers a fresh perspective, whether you're sober-curious or simply want to understand how alcohol impacts well-being.
Burnout & Your Hormones
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution: A Proven 4-Week Program to Rescue Your Metabolism, Hormones, Mind & Mood // Aviva Romm, MD
Hormonal imbalances are often a factor in burnout. This book explains the connection clearly and offers practical steps to start addressing the root causes.
Reading (or listening to the audio) of these books was absolutely vital to helping me understand what was going on with my body and mind and, most importantly, how to begin to heal my burnout. Understanding what is going on is always the first step to healing!
Ready to start your burnout recovery journey? I can help!
Book your FREE 15-minute consult, and let's create a plan to help you feel vibrant again.
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