loader from loading.io

262: Burnout Recovery

Embracing Intensity

Release Date: 07/31/2023

291: Reframing ADHD for Black Women with Inger Shaye Colzie show art 291: Reframing ADHD for Black Women with Inger Shaye Colzie

Embracing Intensity

This week on Embracing Intensity, I’m thrilled to finally sit down with the powerful and passionate Inger Shaye Colzie, a therapist and coach working at the intersection of ADHD, identity, and cultural experience. Inger shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after decades of navigating systems and expectations that didn’t see her neurodivergence—or the unique challenges that come with being a Black woman with ADHD. Together, we dive into her experiences growing up gifted but overlooked, her path to founding the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance, and how she helps...

info_outline
290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi show art 290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi

Embracing Intensity

Episode 290: Executive Functioning with Fizzah Zaidi In this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the insightful and compassionate Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals. We explore the complexities of executive functioning, and how understanding our brain’s unique operating system can transform how we show up for ourselves and others. Fizzah brings deep experience from her work with high-achieving neurodivergent clients in the tech, medical, and legal fields. Together, we discuss how neurodivergent brains often struggle...

info_outline
289: Reclaiming Power Through Art w/ Ilima Considine show art 289: Reclaiming Power Through Art w/ Ilima Considine

Embracing Intensity

In this week’s episode, Aurora sits down with Portland-based multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Ilima Considine to explore how neurodivergence, art, music, and personal experience intersect to spark powerful creative expression. Ilima shares her journey through long COVID, chronic illness, and how she channels her intensity into film, empowering others in the process. As Ilima prepares to premiere her second feature-length film, Drug Holiday, she talks about the themes of trauma, addiction, and radicalization—and how they resonate with creative and neurodivergent communities. This...

info_outline
288: Tasting the Gifted Rainbow w/ Kaitlin Smith show art 288: Tasting the Gifted Rainbow w/ Kaitlin Smith

Embracing Intensity

In this deeply insightful guest call, we welcome Kaitlin Smith, a PhD candidate in the history of science at Harvard with a secondary focus in African American Studies. Kaitlin brings a powerful lens to the conversation around giftedness, drawing from her academic research, clinical background, and personal experience as a former support provider for gifted and intense Black adults. This episode explores the intersections of giftedness, race, history, science, and social narratives—inviting us to reexamine what we consider “normal” and how systemic forces shape our understanding of...

info_outline
287: The Myth of Work-Life Balance show art 287: The Myth of Work-Life Balance

Embracing Intensity

Is work-life balance real—or just another unrealistic expectation? In this solo episode of Embracing Intensity, I unpack the myth of work-life balance and share my journey toward something more meaningful: harmony. Drawing from my personal life, this episode dives deep into how neurodivergent people navigate work hours, personal time, and the demands of life in a way that feels aligned, not forced. After a summer of restoration and reflection, I’m back working full-time in the school system—and instead of chasing “balance,” I’m creating sustainable rhythms that honor my energy,...

info_outline
286: Collective Liberation w/ Caroline J. Sumlin show art 286: Collective Liberation w/ Caroline J. Sumlin

Embracing Intensity

In this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, we welcome Caroline J. Sumlin—author of We’ll All Be Free—for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about collective liberation, the impact of white supremacy culture, and how we can begin to reclaim our worth. Caroline shares her perspective as a neurodivergent mother, speaker, and educator, and we explore the intersection of self-worth, systemic oppression, and sustainable social justice work. About Caroline J. Sumlin Caroline is an author, speaker, and homeschool parent living in the Washington D.C. area. Her work centers on...

info_outline
285: The Power of Mirroring with Sheldon Gay show art 285: The Power of Mirroring with Sheldon Gay

Embracing Intensity

In this thought-provoking episode of Embracing Intensity, Aurora sits down with Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be BUG'N podcast, which amplifies the stories and voices of Black, unidentified, underrepresented, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent people. Sheldon is deeply insightful, warm, and grounded in his advocacy to humanize the neurodivergent experience. Together, they dive into the power of mirroring—that magical moment when we see ourselves reflected in others—and how it plays a crucial role in identity, belonging, and connection. Sheldon shares his personal journey...

info_outline
284: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Brendan Mahan show art 284: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Brendan Mahan

Embracing Intensity

This week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back the always thoughtful and illuminating Brendan Mahan, founder of ADHD Essentials and creator of the Wall of Awful. In this free-flowing and deeply relatable conversation, we dive into the realities of ADHD burnout, navigating screen time, and what it really means to rest. Brendan and I both share personally about our own experiences with burnout and recovery, and how we’re learning to work with our neurodivergent brains instead of against them. About Brendan Mahan: Brendan Mahan is a speaker, coach, and host of the...

info_outline
283: Empowering Neurodivergent Voices w/ Fizzah Zaidi show art 283: Empowering Neurodivergent Voices w/ Fizzah Zaidi

Embracing Intensity

In this inspiring episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the vibrant and insightful Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist based in Chicago who works with adults with ADHD, especially those navigating high-pressure environments like tech and finance. We originally connected at an ADHD conference over boots and breakfast, and I’m so excited to bring her energy and wisdom to the podcast! Fizzah shares her journey from a creative career in animation to becoming a mental health professional, her passion for social justice, and how she uses her intensity to empower her clients. Together, we...

info_outline
282. Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout show art 282. Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout

Embracing Intensity

After a bit of a break from long-form content, I’m so excited to be back with a solo episode that’s deeply personal and incredibly timely. I’ve missed connecting with you more intimately through the podcast and am looking forward to bringing you more episodes like this in the coming months. Lately, I’ve been diving into the topic of neurodivergent burnout, something I’ve experienced firsthand and that I know many of you can relate to. I’ve written two blog posts on the topic and shared a companion video on YouTube—and even tested out long-form content on TikTok for the first...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

This week on Embracing Intensity, I share my experience with the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with severe burnout. In this episode, I share updates on my personal life that have contributed to burnout, dive into my recovery process and discuss how to overcome burnout symptoms. I also share a preview of what I have coming up as I recover from burnout this summer!

Burnout can affect every aspect of your life, from your job to your personal relationships. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout early on and take the necessary steps to address it. Whether it's through improving your work-life balance, seeking social support, or making small changes to your daily routine, there are ways to recover and find relief from burnout.

Recent research has shown that burnout is not just a result of long hours and excessive stress, but also a combination of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It can take a toll on your physical health, immune system, and even your mental well-being. That's why it's crucial to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Join Me

In this podcast, we'll explore various burnout recovery techniques, such as incorporating physical activity, spending quality time with friends, and getting enough sleep. We'll also discuss the importance of spending time on things we love, seeking professional help when needed, and finding support from friends, family members, and colleagues.

Join me as we navigate the journey of burnout recovery together. I'll share my personal experiences, as well as insights from experts in the field, to help you create a burnout recovery plan that works for you. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or someone struggling with burnout in any area of your life, this podcast is here to provide guidance and support.

So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on the path to burnout recovery. Remember, you're not alone, and there is hope for a full recovery. Let's get started.

In this episode:

  • I discuss my recent absence from content creation due to burnout and chronic headaches.

  • Factors that have contributed to my burnout including work-related stress and big life changes.

  • Updates on what’s been happening for me this year personally. 

  • Giving myself permission not to be productive has been helpful in my burnout recovery.

  • Reconnecting with friends and reaching out for support has been beneficial, as many friends are also struggling after the isolation of the pandemic.

  • Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as floating in a pool, can help with relaxation and letting go of stress.

  • Incorporating movement, such as going for walks, and seeking body work and acupuncture can aid in burnout recovery.

  • I am working on catching up on content for the planner club and developing neurodivergent-friendly planners for travel and relationships.

  • I’m open to taking requests for specific planner content to make it more neurodivergent-friendly.

  • I plan to create a printed planner using the disk bound system for customization.

  • Adding a new course to my membership called "Befriending Your Brain, Self Assessment Course."

  • Members of my course membership will have access to upcoming calls, guest speakers, call recordings, and new content.

  • I have many creative ideas and plans for the future, but I also need to honor my own burnout and recovery cycles.

  • Our next monthly call about writing to heal takes place on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM Pacific time.