Ep 130: You Can't Vacation Your Way Out of Burnout with Laurel Roberts-Meese

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What if the life you've carefully constructed is slowly burning you out? Dr. Beth Trammell sits down with licensed therapist Laurel Roberts-Meese for an eye-opening conversation about the reality of burnout – and why that tropical vacation you've been dreaming about won't fix it.

"Burnout comes from a pathological pattern of not choosing yourself," explains Roberts-Meese, delivering one of many powerful insights throughout this deeply resonant episode. As someone who specializes in working with high-achievers and executives, she's seen firsthand how the relentless pursuit of productivity can hollow out even the most passionate professionals.

Roberts-Meese presents a revolutionary framework for understanding burnout prevention and recovery, visualized as concentric spheres beginning with physical health, then behavioral choices, relationships, and finally, meaning and purpose. This holistic approach challenges listeners to examine not just their schedules, but the fundamental ways they prioritize (or fail to prioritize) their own wellbeing.

The conversation takes a particularly compelling turn when discussing how the people around us often resist when we begin setting boundaries. "You burning yourself out for them was kind of working for them," Roberts-Meese observes, explaining why reclaiming your time and energy can trigger unexpected pushback from loved ones.

For those already experiencing burnout, Roberts-Meese offers a practical daily practice: do just one thing in each of the four spheres every day. These small, consistent choices create a foundation for recovery that no two-week getaway could hope to match.

Whether you're on the brink of burnout or simply feeling the weight of chronic stress, this conversation provides both validation and actionable strategies to help you choose yourself without sacrificing what matters most. Visit laureltherapy.net to access Roberts-Meese's Burnout Recovery Kit and learn more about her approach to sustainable wellbeing.

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