From Burnout to Creative Recovery: Permission to Pause and Reconnect for Women in STEM

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In this powerful episode of Growing Tall Poppies: Thrive After Trauma, host Dr Nat Green is joined by Alexandra Reid, a creative wellness coach who specializes in helping high-achieving women recover from burnout and reconnect with themselves and their inner calm.

Burnout can feel isolating, overwhelming, and relentless — especially for women in high-pressure, data-driven environments such as STEM. Alexandra shares her personal journey from high-achieving professional to burnout survivor, and how she has used creativity, reflective exercises, and nature-based practices to rebuild resilience, self-awareness, and inner confidence.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why “doing more” isn’t always the solution — and how creative practices can quiet the overactive mind.
• The importance of nature, movement, and simple daily rituals in restoring energy and balance.
• How to recognize early signs of burnout before it spirals and strategies to prevent recurring cycles.
• The power of reflective art exercises, like the bridge drawing, to uncover subconscious blocks and clarify goals.
• Navigating systemic and gender-based challenges in male-dominated industries while maintaining self-preservation and boundaries.
• The journey from burnout to post-traumatic growth, building resilience, and fostering self-confidence.

Whether you’re a professional woman struggling to balance high expectations or someone interested in creative recovery, this episode is packed with practical tools, insights, and inspiration to reclaim your energy, joy, and purpose.

✨ Key Takeaways:

1. Permission to Pause – Rest is not a luxury; it’s essential for recovery and creative growth.
2. Creative Practice as a Tool for Reflection – Exercises like bridge drawings bring subconscious thoughts to the surface and foster self-awareness.
3. Nature and Movement Restore Energy – Even short walks outside can significantly reduce stress and reconnect you to the present moment.
4. Recognize and Break Patterns – Learn to notice early burnout signs, perfectionism, and unhealthy work cycles before they escalate.
5. Resilience is Built, Not Born – Rebuilding inner resources and confidence requires patience, self-compassion, and reflection.
6. Boundaries and Self-Preservation Matter – Speaking up and walking away when necessary are critical steps in protecting your wellbeing.

🔗 Resources and How to Connect with Lexi:

• LinkedIn: Connect here
• YouTube
  
  
• Mind Art Wellness Website: mindartwellness.com
  
  
• FREE 5-Day Creative Reset Challenge — daily prompts + demonstration videos. here

This episode will leave you inspired to slow down, re

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Intro and Outro music: Inspired Ambient by Playsound.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.