What Burnout Looks Like, Why a Vacation Isn’t an Outlet, and How to Refill Your Dopamine Every Day

If you’re someone who keeps your foot on the gas because this season of life doesn’t leave room to slow down, this conversation is about staying there without burning out. Ashley’s mom, Pam, joins us to talk about where healthy stress ends and burnout begins, and what to do when you feel yourself sliding. Drawing on research from neuroscientist Dr. Terry Wu, Pam explains the difference between chronic stress, burnout, and depression, and why dopamine is the fuel that keeps you in your peak performance zone. We talk about the three things that lower stress (control, predictability, and progress), why a fishing trip a few times a year is a vacation and not an outlet, and how rest doesn’t always have to look slow. Pam also shares what her Whoop taught her about sleep, why she traded her headphones for a speaker turned all the way up, and how leaders can keep their teams out of burnout with autonomy, clear communication, and small wins celebrated in real time. The work will always be there. We hope this helps you make room for yourself anyway. Follow Jordan: @jordanharper\_np Follow Ashley: @ashleybuckler\_ Follow IN IT: @in.it.podcast