We often think that burnout is a result of workload, screens, or lack of sleep. And yes, these do play a role. But in my two decades of mentoring women—and within different organisations—I’ve witnessed something deeper:Burnout is not from doing too much. It’s from doing too little of what you love.
Too little of what you care about.
Too little of your dharma.I’ve seen people work seven days a week and not burn out—because they’re fuelled by something deeper.
When we work for something greater than ourselves, we tap into a power beyond human capacity.My mentor, the wisdom keeper Malidoma Somé, once said:“If you are unsure about your path, wake up each morning and say: ‘Here I am. I know nothing, but at least I’m showing up.’
Showing up with all your inabilities qualifies you to be hired by the spirit to do the impossible.”So if you feel unready, imperfect, or uncertain, know that it is precisely your humility, your honesty, and your willingness to step into truth that make you capable of bringing change you once thought impossible.In Ayurveda, burnout is often rooted in Pitta imbalance—too much heat, too much intensity, too much striving.
Fire, in Ayurveda, is the element of transformation. It is fire that digests our food, sharpens our minds, and fuels our vision.
But left unchecked, fire destroys. It weakens our metabolism, depletes and makes us bitter, but when it’s honoured—fed well, given rest, and directed with clarity and wisdom—it becomes the fire of focused action, of creativity, and transformation.A quick self-check:• Do you wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep?
• Have you lost joy in things that used to inspire you?
• Do you feel scattered, irritable, or stuck in perfectionism?
• Are you craving clarity and momentum, but don’t know where to begin?If yes, try repeating Malidoma’s mantra every day for 30 days. Journal your reflections, and you may begin to notice clarity unfolding in your dreams, your writing, your meditations, and the ‘coincidences’ that show up along the way.In the meantime, here are some gentle ways to begin tending your inner fire:Lifestyle tips:
– Wake early, before sunrise if possible, and begin your day slowly
– Avoid skipping meals; eat at regular times to stabilise Agni
– Take short breaks between tasks to prevent overheating and frustration
– Practise gentle movement like slow yoga or walking in nature
– Create boundaries with screen time, especially after 9pmFood to soothe burnout and support clarity:
– Favour cooling, nourishing foods: basmati rice, steamed greens, sweet fruits, coconut, fennel, mint
– Minimise stimulants like coffee, spicy food, alcohol, and fried snacks
– Drink warm herbal teas—try rose, chamomile, or coriander
– Use ghee or coconut oil in cooking to calm the fire without dulling digestion
– Eat mindfully, without distraction, and stop just before you feel fullAnd consider supporting your system with adaptogens.
I often recommend our adaptogen blend REGENERATE MIX—a simple yet powerful mix of ashwagandha, tulsi, and ginger.
It helps calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and soothe an agitated mind.
You can take it in warm water in the morning or early afternoon, especially during times of transition or emotional fatigue. You can order our organic REGENERATE MIX here (LINK)These are small but powerful steps that begin to cool the system, settle the mind, and make space for clarity to return.I would love to walk with you on the path, however foggy or unfamiliar it feels.
Together, we will study your physical and mental constitution.
We’ll create a clear, step by step plan for your food, lifestyle, and inner work to strengthen both your nervous system and your vision.Even success can feel overwhelming to a mind that’s been trained for survival.
But with the right support, it can become something your whole system learns to welcome. |
Ways you can stay centred while being triggered
