In the world of sports, athletes build recovery into their schedules because it is an essential part of their job. They don’t consider it a “nice-to-have” or something they might possibly get to if they have time. They make time for recovery because they know they cannot perform without it. Yet, the reality for many high-performing professionals is that despite recognizing the need for rest, they continue to push through anyway.

Does this way of thinking sound familiar to you?

When we put these conditions on when we will take care of ourselves, we miss opportunities to support our well-being in the present. We need to find ways to be well now, not just later. Being aware of how we are feeling on a routine basis is critical to preventing burnout and can help us determine what we need most. Try asking yourself: What are the warning signs signaling to you that your tank is running on empty?

Burnout is a state of extreme exhaustion on a physical, emotional, and cognitive level. It is the result of prolonged exposure to stressors with no active recovery or release. The solution is not necessarily to eliminate our stressors altogether; we just need to learn to work with what we have. It requires an active effort on our part to prioritize and integrate self-care practices into our days as successful, high-performing professionals. Active recovery and wellness practices serve not only to prevent burnout but also to cultivate our........

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