We live in a culture that glorifies productivity — one more task, one more hour, one more thing checked off the list. The belief is: if I just keep going, eventually I’ll feel better, caught up, worthy, or in control. But what happens when pushing forward becomes our default setting — and our body, mind, and spirit are waving red flags?
The truth is, overworking doesn’t just exhaust us. It disconnects us.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, constantly driving ourselves without adequate rest depletes our Qi (vital energy) and weakens key organ systems, especially the Spleen (responsible for nourishment and groundedness) and the Kidneys (our deep energy reserves and stress resilience). This can manifest as fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, poor digestion, sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, or emotional numbness.
And perhaps even more quietly — it disconnects us from joy, creativity, and presence.
We begin to live in survival mode, not in rhythm with ourselves.
The Illusion of Momentum
Pushing through can feel productive in the moment. But over time, it creates a cycle of depletion that’s hard to crawl out of. We override our body's whispers — the tiredness, the ache, the craving for quiet — until they become shouts. Sometimes in the form of burnout. Sometimes illness. Sometimes just a deep sense that we’ve lost ourselves.
You Are Not Lazy for Needing Rest
Rest isn't weakness. Slowing down isn't failure. In fact, it's often the bravest thing we can do in a world that encourages burnout as a badge of honour. Rest allows the nervous system to regulate. It supports digestion, hormone balance, clarity, and intuition. It is in stillness that we return to ourselves.
Herbs + Supplements to Support Recovery from Burnout
When you're ready to stop pushing and start nourishing, the body may need a little extra help. Here are a few of my favourite supports for stress recovery and nervous system balance:
Magnesium (Glycinate or Topical)
Essential for calming the nervous system, easing muscle tension, and supporting deep sleep. Magnesium is often depleted during chronic stress — topical versions (like sprays or creams from Soul Lux Collective) are especially soothing and fast-absorbing.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
A gentle adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol, reduce anxiety, and support energy without stimulation. Ideal if you’re feeling wired and tired.
Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
In TCM, this herb nourishes Yin and replenishes the Kidneys — excellent for deep fatigue, adrenal depletion, or feeling “burned out from the inside.”
Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
Soothes the digestive system, supports adrenal function, and helps harmonize other herbs. Often included in formulas for exhaustion and stress-related inflammation.
B-Complex Vitamins
Burnout eats through your B vitamins — especially B5 and B6, which are critical for energy metabolism, hormone regulation, and mood support. A high-quality B-complex can help restore depleted reserves.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
A sweet, calming herb that supports mood, digestion, and nervous tension. Try it as a tea in the afternoon or before bed to unwind.
Always check with a qualified practitioner to make sure these supplements are right for your body, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
A Gentle Reframe
Instead of asking: How can I get through this?
Try: What would feel supportive right now?
Instead of: I’ll rest when it’s done.
Try: Can I pause now so I can continue sustainably later?
You don’t have to earn your rest.
You’re allowed to soften before you shatter.
And sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is to stop, breathe, and come home to yourself.
