Find Your Footing When "Handling It All" Feels Impossible
That feeling of being stretched thin... like you’re pulled in a dozen different directions at once. You try to take a deep breath and find a moment to relax, but the buzzing notifications remind you there’s no pause button. You glance at the clock and realize your lunch break vanished under back-to-back meetings. Just as you’re about to leave work, your phone rings, pulling you back to unfinished tasks. Meanwhile, the mental checklist of family needs keeps growing longer by the minute. If you’re a busy professional, this probably sounds all too familiar. You’re the one who keeps things running, the person everyone counts on. But lately, it feels like even you are starting to run low.
If that sounds like where you’re at right now, consider this a gentle reminder that you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep pushing forward without support.
Life in Overdrive
For many high-achieving professionals, life can feel like an endless treadmill that just keeps picking up speed. You thrive on responsibility. You take pride in solving problems and supporting others. But over time, that drive can become a constant chase that leaves you feeling like you're always behind, no matter how much you check off your list.
It’s like pouring effort, time, and energy into a bottomless cup. You give so much, yet never feel fully recharged.
The Subtle Erosion of Self
When demands pile up, the first thing we often let go of is ourselves. The quiet moments that once gave you peace, like curling up with a good book or enjoying the stillness of the Iowa countryside, become rare. You tell yourself, “I’ll get to it later,” but later keeps slipping away while you're answering one more email at 11 PM or finishing a task that should have waited.
It’s more than missing a yoga class or skipping a walk. The effects creep into your energy, your mood, and your sense of self. It’s like a slow leak in a tire. At first, it's barely noticeable. But over time, the pressure drops, and moving forward gets harder.
The Tangible Toll
You probably already know how burnout affects your focus and creativity. Deadlines start to feel heavier. Motivation fades. That spark that used to drive you feels like it’s flickering. But burnout goes deeper than just productivity.
You might find yourself more irritable. Snapping at your loved ones. Feeling a constant undercurrent of anxiety that follows you from your desk to your dinner table. Your body starts to carry the weight too. Maybe sleep gets harder. You lie awake with your mind racing or wake up feeling just as exhausted as when you went to bed. You notice headaches, stomach issues, or a tightness in your chest that no amount of caffeine can fix.
And then there are your relationships. The people you care about most feel the distance. You’re present, but not fully there. Whether it's a quiet night with your partner, a school event with family, or a weekend catch-up with friends, something feels off. You’re showing up, but you’re not able to give your whole self. Not because you don’t care, but because you are running on empty.
Small Steps Back to Solid Ground
So, where do you begin? The good news is, you don’t need a total life overhaul. Big transformations grow out of little actions. Picture it like finding a solid rock beneath your feet during a hike. You don’t need to scale the whole mountain at once. You just need one steady step.
Try the power of ten minutes.
It might sound too simple, but start by carving out ten minutes that belong only to you. Not for multitasking. Not for squeezing in another chore. Just ten minutes to breathe, stretch, walk outside, or sit in stillness. Let your mind pause. Let your body reset. These moments, though small, can create the space you’ve been missing.Practice clear communication.
You don’t have to carry everything in silence. Start saying what you need. Let your partner know when you’re overwhelmed. Tell a coworker you don’t have the bandwidth for an extra project. Share with your child that you need a moment before jumping into another task. Being honest about your capacity opens the door to support, connection, and shared understanding.Learn to say “not now.”
This one can be tough, especially for high-achievers who are used to being the go-to person. But saying “not now” doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down. It means you’re protecting your time and your energy. Not every request needs an immediate yes. Not every opportunity needs to be grabbed. Boundaries create the space you need to care for yourself, so you can continue showing up in ways that matter.
Reaching Out When the Weight Feels Too Heavy
There will be days when even those small steps feel like wading through thick mud. When the weight of everything feels too much. In those moments, reaching out for help is not weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It means you’ve been strong for a long time and it’s okay to lean on someone else.
Therapy can be that space for you to finally take a deep breath. A space to explore what’s beneath the stress, reconnect with yourself, and rebuild in a way that’s more sustainable.
It’s Time to Put Yourself Back on the List
You, the one who holds it all together, deserve time, care, and support too. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. The small steps above are a starting point, but if you’re ready for deeper support, I’m here to walk that path with you.
