The 5 stages of burnout are very familiar to me. I've been there, and even when I thought I had learnt my lessons, narrowly swerved burning out again. As a mum, especially a mum with a business, I'm sure at least a few of the stages are familiar to you too.

My guest on this week's episode is Dr Claire Ashely, aka The Burnout Doctor. Claire was a highly successful doctor, used to pretty extreme levels of stress. And then with 2 small kids, a house renovation and a difficult work environment, she burnt out.

Claire is now fully recovered and shares the signs, symptoms and means to recovery to help us intervene and swerve burnout before it's too late. Most of all - you will get through it.

Takeaways:

• Dr Claire's experience of burnout - it can completely change your identity

• Work is the catalyst for burnout, but it's not just a workplace issue, it affects every area of life

• Asking for help is key - the earlier the better 

• Burnout is isolating, you need support networks

• The 5 stages of burnout 

• Burnout changes the structure and function of your brain

• Self compassion and time are key in recovery

• Attachment theory - you are meeting your kids' needs

• Recovery isn't a linear process

• The interplay between neurodiversity and burnout, especially for women

• 3 factors in recovery for mums and entrepreneurs

Resources:

The Burnout Doctor BOOK: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-burnout-doctor-a-practical-guide-to-understanding-your-symptoms-and-recovery-dr-claire-ashley/7680922?ean=9781399412803

Chapters:

01:00 Introduction to Burnout and Personal Journeys
02:56 Claire's Journey Through Burnout
06:49 Understanding the Stages of Burnout
17:56 Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
27:36 The Importance of Community and Support
32:20 Recovery and Self-Compassion
34:56 Navigating Parenting Challenges
39:24 The Journey of Recovery
46:56 Understanding Neurodiversity and Burnout
52:39 Realistic Recovery Strategies for Busy Moms
55:51 Finding Joy After Burnout

Links:

Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/

About Dr. Claire Ashley

Dr. Claire Ashley is a GP, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, content creator, author of The Burnout Doctor, and mum of two. Claire's work is shaping how we think about burnout, especially for those of us balancing motherhood, business, and burnout recovery. With over 20 years of clinical experience and a powerful personal journey through anxiety and burnout, she now dedicates her career to helping others understand, prevent and recover from burnout. 

Dr. Claire Ashley's Links:

Website: https://www.drclaireashley.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drclaireashley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drclaireashley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drclaireashley/

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/