038: Stress, Burnout, and Reclaiming Wellness with Avery Thatcher

Evolve: A New Era of Leadership

In this podcast episode, we delve into Avery's remarkable journey from a dedicated ICU Registered Nurse to a passionate advocate for stress prevention and holistic well-being.

Early in her career, Avery observed a disconcerting trend among her patients, one that would ultimately shape her mission. Many of them found themselves in the intensive care unit due to illnesses and diseases rooted in chronic stress. This revelation became a turning point, inspiring Avery to transition from reactive healthcare to proactive stress management.

And in case you’ve guessed it – we’re talking about burnout!

Avery opens up about her personal battle with burnout, a defining chapter in her life's narrative. Using a compelling 'Tiger' example, she vividly illustrates the profound impact of stress on our lives.

We explore how Avery's journey led her to recognize the pervasive effects of stress on adults, often resulting in severe health consequences. She shares her own health challenges, which served as a powerful wake-up call and catalyst for change.

Avery's transformative journey takes an unexpected turn when she decides to change her name, a symbolic act representing her reconnection with herself and her commitment to a new way of life. We delve into the complex world of high achievement and the pursuit of true fulfillment.

Discover the concept of working in the elusive 'flow state' and how it can enhance productivity and well-being. Avery also guides us through the process of rediscovering our priorities in life and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance among the various aspects of our existence.

Avery's unique perspective on the four different energy tanks sheds light on the interconnected nature of our well-being. Learn valuable strategies for harmonizing these essential 'buckets' in your life and setting effective boundaries.

Join the conversation about how capitalism contributes to widespread burnout in our society, and explore the power of creating a 'release practice' to alleviate stress and promote holistic wellness.

As we near the end of this compelling episode, we delve into the pressures of achievement and consumption in our modern world. The journey concludes with a rapid-fire round of questions that provide further insights into Avery's perspective and experiences.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [2:50] Defining burnout and how it shaped her life journey

• [4:40] The ‘Tiger’ example

• [6:50] Noticing the effects of stress and how adults find themselves sick because of it

• [9:45] Experiencing her own health concerns

• [11:30] Changing her name and reconnecting with herself with a new life

• [17:50] Defining high achievement and finding fulfillment

• [25:10] Working in the ‘flow state’

• [32:15] Rediscovering what your priorities are

• [34:30] Four different energy tanks

• [35:55] Learning to balance our ‘buckets’

• [38:35] Setting strict and effective boundaries

• [45:30] How capitalism contributes to our burnout

• [48:15] Creating a ‘release practice’

• [51:15] The pressure to achieve and consume

• [55:40] Rapid fire questions

Connect with Avery

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerstillnessouterchaos/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingavery/

• https://becomingavery.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [e-mail]