Joy as Resistance: Why We Need Joy in Burnout Recovery
[Photo credit: Chris Abatzis]
In the midst of burnout, it can feel like joy is the first thing to go—and the last thing we think we deserve. But joy isn’t a reward for healing; it’s part of the healing itself. In a world that constantly demands more, choosing joy becomes a radical act. It’s a way of saying, I am more than what I produce. I deserve to feel alive, even when the world is on fire.
This piece explores how joy not only sustains us in our burnout recovery, but actively resists the systems that benefit from our exhaustion. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, laughing with a friend, or finding softness in silence—joy is proof that hope is still here. And that’s worth holding onto.
My Mental Health Survival Kit: Tools for Navigating Crisis Moments
[Photo credit: Chris Abatzis]
When anxiety, panic, or deep sadness strikes, it can feel like your whole world collapses. Time distorts, the future feels impossible, and your thoughts spiral fast. In those moments, I return to one grounding truth: Just focus on the next minute.
You don’t need to fix everything right now. You just need to breathe, ground yourself, and take it one step at a time.
This is my personal first aid kit for mental health emergencies—strategies I use when my mind is in a tailspin:
Focus on one minute at a time
Use breathwork to calm your nervous system
Try a guided meditation for anxiety relief
Do one soothing thing in the next five minutes
Seek comfort—without guilt
Connect with a pet or calming video
Use grounding techniques to stay present
Not every moment will feel good. That’s okay. You don’t have to feel good to keep going—you just have to take the next breath. And then the next. One minute at a time.