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The Trauma of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You
Break the cycle of anxiety, trauma, and burnout with the help of this informative tool book, written by a professional trauma therapist and clinical psychologist.
Our human nervous system has the power to cope with high stress, but not when it's been ground down by the relentless stimuli of today’s world. Over time, these persistent demands leave us burnt out because our nervous system is stuck in survival mode, making it hard to make decisions, rest, solve problems, be mindful, and set boundaries. We slip into autopilot, making us prone to mistakes, and toxic behaviors that impact professional and personal relationships.
The Trauma of Burnout will help you avoid these vicious cycles by teaching you:
- Why stress is different from burnout
- How burnout stifles your ability to think clearly
- Why you cannot ‘think’ your way out of it
- Cultural beliefs and psychological patterns that cause burnout
- How to soothe your nervous system back to full capacity using techniques and compassion.
By the end of this book, you will have tools to thrive amidst the challenges of modern life through positive interactions and relationships.
Our human nervous system has the power to cope with high stress, but not when it's been ground down by the relentless stimuli of today’s world. Over time, these persistent demands leave us burnt out because our nervous system is stuck in survival mode, making it hard to make decisions, rest, solve problems, be mindful, and set boundaries. We slip into autopilot, making us prone to mistakes, and toxic behaviors that impact professional and personal relationships.
The Trauma of Burnout will help you avoid these vicious cycles by teaching you:
- Why stress is different from burnout
- How burnout stifles your ability to think clearly
- Why you cannot ‘think’ your way out of it
- Cultural beliefs and psychological patterns that cause burnout
- How to soothe your nervous system back to full capacity using techniques and compassion.
By the end of this book, you will have tools to thrive amidst the challenges of modern life through positive interactions and relationships.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2025
106 people are currently reading
5350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 13, 2025
I'm a UK based Clinical Psychologist specialising in Autistic Burnout. I was asked for my opinion on Dr Plumbly's book and whether it would be suitable for Autistic people.
Dr Plumbly is talking about burnout in broader terms than Autistic Burnout or Occupational Burnout (currently the only type of burnout you can be diagnosed with in the UK). She suggests that Occupational burnout as a concept invalidates all the different types of work including unpaid work (e.g. as a carer, parent, student etc.) a person can do.
Burnout is a concept that many people can relate to, and if they are left in this state there can be serious implications for their health.
Dr Plumbly explains how people end up in burnout, and what they can do about it.
Dr Plumbly mainly draws on Polyvagal theory, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she has a background in working with trauma so the book is trauma informed throughout.
This book is absolutely jam-packed with useful ways of understanding burnout. I particularly enjoyed the detailed section on Polyvagal Theory, so it would be excellent for anyone wanting to know more about this theory and how they can apply it to their recovery.
Dr Plumbly does an excellent job of explaining burnout, why it happens and then gives you some very practical strategies for recovery.
While this book is not about Autistic Burnout, Dr Plumbly does not ignore the impact of neurodivergence on a persons risk for developing burnout.
I think Polyvagal Theory is useful to think about, and fits in really nicely with Compassion Focused Therapy without requiring you to have extensive access to your emotions which makes it ideal for Autistic people who are more likely to experience Alexithymia.
Most of the strategies are quite practical and concrete, and there are enough of them that you can ignore the ones that don't suit you.
As always I would encourage you to approach any intervention, strategy or technique as an experiment. Does it make you feel better or worse? This book has been written for people of all neurotypes, so naturally, not all of them will suit everyone.
I really liked Dr Plumbly's explanation of polyvagal theory and I think this complements and deepens the understanding of some of the underlying processes in Autistic Burnout. The polyvagal exercises could easily be added to daily routines to help keep you regulated and manage stress.
Because this book is for all neurotypes it looks at our culture and how endemic burnout, and the conditions that create and perpetuate it are from a broader context than books or courses specifically on Autistic Burnout.
In conclusion, this book offers a refreshingly thorough and compassionate understanding of burnout, for everyone regardless of their neurotype. Dr Plumbly explains complex ideas in an engaging and easy to understand way and presents lots of practical strategies for helping you to recover from and avoid burnout in the future.
Dr Plumbly is talking about burnout in broader terms than Autistic Burnout or Occupational Burnout (currently the only type of burnout you can be diagnosed with in the UK). She suggests that Occupational burnout as a concept invalidates all the different types of work including unpaid work (e.g. as a carer, parent, student etc.) a person can do.
Burnout is a concept that many people can relate to, and if they are left in this state there can be serious implications for their health.
Dr Plumbly explains how people end up in burnout, and what they can do about it.
Dr Plumbly mainly draws on Polyvagal theory, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she has a background in working with trauma so the book is trauma informed throughout.
This book is absolutely jam-packed with useful ways of understanding burnout. I particularly enjoyed the detailed section on Polyvagal Theory, so it would be excellent for anyone wanting to know more about this theory and how they can apply it to their recovery.
Dr Plumbly does an excellent job of explaining burnout, why it happens and then gives you some very practical strategies for recovery.
While this book is not about Autistic Burnout, Dr Plumbly does not ignore the impact of neurodivergence on a persons risk for developing burnout.
I think Polyvagal Theory is useful to think about, and fits in really nicely with Compassion Focused Therapy without requiring you to have extensive access to your emotions which makes it ideal for Autistic people who are more likely to experience Alexithymia.
Most of the strategies are quite practical and concrete, and there are enough of them that you can ignore the ones that don't suit you.
As always I would encourage you to approach any intervention, strategy or technique as an experiment. Does it make you feel better or worse? This book has been written for people of all neurotypes, so naturally, not all of them will suit everyone.
I really liked Dr Plumbly's explanation of polyvagal theory and I think this complements and deepens the understanding of some of the underlying processes in Autistic Burnout. The polyvagal exercises could easily be added to daily routines to help keep you regulated and manage stress.
Because this book is for all neurotypes it looks at our culture and how endemic burnout, and the conditions that create and perpetuate it are from a broader context than books or courses specifically on Autistic Burnout.
In conclusion, this book offers a refreshingly thorough and compassionate understanding of burnout, for everyone regardless of their neurotype. Dr Plumbly explains complex ideas in an engaging and easy to understand way and presents lots of practical strategies for helping you to recover from and avoid burnout in the future.
March 6, 2025
Dr. Claire Plumbly's who writes The Trauma of Burnout offers readers an in-depth understanding of burnout, how it affects the nervous system, and practical ways to recover. The book is rooted in psychological research, aiming to help readers break free from survival mode and restore balance in their lives.
Readers will understanding between Burnout vs. Stress. Its explains the difference between normal stress and burnout and why traditional stress-management techniques may not work for burnout.
Burnout can affects us when we shows the hints of how burnout is; impairs thinking, decision-making, emotional regulation, and creativity. It is describes on how we disconnects people from relationships and activities we once enjoyed.
In this book, we will get practical tools for recovery. It is includes the techniques to regulate the nervous system and move out of survival mode. Other than that, it is offers self-compassion strategies and methods to restore energy, motivation, and resilience.
By the end of the book, readers will have concrete strategies to prevent and recover from burnout, improving their mental health, work-life balance, and relationships.
Readers will understanding between Burnout vs. Stress. Its explains the difference between normal stress and burnout and why traditional stress-management techniques may not work for burnout.
Burnout can affects us when we shows the hints of how burnout is; impairs thinking, decision-making, emotional regulation, and creativity. It is describes on how we disconnects people from relationships and activities we once enjoyed.
In this book, we will get practical tools for recovery. It is includes the techniques to regulate the nervous system and move out of survival mode. Other than that, it is offers self-compassion strategies and methods to restore energy, motivation, and resilience.
By the end of the book, readers will have concrete strategies to prevent and recover from burnout, improving their mental health, work-life balance, and relationships.
April 1, 2025
As a trauma therapist—and someone who has personally walked through the fire of burnout—this book resonated deeply with me. The Trauma of Burnout is not just another self-help book telling overwhelmed women to take a bubble bath and try harder. It’s a powerful, validating, and deeply insightful look at what burnout really is: trauma.
So often, especially for women, burnout gets framed in a condescending way—like we just couldn’t handle the pressure or weren’t strong enough. But this book flips that narrative. It walks readers through the science of the nervous system, showing how chronic stress and trauma wear us down over time. It explains why burnout isn't a character flaw, but a physiological and emotional response to long-term survival mode.
What I appreciate most is how the author blends education, compassion, and practical strategies. This isn’t about pushing through—it’s about healing, understanding your limits, and learning how to regulate your nervous system before it crashes.
I recommend this book often to my clients. It's an essential read for anyone navigating burnout, especially those who’ve been taught to minimize their own needs. Thank you to the author for creating a resource that speaks truth with clarity and care.
So often, especially for women, burnout gets framed in a condescending way—like we just couldn’t handle the pressure or weren’t strong enough. But this book flips that narrative. It walks readers through the science of the nervous system, showing how chronic stress and trauma wear us down over time. It explains why burnout isn't a character flaw, but a physiological and emotional response to long-term survival mode.
What I appreciate most is how the author blends education, compassion, and practical strategies. This isn’t about pushing through—it’s about healing, understanding your limits, and learning how to regulate your nervous system before it crashes.
I recommend this book often to my clients. It's an essential read for anyone navigating burnout, especially those who’ve been taught to minimize their own needs. Thank you to the author for creating a resource that speaks truth with clarity and care.
April 1, 2025
This book explores modern work life balance and it’s impact on the nervous system. It is a good deep dive into stress and how the modern world keeps the body on high alert for extended periods of time.
A lot of modern work revolves around chronic stress rather than acute stress which results in harmful effects on the mind and body. Chronic stress affects the ability to think clearly, leads to impulsive decisions and can temporarily lower IQ. Chronic stress can also lead to panic disorders , anxiety disorders, and more.
Overall very practical book that explains the brain, how it reacts to modern life demands, and solutions to overcome these obstacles. My biggest takeaway is that in a culture that praises over working, it’s important to take breaks .
Quotes I liked:
“modern life has interrupted our methods of resetting our nervous systems, too, by disconnecting from each other and our environments.”
“the phrase “self-care” has an image problem; it is often thought of as a luxury that people in the real world have no time for…. self-care is about basic body, brain, and life maintenance. It is the small, regular habits that help you create a life that you don’t regularly want to escape from.”
“Self-compassion improves our ability to regulate our nervous systems and therefore to cope with stress.”
A lot of modern work revolves around chronic stress rather than acute stress which results in harmful effects on the mind and body. Chronic stress affects the ability to think clearly, leads to impulsive decisions and can temporarily lower IQ. Chronic stress can also lead to panic disorders , anxiety disorders, and more.
Overall very practical book that explains the brain, how it reacts to modern life demands, and solutions to overcome these obstacles. My biggest takeaway is that in a culture that praises over working, it’s important to take breaks .
Quotes I liked:
“modern life has interrupted our methods of resetting our nervous systems, too, by disconnecting from each other and our environments.”
“the phrase “self-care” has an image problem; it is often thought of as a luxury that people in the real world have no time for…. self-care is about basic body, brain, and life maintenance. It is the small, regular habits that help you create a life that you don’t regularly want to escape from.”
“Self-compassion improves our ability to regulate our nervous systems and therefore to cope with stress.”
October 18, 2025
I feel seen
October 27, 2024
If you are feeling exhausted, overworked and stressed, you should read this book! It discusses the signs and different stages of burnout and even suggests self-assessments you can take to explore your individual situation.
I appreciated that the author explores the mind and body connection by outlining the physical and psychological issues as well as the internal and external pressures that impact people’s well being and stress levels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. I highlighted so many lines on my kindle to refer back to in continuing my journey to destress.
I appreciated that the author explores the mind and body connection by outlining the physical and psychological issues as well as the internal and external pressures that impact people’s well being and stress levels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. I highlighted so many lines on my kindle to refer back to in continuing my journey to destress.
September 7, 2025
This book was super helpful for me and I am considering to own it. Even while half listening while mildly distracted I was able to takeaway many helpful memorable factors. I especially loved watching for subtle happy moments called glimmers so you become aware of them ❤️ highly recommend even to those that need to be reminded of key factors to prevent a burnout.
September 27, 2025
A great read overall. While I was already familiar with most of the strategies discussed, it was still helpful to review them. I also learned a lot about burnout—especially its true definition—which was eye-opening. It's definitely useful information to be aware of!
February 7, 2025
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It hit really, really close to home. I resonated with many of the ideas in this book. And really loved the ways to address burnout. I definitely feel like I need to reread it at a very slow pace so that I can absorb all the information a lot better. I want to journal through all the great concepts that were presented.
I was gifted an ARC from Net Galley but all opinions expressed are my own.
I was gifted an ARC from Net Galley but all opinions expressed are my own.
May 30, 2025
This book was well written, insightful and practical in understanding and working through burnout. So often self help books are surface level. This book went deep into understanding and treating burnout at the roots. Highly recommend as both as supplement to therapy or when therapy is too much to add to one’s plate.
August 5, 2025
I loved this book, the author did a fantastic job explaining the difference and how burnout effects the body and mind. she talked about work life balance and the stresses that come with burnout.
I will definitely be rereading this book and using some of the methods discussed.
I will definitely be rereading this book and using some of the methods discussed.
September 22, 2025
Good audio book.
March 5, 2025
‘Because this is often a creeping process, the level of stress can be tricky to pin down and quantify. We don't wake up one morning to find ourselves in burnout—it is a gradual experience which is another reason why it's so hard to spot.’
This book is an essential read that I believe every organizational leader and head should pick up. It is straightforward and easy to understand, effectively guiding readers through the complex topic of burnout, its causes, and practical strategies to overcome it.
The book is divided into four parts. The first part explains what burnout is, the different types, and includes a brief yet insightful introduction to the neuroscience behind it. I learned that there are three primary types of burnout: frenetic, under-challenged, and worn-out. As someone working in healthcare, I was particularly drawn to the section on compassion fatigue, which is something I am both familiar with and have experienced personally. As I read through this section, I felt seen and validated in a way that was both comforting and enlightening.
The second part delves into what perpetuates burnout and why we often get stuck in it. Here, the author offers some practical tips and strategies. She highlights how our protective, yet ultimately unhelpful strategies—such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance of strong emotions—are major contributors to burnout. This section provides not only insight into the cycle of burnout but also actionable steps to begin addressing it.
In the third part, the author explores various methods to overcome burnout. This section stood out to me as especially helpful, as it presents strategies I’m eager to try and integrate into my own practice. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of real-life examples from the author's own clinical practice, which helped make the information feel more relatable and grounded in reality. Additionally, the author expands the conversation to include social factors such as colonialism, oppression, gender inequalities, and racism, all of which contribute to burnout in unique ways. This broader perspective adds depth to the discussion and encourages readers to think beyond individual coping mechanisms.
The final part of the book focuses on post-burnout growth. It summarizes the key points discussed throughout the book while offering valuable insights for navigating life after experiencing burnout. The author also provides a wealth of additional resources and support for further reading and professional help, ensuring that readers have the tools to continue their recovery journey.
Overall, I found this book to be clear, concise,
and incredibly valuable. It’s not just for those experiencing burnout but for anyone seeking to understand the phenomenon and support others who may be struggling. I highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership positions, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking practical guidance on preventing and recovering from burnout.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
This book is an essential read that I believe every organizational leader and head should pick up. It is straightforward and easy to understand, effectively guiding readers through the complex topic of burnout, its causes, and practical strategies to overcome it.
The book is divided into four parts. The first part explains what burnout is, the different types, and includes a brief yet insightful introduction to the neuroscience behind it. I learned that there are three primary types of burnout: frenetic, under-challenged, and worn-out. As someone working in healthcare, I was particularly drawn to the section on compassion fatigue, which is something I am both familiar with and have experienced personally. As I read through this section, I felt seen and validated in a way that was both comforting and enlightening.
The second part delves into what perpetuates burnout and why we often get stuck in it. Here, the author offers some practical tips and strategies. She highlights how our protective, yet ultimately unhelpful strategies—such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance of strong emotions—are major contributors to burnout. This section provides not only insight into the cycle of burnout but also actionable steps to begin addressing it.
In the third part, the author explores various methods to overcome burnout. This section stood out to me as especially helpful, as it presents strategies I’m eager to try and integrate into my own practice. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of real-life examples from the author's own clinical practice, which helped make the information feel more relatable and grounded in reality. Additionally, the author expands the conversation to include social factors such as colonialism, oppression, gender inequalities, and racism, all of which contribute to burnout in unique ways. This broader perspective adds depth to the discussion and encourages readers to think beyond individual coping mechanisms.
The final part of the book focuses on post-burnout growth. It summarizes the key points discussed throughout the book while offering valuable insights for navigating life after experiencing burnout. The author also provides a wealth of additional resources and support for further reading and professional help, ensuring that readers have the tools to continue their recovery journey.
Overall, I found this book to be clear, concise,
and incredibly valuable. It’s not just for those experiencing burnout but for anyone seeking to understand the phenomenon and support others who may be struggling. I highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership positions, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking practical guidance on preventing and recovering from burnout.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
July 18, 2025
Beban kerja yang terus meningkat, tekanan dari berbagai aspek kehidupan, serta tuntutan untuk selalu produktif dapat mengarah pada kondisi yang sangat berbahaya: burnout. Kondisi ini, yang sering kali diabaikan, mempengaruhi keseimbangan fisik dan mental seseorang, sehingga dapat merusak kualitas hidup.
Dalam buku ini, dibahas dengan mendalam bagaimana sistem saraf kita bekerja, dan mengapa penting untuk mengenali tanda-tanda stres yang berlebihan sebelum terlambat. Menggunakan pendekatan berbasis ilmu saraf, penulis memberikan wawasan tentang bagaimana cara kita bisa mengelola tekanan hidup yang terus meningkat, serta menjaga keseimbangan tubuh dan pikiran. Buku ini juga menawarkan teknik praktis yang bisa digunakan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari untuk mencegah dan mengatasi burnout, serta meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan mental.
Dari perawatan diri hingga pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang sistem saraf, pembaca akan dibimbing untuk mengambil kontrol atas kesejahteraan mereka sendiri. Dengan gaya yang mudah dipahami, buku ini cocok untuk para profesional yang bekerja di bidang yang penuh tekanan, pekerja dengan jam kerja panjang, serta siapa saja yang merasa lelah dengan tuntutan kehidupan modern. Para pembaca yang ingin lebih memahami kondisi stres kronis dan cara-cara menghadapinya akan mendapatkan manfaat besar dari buku ini. Dilengkapi dengan saran dan alat yang bisa langsung diterapkan, buku ini menjadi panduan penting untuk kehidupan yang lebih sehat dan terkelola.
https://blog.periplus.com/2025/07/07/...
Keywords: Personal Growth, Burnout, Trauma, Nervous System, Stress, Chronic Stress, Co-regulation, Emotional Health, Physiological Health, Well-being, Self-care, Compassion, Healing, Resilience, Mental Health, Work-life Balance, Stress Management, Coping Mechanisms, Self-regulation, Emotional Regulation, Psychology
Dalam buku ini, dibahas dengan mendalam bagaimana sistem saraf kita bekerja, dan mengapa penting untuk mengenali tanda-tanda stres yang berlebihan sebelum terlambat. Menggunakan pendekatan berbasis ilmu saraf, penulis memberikan wawasan tentang bagaimana cara kita bisa mengelola tekanan hidup yang terus meningkat, serta menjaga keseimbangan tubuh dan pikiran. Buku ini juga menawarkan teknik praktis yang bisa digunakan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari untuk mencegah dan mengatasi burnout, serta meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan mental.
Dari perawatan diri hingga pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang sistem saraf, pembaca akan dibimbing untuk mengambil kontrol atas kesejahteraan mereka sendiri. Dengan gaya yang mudah dipahami, buku ini cocok untuk para profesional yang bekerja di bidang yang penuh tekanan, pekerja dengan jam kerja panjang, serta siapa saja yang merasa lelah dengan tuntutan kehidupan modern. Para pembaca yang ingin lebih memahami kondisi stres kronis dan cara-cara menghadapinya akan mendapatkan manfaat besar dari buku ini. Dilengkapi dengan saran dan alat yang bisa langsung diterapkan, buku ini menjadi panduan penting untuk kehidupan yang lebih sehat dan terkelola.
https://blog.periplus.com/2025/07/07/...
Keywords: Personal Growth, Burnout, Trauma, Nervous System, Stress, Chronic Stress, Co-regulation, Emotional Health, Physiological Health, Well-being, Self-care, Compassion, Healing, Resilience, Mental Health, Work-life Balance, Stress Management, Coping Mechanisms, Self-regulation, Emotional Regulation, Psychology
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am very much a type A, perfectionist, organized, &structured people pleaser. When I was burnout out I was on autopilot. I kept telling myself I just had to make it through the next day of work. I was in survival mode. I couldn’t learn anything new, pick up a new skill, or watch new shows because I couldn’t take in any new information. I felt I had to be “on” at all times which was so draining for the introvert that I am.
* I started going to therapy a few years ago due to being EXTREMELY burnout at work. The info in this book was great! My therapist gave me a lot of the tools, information, &resources that were in this book so it was great seeing the techniques are universally used.
* I feel like there are a lot of other moving parts to burnout that you have to deal with at the same time like boundaries &expectations but the book doesn’t go into those types of details. That’s where I think seeing a therapist is extremely helpful. I knew I was burnout, I just couldn’t seem to find a way to say no to anything.
* I was gifted the book but also listened to the audiobook. The narration was well done. Sometimes nonfiction can be monotone &boring but that wasn’t the case here. She did a good job keeping the story alive.
* If you don’t want to see a therapist but are feeling burnt out, I’d recommend you pick up this book.
I’d like to thank Grand Central Publishing &Balance for the gifted advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
* Stress
* Burnout
* Societal expectations
* Nervous system reset
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
* This book teaches you why stress is different from burnout, how burnout alters your thinking processes, the causes of burnout, &tools to get your nervous system back to rest.
* I started going to therapy a few years ago due to being EXTREMELY burnout at work. The info in this book was great! My therapist gave me a lot of the tools, information, &resources that were in this book so it was great seeing the techniques are universally used.
* I feel like there are a lot of other moving parts to burnout that you have to deal with at the same time like boundaries &expectations but the book doesn’t go into those types of details. That’s where I think seeing a therapist is extremely helpful. I knew I was burnout, I just couldn’t seem to find a way to say no to anything.
* I was gifted the book but also listened to the audiobook. The narration was well done. Sometimes nonfiction can be monotone &boring but that wasn’t the case here. She did a good job keeping the story alive.
* If you don’t want to see a therapist but are feeling burnt out, I’d recommend you pick up this book.
I’d like to thank Grand Central Publishing &Balance for the gifted advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
* Stress
* Burnout
* Societal expectations
* Nervous system reset
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
* This book teaches you why stress is different from burnout, how burnout alters your thinking processes, the causes of burnout, &tools to get your nervous system back to rest.
January 19, 2025
"The Trauma of Burnout" is a resource most of us could use when burnout is high. I appreciated the examples given and the strategies to work on them. There are also helpful graphs, tables, and references. Written on a level that can be understood and used by multiple demographics. When reading self-help, psychology, or similar genres I always look for footnotes and references to substantiate the writing topics. Dr. Plumbly delivered on this. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to others. My own health has forced me to rest when I have been burned out. I wish books like this about the topic existed during those times.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the chance to read and review.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the chance to read and review.
January 25, 2025
This helped validate me and my burnout experience. It also provided incredible tools to help ease yourself out of and stay out of burnout. I plan to purchase this so that I can go back and do the exercises more thoroughly and over time. I highly recommend this evidenced backed book if you’re feeling burnout from work, from being a carer, from being an entrepreneur, etc. This will truly help you find your way back to a balanced, joyful life.
Disclaimer: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
It’s an excellent book providing all the information you need to make sense of your relationship with work and yourself. It’s packed with relatable case studies and strategies to help you reflect and improve your relationship with work but also make sense what is driving it.
It’s well written and really engaging.
I recommend it to anyone who has a tendency to work a bit too hard in life.
It’s well written and really engaging.
I recommend it to anyone who has a tendency to work a bit too hard in life.
March 27, 2025
This is the book I have been waiting for!
Clear and concise explanations of what burnout feels like. Her many suggestions on how to manage it made me feel that Doctor Claire was by my side helping me in a supportive way.
This book should be read and kept on a handy shelf so you can return to it again and again. A brilliant read
Clear and concise explanations of what burnout feels like. Her many suggestions on how to manage it made me feel that Doctor Claire was by my side helping me in a supportive way.
This book should be read and kept on a handy shelf so you can return to it again and again. A brilliant read
July 25, 2025
This book is stellar! It is so informative, and easy to read, which is a big deal for this ADHDer! It is an amazing balance between nerdy science and prose. Dr. Plumbly also uses case studies, which I think is always a great way to understand how a concept shows up IRL. 10/10 recommend from this neuropsychologist.
November 20, 2025
Claire Plumbley's book is practical and revelatory. She expertly explains the difference between stress and burnout; how we get there and how we can get out of it. Not only does she give context to what the polyvagal nervous system is and how it works but the book is full of accessible exercises to regulate it. As Claire says: Manage your nervous system before it manages you!
February 19, 2025
This book was incredibly validating. It’s skillfully written, drawing upon the science behind what’s going on in my body and mind. A very powerful read and very accessible. Have recommended it to a number of people already.
June 8, 2025
A good overview of many mental health concepts and strategies. However, perhaps a bit over application of the term burnout. Based on the author’s characterization, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t meet the criteria….and I don’t think that just means everyone is burnt out.
February 18, 2025
Fab book. Brilliantly practical and accessible book mapping out what burn out is, what the costs are, how to prevent it, and how to recover from burn out. Highly recommend,
February 18, 2025
A brilliantly helpful book blending practical strategies with sound psychological knowledge. Really compassionate and warm, it will be useful to anyone struggling with taking on too much.
March 18, 2025
A must read for anyone experiencing burnout! Love all of the brain science and practical tips
March 23, 2025
This is a well written book to help understanding how one can get to burnout and what one can do to correct it.
March 28, 2025
4.5 stars
dnf
June 6, 2025Wanted to love it. Ironically maybe too burnt out to focus on the writing style right now.
July 13, 2025
this had a good balance of scientific explanation and practical advice. this book inspired me to look for a new therapist who has a more somatic-based approach
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