208 What burnout REALLY looks like (and why you might not realise you’re even in it)

You’re holding it all together. You’re showing up, getting it done. But underneath? You’re tired in a way that sleep doesn’t quite fix. You’re juggling everything and you look like you’re in control of it all, and yet something still feels off.This is what I call hidden burnout — and it’s incredibly common for high-achieving, capable women. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what burnout really looks like, why you might not even realise you’re experiencing it, and why the real cause isn’t your busy schedule… but the weight of expectations, stories, and “shoulds” you’ve been carrying for years.Key Takeaways:The often-dismissed signs of burnout that women commonly overlookWhy burnout isn’t just about doing too much — but about how you feel about everything you’re doingThe hidden beliefs, expectations, and old stories keeping you stuck in the burnout loopHow to use the Reclaim phase of the 3Rs Framework to start shifting your internal pressureA new lens for recognising burnout and a compassionate path for coming out of itIf you’ve been telling yourself you’re “fine” while quietly feeling exhausted, this episode is your invitation to stop gaslighting yourself and start reclaiming your energy, your voice, and your version of life.

You want freedom. You want flow. You want to feel strong, calm, and fully connected to yourself. But the path you’ve been taking to get there? It’s been all about control — tracking every macro, planning every move, pushing through with willpower.So in this episode, we’re flipping the script. Because what if the way you’re trying to reach your goals is actually the thing that’s holding you back? What if the constant planning, pressure, and pursuit of perfection is keeping you stuck in a loop of burnout and self-doubt?This episode invites you to stop chasing and start trusting — your body, your wisdom, your rhythm.Key Takeaways:Why tracking, controlling, and planning might be keeping you further from your goalsThe emotional and energetic cost of chasing freedom through controlHow to close the gap between what you want and how you’re trying to get thereReal-world examples of how letting go created better results — in fitness, mindset, and lifeQuestions to help you step out of control and into trust, flow, and alignmentThis episode is your reminder that more discipline isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the missing piece is learning how to trust yourself again — and letting that trust guide your next step.

You’re ticking the boxes. You’ve built a good life. From the outside, you look totally find and in control. But inside? Something’s shifted. You’re feeling restless or frustrated or burnt out — like you’ve changed but your life hasn’t caught up with that yet.In this powerful episode, we unpack that feeling — the one that tells you it’s time for something different, even if you don’t know what that looks like yet. We’ll explore what this transition season really means, why it’s a good sign, and how you can use it as an opportunity to create a more aligned, fulfilling version of your life — one that actually fits who you are now.You’ll also get a first look at my 3Rs Framework — Reclaim, Reconnect, Rise — the foundation for my upcoming series of reinvention episodes, designed to help you grow into the version of yourself you’re being called to become.Key Takeaways:Why restlessness, frustration or burnout might actually be signs of growthHow society’s expectations have kept you stuck in old patterns that no longer fitWhy jumping to “fix it” mode doesn’t work (and what to do instead)A powerful new way to think about reinvention using the 3Rs FrameworkHow to stop reacting to life and start consciously creating it on your termsIf you’re done pushing, forcing, and striving — and ready to start living with more clarity, confidence and alignment — this episode is your invitation to begin.

Impatience and discipline can exist together — it’s not one or the other. Want help creating a realistic plan that keeps you moving and motivated? DM me on Instagram @alixchickfit and let’s chat about how coaching can support you in building real momentum that lasts.That tug-of-war between wanting results now and knowing deep down it takes time? You’re not alone. This episode unpacks that inner conflict and shows you how to work with it — not against it. You’ll walk away with strategies to stay motivated in the moment and build long-term consistency, without burning out or giving up.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why chasing fast results often leads to burnout, frustration, or giving upThe mindset shift that helps you honour both your need for progress and the time growth takesSimple ways to give the “now” part of your brain quick wins without derailing the bigger pictureHow to create structure and flexibility so you stay consistent, without feeling trapped

Not every transformation is measurable — but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. If you’re ready to recognise your progress, reconnect with what’s working, and get a tailored plan to keep moving forward, check out my Unstuck & Unstoppable session.If your goals are more about how you feel than hitting a specific number, it can be hard to tell if you’re making progress — and easy to lose motivation. In this episode, we explore five meaningful ways to track growth when your goals are more emotional, behavioural, or lifestyle-based. Whether you’re working on reducing stress, improving boundaries, or just feeling more like you, this is your reminder that transformation isn’t always linear — but it is happening.In this episode, we explore:What to do when your goal is more about how you feel than what you achieve5 powerful ways to track your progress beyond numbers or metricsHow journaling, self-check-ins and energy mapping can show you how far you’ve comeWhy change can be slow, subtle and still absolutely life-changingA prompt to help you reflect on your non-specific goals and what’s really shifting

Ready to move through the messy middle and finally feel clear, calm and in control again? Book your Unstuck & Unstoppable deep dive session today — and if you're quick, the next 3 bookings get a bonus 45-min follow-up for just £1! Success in fitness, wellbeing, and life often gets pinned on willpower or having the perfect plan. But there’s one overlooked skill that influences it all. So in this episode, we explore why avoiding this skill might just be holding you back — and how building this single capacity can change everything. If you're stuck in self-sabotage or spinning your wheels, this one's for you.In this episode, we explore:This ONE thing that could be the make-or-break factor in achieving goalsHow modern life conditions us to avoid hard feelings — and how that’s keeping us stuckWhat discomfort really looks like (spoiler: it’s not always physical)How to start building your “discomfort muscle” to increase resilience and momentumA powerful reflection to help you shift from avoidance to aligned action

Feeling constantly overwhelmed, like every single thing on your to-do list needs to be done right now? In this episode, we unpack why so many women live in this state of chronic urgency—and how to start breaking free from it.🔸 Why everything feels urgent (spoiler: it’s brain chemistry, not poor planning)🔸 How urgency becomes a habit—and why productivity hacks aren’t the solution🔸 The hidden payoff of always being busy (dopamine, self-worth, guilt avoidance)🔸 Why nervous system regulation matters more than another time management tool🔸 Real-life strategies to start unwinding the urgency cycle and reclaim your calmThis isn’t about doing more efficiently. It’s about doing less, more meaningfully. You get to choose peace over pressure!Resources: -My website https://www.chickfit.co.uk/-Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alixchickfit-Review and subscribe to my podcast https://www.podfollow.com/chickfit 

Ever found yourself hesitating to start something—even something you really want—because you’re afraid it won’t work? You’re not alone.In this episode, we dive into a common mindset block: the fear of putting in effort and not seeing results. That fear of "wasting time" can keep you stuck in a holding pattern—thinking, preparing, second-guessing—but never actually taking the action that would move you forward.We’ll explore:-Why the need for a guaranteed outcome is holding you back-How gripping too tightly to a result creates resistance and burnout-The real meaning of failure—and why it’s a necessary part of success-What to reflect on when you’re stuck in indecision or fearIf you’re ready for change but find yourself stuck in the “what if it doesn’t work?” cycle, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how to shift your mindset, let go of the outcome, and take courageous (even imperfect) action. Resources: -My website https://www.chickfit.co.uk/-Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alixchickfit-Review and subscribe to my podcast https://www.podfollow.com/chickfit 

This week marks a big milestone — 200 episodes and 4 years of the podcast! 🎉 In this personal and reflective episode, I’m sharing:-Why I started the podcast and what I’ve learned-The evolution of my business (and myself) over the last few years-Burnout, deeper shifts, and what’s no longer working-The call to go beyond surface-level wellness-Why I’m stepping into a new way of helping women — mind, body, and soulI don’t have it all figured out, but I’m in the messy middle — listening, slowing down, and leaning into what’s next. This podcast isn’t going anywhere, but things are evolving. I hope my journey resonates and gives you space to reflect on your own.Resources: -My website https://www.chickfit.co.uk/-Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alixchickfit-Review and subscribe to my podcast https://www.podfollow.com/chickfit 

Ready to stop running on empty and start living on your own terms? Book a FREE DISCOVERY CALL HERE - https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=11696779&appointmentType=597607Listen to EPISODE 151 - Healthy Boundaries and how to create them - https://pod.fo/e/242b55Listen to EPISODE 174 - The Power of Self Compassion - letting go of perfectionism to reveal your amazing inner strength - https://pod.fo/e/2807c9 Feeling tired, overwhelmed, and like you’re constantly behind no matter how hard you try? You’re not broken — but you are likely being affected by hidden sources of stress you can actually do something about.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down 3 invisible causes of stress that are draining your energy — and showing you simple ways to start reclaiming your time, calm, and sense of control. Key Takeaways:-Why lack of boundaries is secretly exhausting you — and how to start setting them.-How people pleasing traps you in a cycle of stress — and tiny steps to break free.-Why holding yourself to impossible standards fuels burnout — and how to redefine success with compassion.-How shifting focus to what you can control creates more balance and ease.-The first small actions you can take today to feel less overwhelmed — without overhauling your whole life. Resources: -My website https://www.chickfit.co.uk/-Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alixchickfit-Review and subscribe to my podcast https://www.podfollow.com/chickfit