The Truth About Burnout Recovery: Beyond Ski Trips and Spa Days

Hey there, friends!

Years ago, in the very beginnings of Michigan opening back up from covid, my buddy Kevin asked me to go on a mini ski trip with him. I’ve never ski’d a day in my life. But I fell in love with it immediately! A year or so later, I went back with my family. Again, I had a GREAT TIME, however, my brain wouldn’t shut off “work mode.” I was checking in on emails and orders almost as much as I would on a regular Tuesday.

Spoiler alert: Racing down black diamond slopes didn’t fix a thing. Turns out, burnout isn’t just about needing adrenaline rushes or mountain views. It’s your body waving a giant red flag saying, “Hey! Your gut and brain are having a meltdown!” Let’s talk about why adrenaline-fueled escapes and even Spa Days fail—and how to heal burnout for real by tapping into the gut-brain connection.

Burnout’s Dirty Secret: Your Gut Is Begging for Help

Think burnout is all in your head? Think again. Your gut and brain are BFFs, constantly chatting via the gut-brain axis . When burnout hits, this connection goes haywire:

• Stress hormones like cortisol spike, wrecking your gut lining and triggering inflammation .

• Harmful bacteria throw a party in your microbiome, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings .

• Serotonin (your “happy hormone”) plummets because 90% of it is made in your gut .

This isn’t just theory—it’s why clients who’ve tried everything (yes, even epic ski trips) still feel exhausted. Lab tests like the GI-MAP (to map gut bacteria) and DUTCH Test (to track cortisol rhythms) often reveal hidden imbalances driving their burnout .

Why “Analog Wellness” Is Your Burnout Antidote

The 2025 Global Wellness Trends report nailed it: We’re drowning in screens, stress, and hustle. The fix? Analog Wellness . Swap caffeine binges and adrenaline fixes for:

• Forest Bathing: 20 minutes outdoors lowers cortisol and boosts creativity . (No ski lift required!)

• Tech-Free Evenings: Ditch devices after 8 PM to reset your nervous system .

• Handwritten Journaling: Studies show it reduces anxiety better than typing .

“But I need adventure to feel alive!” Trust me—I’ve been there. During my own burnout, I swapped late-night hustle for stargazing walks. Slowly, my energy crept back—without needing a chairlift.

Therapeutic Laziness: Rest Is Not a Crime

Forget “bed rotting.” Therapeutic Laziness is about intentional rest without guilt . Think:

• Micro-Naps: 10 minutes of deep breathing > 3 extra lattes .

• Guilt-Free Lounging: Read a novel without mentally drafting emails. Your inbox can wait .

• Mindful Snacking: Pair dark chocolate (magnesium-rich!) with herbal tea .

Pro Tip: If slowing down terrifies you (hello, thrill-seekers!), start small. Even 5 minutes of doing nothing counts.

Your 5-Day Burnout Reset Plan

No drastic overhauls. Just science-backed micro-habits to repair your gut-brain axis and your sanity:Day 1: Rest

• Do: Swap doomscrolling for a 10-minute walk (bonus points for crunchy leaves underfoot!).

• Eat: Magnesium-rich spinach salad (calms nerves + supports digestion) .

Day 2: Nourish

• Do: Try a tech-free dinner—yes, even if it’s takeout.

• Eat: Fermented foods like sauerkraut (hello, gut-friendly probiotics!) .

Day 3: Move

• Do: Dance to your favorite song (badly—no judgment).

• Eat: Salmon or walnuts (omega-3s reduce inflammation) .

Day 4: Stress Less

• Do: Write down 3 things you’re grateful for (even if it’s just coffee).

• Eat: Chamomile tea + dark chocolate (stress-busting combo) .

Day 5: Reconnect

• Do: Call a friend without multitasking.

• Eat: Bone broth (heals the gut lining) .

Supplements: Why They’re Not a Magic Bullet

Pop quiz: If your gut can’t absorb nutrients, will supplements help? Nope.The 2025 Supplement Paradox trend highlights that 77% of people distrust supplements . Here’s the fix:

1. Test First: Use functional labs (like the MRT Food Sensitivity Test) to find what you need .

2. Food > Pills: Prioritize whole foods. Supplements are backup players, not MVPs .

3. Targeted Support: After testing, consider magnesium glycinate (for sleep) or probiotics (for gut repair) .

Your Body Is a Forest—Stop Clear-Cutting It

Burnout recovery isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about nurturing your inner ecosystem. Think of your gut as soil: Feed it well, let it rest, and watch resilience grow. Ready to dig deeper?→ Download my “Functional Free 3” pdf for a 3 month roadmap to better eneryg, focus, and peace .Here’s to ditching quick fixes and building a life that thrives—roots and all. Until next time,
[Your Name] P.S. If you’re nodding along but thinking, “Where do I even start?” DM me “Burnout SOS.” Let’s chat about personalized lab testing and micro-habits that fit your crazy schedule. 🌲✨

Why Coffee and Vacations Won’t Fix Burnout (and What Will!)

Hey there, friend.

Let me guess—you’re still tired. Not just “I stayed up too late binging my favorite show” tired, but the kind of tired that no amount of sleep, coffee, or weekend escapes seems to touch. You’ve tried it all: the double-shot espresso, the quick getaway to the beach, maybe even a new planner to “get your life together.” But here you are, still feeling like you’re running on fumes.First of all, let me just say: I see you. Burnout is no joke, and if you’re feeling like your body and brain have hit a wall, you’re not alone. Second, let me be the one to break this to you (gently): coffee and vacations aren’t going to fix it. I know, I know—it’s not what you wanted to hear. But stick with me because I promise there’s hope.Let’s dive into why your go-to burnout remedies aren’t working—and what actually will.

Why Coffee Isn’t the Hero You Think It Is

Ah, coffee. The magical elixir that promises to turn us into functioning humans every morning. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good cup of joe as much as the next person (bonus points if it’s paired with a cozy blanket and a good book). But when it comes to burnout? Coffee is like putting duct tape on a leaky pipe—it might hold things together for a bit, but it’s not solving the problem.Here’s why:

• It’s a Band-Aid, Not a Cure: Coffee doesn’t actually give you energy; it just blocks the chemical in your brain (adenosine) that tells you you’re tired. So while you might feel more awake temporarily, the underlying exhaustion is still there—just waiting to pounce as soon as the caffeine wears off.

• It Can Mess with Your Stress Hormones: Too much caffeine can spike your cortisol levels (your stress hormone), which is already working overtime if you’re burnt out. This can leave you feeling even more jittery, anxious, and—ironically—tired in the long run.

• It Disrupts Your Sleep: If your coffee habit extends past noon (or if you’re super sensitive to caffeine), it could be messing with your ability to get deep, restorative sleep—the very thing your body needs most right now.

So while coffee might feel like your best friend during those 3 p.m. slumps, it’s really more like that friend who hypes you up for a night out and then ghosts when it’s time to pay the tab.

Why Vacations Aren’t the Magic Reset Button

Okay, so if coffee isn’t the answer, surely a vacation will do the trick, right? After all, nothing says “burnout cure” like sipping margaritas by the pool or hiking through scenic mountain trails. And don’t get me wrong—a change of scenery can be amazing for your mental health. But here’s the thing:

• Burnout Comes Home With You: You can leave your inbox behind for a week, but if you don’t address what’s causing your burnout in the first place (hello stress and overcommitment), it’ll be waiting for you when you get back—like an unwelcome houseguest who didn’t get the hint.

• Stress Doesn’t Have an Off Switch: A vacation might temporarily lower your stress levels, but if your body has been stuck in fight-or-flight mode for months (or years), it takes more than a week in paradise to undo that damage.

• Reentry Can Be Brutal: Ever come back from vacation feeling like you need another vacation just to recover? That post-vacation crash is real—and it can make burnout feel even worse.

Vacations are great for recharging in the moment, but they’re not a long-term solution for chronic burnout.

So… What Will Fix Burnout?

Now that we’ve covered what won’t work, let’s talk about what will. Spoiler alert: there’s no magic pill or one-size-fits-all solution here (sorry!). But there are proven strategies that can help you heal from burnout and build resilience so it doesn’t sneak up on you again. Here’s where to start:

1. Get Curious About What’s Really Going On

Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s often tied to deeper issues like hormone imbalances, gut health problems, or nutrient deficiencies that leave your body struggling to keep up. Functional lab testing can help uncover these hidden stressors so we can address them head-on instead of guessing.

2. Prioritize Rest Like It’s Your Job

I know this sounds obvious (and maybe even impossible), but rest is non-negotiable when it comes to healing burnout. That means quality sleep (7–8 hours a night), regular breaks during the day, and giving yourself permission to slow down without guilt.

3. Nourish Your Body

Burnout depletes your body of key nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins—so replenishing those stores is crucial. Focus on whole foods that fuel your energy naturally: think leafy greens, healthy fats (like avocado and nuts), lean proteins, and plenty of water.

4. Learn to Say No

This one might sting a little—but part of recovering from burnout means setting boundaries around your time and energy. If saying “yes” to everything got you here in the first place, saying “no” is how you start climbing out.

5. Build Stress Resilience

Stress isn’t going anywhere—but how we respond to it makes all the difference. Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or even just taking five deep breaths can help shift your body out of fight-or-flight mode and into rest-and-digest mode.

The Bottom Line

Look, I get it—when you’re burnt out, all you want is something easy that will make everything better overnight. But here’s the truth: healing from burnout takes time, intention, and a little bit of patience with yourself. The good news? It’s absolutely possible—and so worth it.So go ahead and enjoy that cup of coffee or plan that vacation if it brings you joy—but don’t stop there. Let’s dig deeper together and create a plan that helps you not just survive but thrive.If this resonates with you and you’re ready for support tailored specifically for YOU (because let’s be honest—cookie-cutter solutions don’t work), let’s connect! You don’t have to do this alone.Here’s to ditching duct-tape fixes—and building something sustainable instead.

Until next time,

Day 1

Welcome to Forevergreen Functional Wellness: My Journey to Helping Burnt-Out Professionals Thrive

Hi there, and welcome!

I’m so glad you’re here. If you’ve found your way to Forevergreen Functional Wellness, chances are you’re feeling the weight of burnout—physically, emotionally, maybe even spiritually. I want you to know that you’re not alone, and this space was created with you in mind.I work with burnt-out professionals who have given everything to their careers and are now running on empty. I know what that feels like because I’ve been there myself. This blog is a reflection of my journey, my work as an FDN practitioner (Functional Diagnostic Nutrition®), and my passion for helping others regain their energy, vitality, and balance.

My Story: From Burnout to Purpose

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it sneaks up on you. For me, it started as a slow decline: feeling tired all the time, struggling to focus, and losing the spark that used to drive me. I would wake up at 4am, hit the gym, crush my sales career, and try to use whatever energy I had left to be present for my boys and my wife. I thought I just needed more coffee or a vacation, but those quick fixes didn’t touch the deeper issues.Eventually, I hit a wall. That’s when I realized something had to change. I started digging into the root causes of my exhaustion—physically and emotionally—and discovered the power of functional wellness. Through lab testing, personalized protocols, and lifestyle shifts, I was able to rebuild my health from the inside out. But it wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was about rediscovering who I was beyond the hustle and grind.That transformation inspired me to become an FDN practitioner so I could help others do the same. Now, as a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner my mission is simple: to guide anyone who feels burnt-out, like you, back to a place of balance, energy, and purpose.

How I Help Burnt-Out Professionals

Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s a complex mix of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and disconnection from yourself. My approach is rooted in functional wellness and tailored specifically for busy professionals who need real solutions that fit into their lives. Here’s how we’ll work together:

• Getting to the Root Cause: Using functional lab testing, we’ll uncover what’s really driving your burnout—whether it’s hormone imbalances, gut health issues, chronic stress, or something else entirely.

• Personalized Protocols: No cookie-cutter plans here! We’ll create a step-by-step wellness strategy that works for you.

• Stress Management That Sticks: Together, we’ll build practical habits for managing stress in a way that feels sustainable—not overwhelming.

• Rebuilding Energy: From nutrition tweaks to sleep optimization and targeted supplements, we’ll focus on restoring your energy so you can feel like yourself again (or maybe even better!).

• Rediscovering Joy: Burnout can dim your light—I’m here to help you reignite it by reconnecting with what truly matters in your life.

This isn’t just about “fixing” burnout; it’s about building resilience so you can thrive long-term without sacrificing your well-being for success.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is an extension of my work as an FDN practitioner—a place where I share insights from my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned while helping others recover from burnout. Here’s what you can expect:

• Personal Reflections: Honest stories about my own struggles with burnout and how I overcame them.

• Practical Tips: Actionable advice on managing stress, improving energy levels, and creating balance in your life.

• Client Success Stories: Real-life examples (shared with permission) of how functional wellness has transformed others’ lives.

• Wellness Insights: Deep dives into topics like adrenal health, gut-brain connection, and how stress impacts your body on a biochemical level.

• Encouragement & Support: Because sometimes you just need a reminder that you’re capable of incredible things—even when life feels hard.

Why Forevergreen Functional Wellness?

The name Forevergreen Functional Wellness represents growth, renewal, and sustainability—values that guide everything I do as an FDN practitioner and coach. But it also holds a special meaning for me and my family. Originally, my family dreamed of starting a Christmas tree farm called Forevergreen Farms. It was a vision rooted in creating something lasting and meaningful—a place where people could come together and experience joy. However, it just wasn’t in God’s plan for us.

Instead, we pivoted. We realized that while the farm wasn’t meant to be, our desire to help others grow and thrive could take a different form. That’s how Forevergreen Functional Wellness was born—a way to help those of us buried under our desire to thrive heal, regain our strength, and rediscover the joy and balance they’ve been missing. This practice is our way of honoring that original dream while embracing the path we were meant to walk. It’s about planting seeds of wellness and watching them grow into something beautiful and sustainable—not just for today but for the future.

Let’s Take This Journey Together

If any of this resonates with you—if you’re tired of feeling exhausted all the time or wondering if it’s even possible to feel good again—I want you to know there’s hope. Healing is possible, and it starts with taking that first step toward prioritizing yourself.Thank you for being here and trusting me as part of your journey. Whether through this blog or one-on-one support, I’m here to help you reclaim your energy, balance, and joy.Here’s to living fully—and thriving!