The Myth of the Superwoman: Why Constant Hustle Is a Recipe for Burnout
How often have you found yourself feeling stressed all the time, like you can't switch off no matter what you do? Maybe you're lying awake at 3 a.m., your mind a frantic carousel of to-do lists and anxious thoughts, replaying conversations or worrying about tomorrow.
For so many of us, this feels like the modern-day norm. We’ve been fed this narrative that to be successful, to be valuable, we must be the "superwoman"—the one who juggles a career, a household, a social life, and still manages to look effortlessly pulled together. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honour, believing that constant hustle is the only path to our dreams.
But what if this isn't strength? What if it's simply a recipe for burnout?
The Superwoman's Nervous System
Let's talk about what's really happening inside your body when you’re stuck in this cycle. Your nervous system is designed for survival. When you're constantly pushing, striving, and never truly resting, your body and mind live in a state of chronic stress.
This triggers your sympathetic nervous system—the "fight or flight" response. Your heart rate increases, your breath becomes shallow, and a flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline courses through your body. This is a brilliant system for escaping danger, but it was never meant to be on 24/7. When you're in a perpetual state of "go," you’re essentially telling your body there's a sabre-toothed tiger chasing you—all the time.
Your anxious thoughts are a direct reflection of this. That racing mind and that feeling you can't switch off are your brain's way of trying to manage the perceived threat. It's on high alert, scanning for problems to solve and things to worry about. This isn't a character flaw; it's a physiological response to an overstimulated nervous system.
Over time, this chronic activation drains your resources, leading to exhaustion, emotional numbness, and a complete disconnection from your body’s needs. This is the very definition of burnout, and it's a far cry from the vibrant, aligned life you're truly capable of living.
Reclaiming Your Flow
The good news is you can choose a different path. You don’t have to keep chasing the superwoman myth. The key isn't to push harder, but to learn how to come back into balance—to move from a state of survival to one of thriving. This isn't about being lazy; it's about being smart and honouring the wisdom of your body.
Here are a few gentle shifts you can begin to explore:
Notice and Pause: When you feel that familiar surge of stress or hear the anxious voice in your head, simply notice it. Don't judge it. Just pause for a moment. This simple act of awareness begins to create a gap between the trigger and your automatic response.
Breathe with Intention: Your breath is a powerful tool for shifting your nervous system. Try this: Inhale slowly for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale slowly for a count of eight. This simple practice sends a signal to your body that you are safe, helping to down-regulate your fight-or-flight response.
Embrace Rest as a Practice: True rest isn’t just sleeping; it’s about intentionally doing nothing productive. Schedule 15 minutes a day to simply be. This could be sitting with a cup of tea, staring out the window, or lying on the floor. No phone, no podcast, no to-do list. Just rest.
Releasing the superwoman myth is about honouring your humanity. It’s about understanding that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity and that true strength comes from resilience, not relentless effort. When you learn to listen to your body and work with your nervous system instead of against it, you can move toward a life that feels not just successful, but deeply fulfilling and joyful.
What is one small step you can take today to let go of the hustle and honour your need for rest?
And if you need further support identifying how you can move into a healthier state in your life - please reach out via email - kate@hernurturedlife.com. The first step is always the most important.
Have a beautiful day, Kate 🪷