Navigating Stress and Burn Out with Dr. Angelyn Franks

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling all the things—family, advocacy, work, and maybe a touch of “why am I like this?”—this episode is for you.I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the kind that just feels like another chore on your to-do list. (Spoiler: if your “relaxing” pedicure feels like a task, it might be time to rethink it.)We also talk about the science behind chronic stress, why our bodies sometimes betray us, and how a little humor—plus maybe some “boob ice”—can go a long way in resetting your nervous system.In this episode, we discuss :Why traditional self-care often backfires (and what’s actually helpful)The four hidden stress triggers that make your body go “nuts”How to recognize burnout before you hit the wallPractical ways to align self-care with your values so it actually worksIf you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or just plain done, take a deep breath. This episode is your reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it in ways that feel right for you.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:08 Funny Story and Weekly Challenge00:52 Inversions and Self-Care Strategies02:05 Boob Ice and Coping Mechanisms04:21 Guest Introduction: Angelyn Franks04:59 Mindfulness and Stress Management07:55 Burnout and Chronic Stress13:37 Understanding Stress and Self-Care14:37 Strategies for Managing Stress16:04 Recognizing Stress Symptoms27:25 Relative and Absolute Stressors34:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Angelyn