Beat Burnout, Be Happy, and Be Healthy: Chill But Driven

Hiii. After getting sick (again), navigating even more grief, and being forced to slow tf down, I had a lot of time to bed rot and binge watch the Olympics.And in case you have no idea, Olympic figure skater Alyssa Liu is America’s new favorite person. Her story embodies everything I’ve been trying to say on this podcast: You can be disciplined and driven without attaching your identity to achievement. And the key to doing so well is actually having fun in the process and seeing what happens :)If you’re a perfectionist, an academic, a healthcare worker, a founder, or just someone who has big work to do on this planet, this one’s for you.Episode Highlightslllness, grief, and overcompensating when you should slow downAlyssa Liu’s “chill but driven” energy and storyBurnout with no autonomy and no funHow making things fun and dropping the need for a certain outcome helped me pass my board exams (and do several other things) stress-freeAutonomy, joy, and flow stateIntroducing the accountability + creative flow co-working community I’m building✨⁠ Your Accountability for This Week: go do one thing that actually makes you happy (that has nothing to do with your work) and that you haven’t done in over a month…and go do it. ⁠✨✨ Join the Chill But Driven Co-Working Community Waitlist ✨✨ Come Join Me On Substack Here ✨ (it is so much better than the other online places)Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!xx Sara

Death to busy work and misalignment. I’m making some changes here. Unsubscribe if you like.I’m bringing Chill But Driven back to its roots. It has drifted away from my original intention. If you’re a high-achieving, smart, slightly-overloaded person building something meaningful (a business, a PhD, a creative life), this episode is for you. Join me in stopping doing things just to feel productive.This is about blending productivity, art, nervous system regulation, and intuition.Let’s build our missions without losing ourselves (or feeling like sellouts) in the process. Episode HighlightsWhy I’m shifting the brand back to its original visionLosing alignment in business (shiny object syndrome + over-optimizing for SEO)My real mission: a space for high-achievers to create, play, and focus on the right workWhy creativity and movement unlock clarity (and clients)Introducing my Substack + creative accountability and co-working community✨ Come Join Me On Substack Here ✨ (it is so much better than the other online places)✨  Work with Me ✨⁠Book a Free Consultation⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!xx Sara

Life happened and you’re not where you want to be right now. That is okay!But maybe it’s also a perfect time to pause for reflection, instead of just continuing to check off random sh*t on your to-do list for the sake of looking busy. If you’ve been chasing a goal that logically makes sense but your body feels heavy, tense, or resistant, you might just have  an alignment issue.Sound like you?This episode will guide you through how to ask for alignment in your next steps in whatever goal you are pursuing :) Episode HighlightsWhy burnout in high achievers is often an alignment issue, not a work ethic problemHow grief, stress, and big life events can force perspective shiftsWhat it means when pushing harder stops producing resultsGiving yourself permission to pause without being guilty or feeling lazyThe exact daily intention I use for clarity and guidanceHow to tell if something feels heavy because of fear or because it’s truly not alignedOther episode mentioned: The Exact Way to Ask the Universe for A Sign When You Are Feeling Lost✨  Work with Me ✨⁠Book a Free Consultation⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out,⁠ book a free consultation. ⁠I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

My biggest ick is when someone says, “Have you tried meditation?” but you're deep in the depths of navigating a sh*t storm.When you’re in acute grief or deep burnout, silence can make all the pain even louder.After losing someone I loved like a brother, I can’t journal, sit still, or “be present” without my anxiety and sadness spiraling. So instead of forcing myself into practices that aren’t supportive, I leaned into the one thing that actually helped me stay sane: balance-based movement. In this episode, I talk about why meditation can backfire during grief, why numbing out is necessary (and okay), and how challenging your balance gives your nervous system a job when your thoughts won’t slow down.This episode is for burnt-out high achievers navigating grief, loss, or major life disruption… especially if you’ve been feeling guilty for not doing the things you’re “supposed to”. Episode HighlightsWhy meditation can make anxiety worsePermission to numb tf out and ways to do itWhy dropping routines doesn’t mean you’re failingBalance-based movement for anxietyThe nervous system science behind balance and groundingSimple balance-based activities you can try (bonus if it’s hard to learn) Other episode mentioned: The Zero Hour - How to Instantly Become a Morning Person ✨  Work with Me ✨⁠Book a Free Consultation⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out,⁠ book a free consultation. ⁠I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

⟡ Personal Note: This episode was recorded just before a heartbreaking loss in my family. I’m releasing it with minimal edits, trusting that the conversation will still bring value to those who need it. Thank you for your love and understanding. ⟡Today I’m joined by Casey McGuire Davidson, a Life & Sobriety Coach and host of the top 100 mental health show The Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women. She’s an ex–red wine girl who spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder before quitting drinking a decade ago, and her work has been featured on Good Morning America, NPR, HuffPost, The New York Times, and NBC News.Together we dig into Dry January, the real impact alcohol has on stress and burnout, why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to rethink your drinking habits, and some truly wild insights into the alcohol industry. It’s honest, educational, AND fun. We wrap it up with a lightning round full of wellness rituals, productivity hacks, and cozy favorites.❄️ What’s in this Episode ❄️✨A heartfelt update on grief, loss, and choosing “done over perfect.”✨Introducing Casey: life coach, sober-curious advocate, and host of Hello Someday.✨Quick-fire warm-ups: spicy hockey romances, comfort shows, and current obsessions.✨Why high-achieving women often overdrink + alcohol’s impact on stress and burnout.✨The rise of sober curiosity + how Gen Z is changing everything.✨Big Alcohol lobbying, debunking “drink responsibly,” and the real science.✨Why a 100-day break is life-changing — and how to approach it with curiosity.✨Casey’s Sober New Year 100 program + the power of community support.✨Lightning round: movement, mocktails, blankets, habits, and grounding rituals.❄️ Casey’s Links❄️Hello Someday Coaching: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/Free 30-Day Sober Guide: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/30-day-sober-guide/The Sobriety Starter Kit Course: https://www.thesobrietystarterkit.com/The Hello Someday Podcast: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/podcast/Follow Casey @hellosomedaysober: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok✨  Work with Me (Sara Shum) ✨⁠Book a Free Consultation⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out,⁠ book a free consultation. ⁠I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

(Episode disclaimer, if I sound like I’m gasping for air in this episode, sorry, I just have a stuffy nose and I’m doing my best out here. Also, how sad is it that I noticed the unintentional ~6 7~ in the title?)Hi friend. Just here to say, no, your Christmas cookies do not need protein powder or cottage cheese to be guilt-free. Today I am sharing seven health and mindset tips for eating Christmas sweets without spiraling or losing gains :)Also, if Christmas makes you sad, for whatever reason, I have been there. I am here for you, and I deeply care for you. We are going to talk about how to take care of yourself during the holidays if you are missing a loved one, need to work, or are grieving something out of your control. Plus, I’m sharing a cozy holiday mocktail recipe 🍹🎄 not to fix anything, but just to offer a small, grounding moment of comfort when the season feels like a lot.🦌❄️ What I Get Into in this Episode ❄️🦌✨Healthy holiday eating without restriction or food guilt✨Celebrating Christmas when grieving ✨Why Christmas can feel sad, lonely, or overwhelming✨Letting go of food guilt and shame during the holidays✨Supporting body recomposition during the holiday season✨Mindlessly eating to stim for ADHD✨Adding magic in the kitchen✨Managing blood sugar while eating sweets✨Nervous system regulation for holiday stress and burnout✨A simple, alcohol-free holiday mocktail recipe✨Using food and rituals for comfort, grounding, and emotional support✨And as always…how to be happy and healthy :)🦌❄️ Timestamps if you want to jump around 🦌❄️✨[03:03 ]My love letter to all of you feel lonely, sad, and melancholy during the holiday, and personal stories of sadness and grief during Christmas✨[09:15] Mocktail recipe ✨[11:15] 7 guilt-free cookie tips✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend, in today’s episode, I’m so excited to welcome my very first podcast guest ✨ Jenn Blair ✨ a board-certified nurse practitioner and functional medicine coach who works with driven, high-achieving women who feel like they’re doing everything right… yet still feel exhausted, bloated, foggy, and burnt out.Jen and I dive into what’s really going on beneath the surface when ambitious women hit a wall… from chronic stress and gut issues to hormone imbalance and the flaws of conventional “eat less, move more” advice. We talk about why burnout is so common for high performers, how functional medicine looks at the body as a whole, and the small, sustainable shifts that can help you feel back in control of your health without sacrificing your goals. Plus, stay to the end for our fun rapid-fire wellness questions! There are some sweet, easy, and fun little things you’ll definitely want to steal for your own routine :)Episode HighlightsWhy Jen shifted from conventional medicine to functional medicine after experiencing burnout firsthandThe biggest gaps in traditional healthcare when it comes to chronic symptoms in womenHow stress, sleep deprivation, and ambition impact gut health, hormones, and blood sugarJen’s 6-pillar functional medicine framework for sustainable healingSimple lifestyle shifts busy, high-achieving women can start today to reduce bloating and brain fogWhy slowing down, eating mindfully, and prioritizing protein actually boosts productivityThe mindset shift every ambitious woman needs: you don’t have to choose between health and success[45:13] 🧘‍♀️🍵🌿 Rapid-Fire Wellness Favorites 🧘‍♀️🍵🌿Jenn’s healthy comfort foods, movement practices, productivity hacks, cozy home joys, and grounding rituals✨  Work with Jenn ✨Instagram: @JennBlairWellnessTik Tok: @JennBlairWellness ✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

So, you’ve been asking yourself, “Why tf am I getting sick all of the time?” You eat well. You move your body. You try to do everything “right.” And yet… you’re still getting knocked out by colds every few months… then this episode is for you.I also share the exact shifts that helped me stop getting sick this year, despite living in the midst of chaos… this really is ✨magic ✨coming from someone who used to get sick every 2–3 months, dealt with chronic joint pain, and had way too many surgeries before anyone connected the dots and realized stress was manifesting in my body.I’m breaking down why so many ✨ good girl, high-achieving, perfectionist women ✨ end up chronically sick and why the answer usually isn’t that you just have a sh*tty immune system. We’re talking about how go-go-go conditioning, chronic stress, and hustle culture wire your nervous system into survival mode, leading straight into burnout and the Letdown Effect (aka why you crash the second you finally slow down). ✨ What I Yap About in This Episode ✨“Why am I getting sick all the time? (and why the answer isn’t what you think)Good girl, high achiever, and perfectionist conditioningChronic stress manifesting as sickness, joint pain, and injuryWhy doctors and adults in my life missed stress as the root causeBurnout symptoms in women that get normalized and brushed offLoving an addicted partner, chronic stress, and how caretaking roles impact your healthThe letdown effect (aka why you get sick after the stress ends)The non-negotiable shift that changed everything for me: sleep first, then exercise second✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜) Quick note: there’s a heavier personal story in the first part of this episode. If you’d rather skip ahead, feel free to use the timestamps below[6:31] – My story: growing up chronically sick, burned out, and overworked, then loving someone with active addiction [17:20 – The letdown effect explained[23:44] – Exactly how I stopped getting sick this year✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠Email: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend. If you’re ending the year feeling a little sad, a little chaotic, or low-key spiraling about all the goals you didn’t hit… this episode is your invitation to exhale, clear that sh*t out, and reset with a little ✨ magic ✨ This is stuff I don’t see anyone talking about.To all of my big-brained, over-achieving, overwhelmed, burnt out, overstimulated ladies, today, I’m sharing the most important thing you need to do before setting any New Year’s goals: reset your vessel. When your nervous system is dysregulated and your mental + energetic bandwidth are maxed out, no habit, intention, or resolution will stick. Nor will it be any fun.I’m also inviting you into my free December challenge: 30 Days of Tiny Magic: simple, gentle rituals for grounding, clarity, and creating a clean, supported portal into 2026 ⏾⋆.˚✨ What I Yap About in This Episode ✨How to make your New Year’s resolution stickWhy burnt-out, overwhelmed women can’t set aligned goals from a dysregulated stateThe December emotional hangover + how residue from the year drains into your New Year’s ResolutionsHow clutter (digital, physical, emotional) becomes cognitive load and stressWhy I’m finally blending science with the witchy rituals I’ve always usedWhat “resetting your vessel” means and why making room for capacity matters more than disciplineHow to avoid creating busy work disguised as productivityHow the 30 Day Portal Challenge helps you feel grounded, regulated, and ready✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜) 🦝 Unhinged Story of the Week 🦝A raccoon broke into a liquor store, got drunk, and passed out in the bathroom 💕Start: 6:06End: 9:18✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠Email: Sara ShumIf this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend. Whether you're debating quitting a job, taking a class that sounds fun but super scary, or just wondering if you are on the right path, I have a magical tool that helps you get clarity fast. I know when you are stuck in a season of overwhelm, burnout, or a low point in your life, sometimes it can be super hard to know which direction to take BUT I promise you this might be your weirdly helpful new decision-making hack.When life feels chaotic and nothing makes sense logically, sometimes you just need a little nudge from God, the universe, Source, spirit guides…whoever’s handling your case file today.In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to ask for a clear, specific sign when you’re unsure what to do, plus the wild real-life examples of signs that were major turning points in my life.  What I Yap About in This Episode How to ask God/the universe for a clear, specific signHow to make decisions during burnout, overwhelm, or mental exhaustionWhat to do when something feels aligned but makes zero logical senseThe common mistakes people make when asking for signs and how to avoid themWhy taking action on signs creates clarity, momentum, and confidence✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜) 🤪 Unhinged Fact of the Week 🤪True or false: the safest way to microwave a cup of water is to put a metal spoon in it? TRUE. Haha we will get into the science behind this, plus why it is perfectly okay (and holistic) for you to use the microwave, especially if you are tired and have little energy.Start: 6:43End: 14:05✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend. If you are burnt out, overwhelmed, surviving off DoorDash and junk food… and feel like you have zero bandwidth to cook homemade meals, this episode is for you.In today’s episode, I’m sharing the 7 super simple, non-performative, ADHD-friendly meal prep hacks I use to make eating healthy way easier during chaotic seasons.I’m also spilling my favorite FaceTime body-doubling ritual and the three free games I play with my family long-distance every Sunday that turn meal prep into a time to connect with people you can take your mask off around and literally just f*ck around with.Let’s make the ritual of creating nutritious, supportive meals something you actually look forward to.This is chaos-proof wellness. :)🥗 What I Yap About in This Episode 🥗How meal prep reduces decision fatigue for overwhelmed, burnt-out brainsWhy meal prep can be so much simpler than you think.Using rituals + grounding to make cooking feel stable (even during chaotic times)How FaceTime body doubling makes healthy habits actually stickThe 3 free games we play every Sunday to make meal prep fun (Jeopardy, CodeNames, Wavelength)ADHD-friendly shortcuts for cooking when you have no energyWhat to do with produce that’s dying a slow, quiet death in your fridge✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜) 🍵 A Small Cozy Win From This Week 🍵Finding a cute $7 journal at Michaels that made getting back into paper journaling feel easy again . Plus a quick call-out about the “perfect planner” trap ADHDers fall into and why intuitive organizing actually works. Start: [3:45] End: [6:12]✨ Links & Resources ✨Episode 8: Haunted or Dysregulated? (the Alexa story 👀)✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend, if you feel yourself slipping into sad, sleepy, depressing (and literally dark) times, and dreading the winter, this one’s for you. In today’s very value-packed episode, I’m sharing the 10 things you can start doing TODAY to fight off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) aka seasonal depression or the winter blues like your life depends on it… because it literally does.❄️ What I Yap About in This Episode❄️What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)The symptoms of seasonal affective disorderWhich supplements actually help with winter depressionDoes protein impact your mental health? (Yes. And I explain how.)ADHD-friendly ways to remember your vitamins, meds, and hydrationLayers 🧅How to make winter actually enjoyable with movement, hobbies & connectionWhy decorating for the season can literally regulate your nervous system✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)🧠✨ Unhinged but Wholesome Fact of the WeekNeurographic Art Meditation: A weirdly calming, ADHD-friendly way to meditateStart: [3:22]End: [8:06]✨ Links & ResourcesWhat Is Neurographic Art MeditationNeurographic Create & Meditate Creator on YoutubeCreatine & Depression: PubMedEpisode 1: How I Built Chaos-Proof HealthEpisode 7: Why Fall Has Such a Chokehold On Us (And How to Lean Into It to Heal and Ground Us)✨  Work with Me ✨Book a Free ConsultationInstagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Hi friend. If you’re feeling like caca but don’t know why… like you're doing all the right things (therapy, meds, gyms, caffeine), but still just don’t feel great, this episode is for you.We are going to talk about…drum roll please… ✨The Wellness Wheel ✨Haha, it sounds dry as hell, but it's actually an incredibly helpful tool that gives you a bird’s-eye view of your overall health. Surprise, physical health, like nutrition, exercise, and sleep, is just ⅛ of the wheel.Plus, I share practical, seasonal ideas to nourish each area of your life/wellness wheel without overwhelming yourself further. Grab your cozy blanket, a pumpkin thing of your choosing, and let’s fix your life …or at least figure out where to start.🍂 What I Yap About in This Episode 🍂The Wellness Wheel lol“I’m doing everything right, so why do I still feel like shit?”Why high-functioning burnout doesn’t always show up in your physical health firstADHD-friendly tipsWhy your cute fall decor is actually regulating your nervous systemHow to feel more grounded when everything feels overwhelming and the world is on fire around you✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)🐸💫 Unhinged but Wholesome Fact of the WeekThe Japanese Missing Cat MethodStart: [3:47] End: [7:36] ✨ Links & ResourcesEpisode 7: Why Fall Has Such a Chokehold On Us (And How to Lean Into It to Heal and Ground Us)Episode 8: 5 Ways to EXORCISE the Stress Right Out of Your Body✨  Work with Me ✨Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy, levity, and energy.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Okay, this one's a little different lol. In the ✨spirit ✨of Halloween, I'm opening up with some of my spookiest, hardest-to-explain "haunted" stories from childhood to now…including a creepy Alexa moment, a guttural growl, and the ghost of a witch.I’ll also share when I thought my townhouse was possessed... but spoiler alert: it was just me being dysregulated. Don't worry, it's not just ghost stories.I'll give you a value-packed list of 5 practical strategies to help you move stress (aka spooky evil ghosts)  through your body and regulate your nervous system (no sage or priests required).If you're feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or stuck in the doom-scroll to bed rot cycle, this episode is your nudge to get grounded and bring in the light.👻🎃 What I Yap About in This Episode 🎃👻Ghost stories!How to make meal prep fun when you are busy and have long-distance family to catch up withWhen I thought a ghost was living in the crawl space and stealing my underwearFive simple ways you can move out of stress and regulate your nervous system How doomscrolling messes with your sensitive nervous systemHow to protect your energy when the world feels overwhelming✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)🕰 Timeline Summary If You Want to Skip Away 🕰 [3:10] - Paranormal 101: The Alexa incident, Childhood ghost stories: creepy basements, growling closets, and missing flip-flops, and my grandma’s haunted Basque family home (with bonus witch lore) [20:13] - When I think my home was haunted... but it wasn’t [29:28] - 5 Ways to Exercise the Stress Out of Your Life (no holy water required)✨Links & ResourcesEpisode on News Overwhelm & Taking Back Your Power ✨  Work with Me ✨Tap Here for Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode helped you feel inspired to take back your mornings, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy and lightness.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great, and amazing things!Happy Halloween!💫Sara

Ahhhh, why does fall have such a chokehold on us?!Autumn is your seasonal permission slip to slow down, get present, and reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve been too burnt out to notice.If you’ve been spinning in overthinking, ADHD spirals, or stuck in the never-ending grind of chasing goals, this one’s for you.I’m diving into why fall feels so grounding, how to use your five senses to regulate your nervous system, and my go-to method for calming anxious thoughts (even when you’re glued to your desk).This is your episode if you’re ready to embrace the healing magic of going balls deep into spooky season. 😜🍁 What I Yap About in This Episode 🍁Why fall is so comforting How to stop overthinking and feel present using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding techniqueHow to be more sensual this fallWhat sensory grounding is and how it supports burnout recovery and ADHD regulationHow to treat your inner child to calm your nervous systemA penguin/iceberg brain analogy Why rest is productive and how to stop feeling lazy for needing itHow doing cringey fall things might be the best thing you can do for your healthThe connection between sensory overload, stress, and feeling disconnected from your bodyWhat a lizard brain is (and do you have one)✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)✨  Work with Me ✨Tap Here for Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode helped you feel inspired to take back your mornings, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy and lightness.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great, and amazing things!💫Sara

When everything goes wrong, you have two choices: lose it or laugh about it.I had a full, value‑packed episode recorded, only to discover the audio completely vanished…and of course, that happened on a week where I was already “running behind”.Even though the main recording is MIA, I promise there is still value in this one. So here’s what you are getting today: lessons in how to have fun riding the wave of life’s chaos, hopefully some laughs (if not, that’s okay), and a very unexpected tangent about baby potty training that actually weirdly ties everything together! Cool, right?!If you’re a recovering perfectionist, an overachieving woman, or just someone who needs to hear that it’s okay to NOT have it all together, this one’s for you. Letting go of control could be the key to unlocking more peace, joy, and success in all aspects of your life…just saying! 🏔️ What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️How to not lose your mind when things get annoying“Done is better than perfect”: What it means and how to actually live itHow high-achieving women can let go of shame when they don’t reach their goalsSimple mindset shifts to help you bounce back from tech fails, chaos, and overwhelmSetting the vibe to reset your nervous systemWhat is “elimination communication”?A weirdly hopeful tangent about potty training, babies, and Big Diaper conspiracies 🤷‍♀️✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)✨ Links & Resources ✨Episode 4: The Zero Hour (how I start my mornings)Episode 3: They Want You Scared (on staying in your power)✨  Work with Me ✨Tap Here for Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode helped you feel inspired to take back your mornings, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy and lightness.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

If your workouts are starting to feel like just another thing on your never-ending to-do list… or you feel more exhausted after the gym than before you went… this one’s for you.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 5 signs your fitness routine might be secretly adding to your burnout and exactly what to do instead. I’m also sharing 7 simple but powerful hacks to help you get moving on the days when your motivation is zero (and when to skip the gym altogether without the shameful guilt we all have been conditioned to have).We’re talking science-backed tips, ADHD-friendly tricks, and how to finally stop beating yourself up for needing rest. Because when done right, movement should leave you feeling energized, happy, and confident… not drained and depleted.Whether you’re chronically burnt out, healing from hustle culture, or just tired of forcing workouts that no longer feel good… this one will help you reconnect with your body and build a movement practice that actually supports your health :)🏔️ What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️The 5 big signs your workouts might be making your burnout worseHow to tell the difference between burnout vs. lack of motivation)How to know if your fitness routine is actually increasing stress, inflammation, or fatigueWhat to do when you're too tired to work outWhy it’s okay to skip the gymHow to work out when you’re burnt out: 7 simple tricks that make movement feel good again (even when your brain says no)How rest actually builds muscleWhy something is always better than nothing when it comes to exerciseHow to use playlists, clothes, and rewards to rewire your brain for movement✨ How to be happier and healthier ✨ (always 😜)✨ Links & Resources ✨ Episode 1: My Story (for context on my burnout journey)✨  Work with Me ✨Tap Here for Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode helped you feel inspired to take back your mornings, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy and lightness.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

The Zero Hour: How to Instantly Become a Morning Person — The Fun, Simple Habit That Cured My Nighttime Anxiety and Helped Me Wake Up with EnergyIf you’ve ever gone to bed dreading the next day or woken up already feeling anxious and exhausted to face yet another day of the same thing, this episode is for you.In this one, I’m breaking down the simple but sacred morning habit that helped me go from burnout, restless nights, and constant night time anxiety to actually loving my mornings again and always being excited to start the next day.I call it The Zero Hour, and it’s the exact practice that retrained me to be a morning person. Do this habit before anything in your morning routine, and I promise you will start enjoying your life more :) This is how you become happier and healthier during times of overwhelm, burnout, or chaos. Whether you’re a high achiever running on empty, dealing with burnout, or just trying to find some ways to work smarter, not harder, this episode will show you how one joyful habit can completely shift your energy and mindset.🏔️ What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️The “Zero Hour” How to instantly become a morning person (even if you’ve never been one)How this fun and simple habit cured my nighttime anxiety and made me excited to get out of bed every morningHow it helped me get near Straight A’s in grad schoolWhy your morning routine might be making you tiredBlood sugar mistakes that drain your energy before 9 a.m.Study routines to retain more informationHow to build your own version of the Zero Hour in just 5–15 minutes (even if you have ADHD, burnout, or overwhelm)How to set boundaries around your “sacred” morning time so you can actually protect your peaceWhy adding joy back into your day is the key to sustainable health, focus, and motivationThe ambient music that makes your mornings calm✨How to be happier and healthier ✨(this is in every episode 😜)✨ Links & Resources ✨The “Zero Hour” YouTube video that made me realize there was a name to what I had figured out on my own lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkd-pdjVZVM✨  Work with Me ✨Tap Here for Application Page Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this episode helped you feel inspired to take back your mornings, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and shared it with a friend who’s ready to feel calm and energized again.And if you’re ready to go from burnt out to chilled out, book a free consultation. I'd love to help you build a chaos-proof health system that fits your real life and brings you joy and lightness.Cheers to being happy, healthy, being good people, and doing great and amazing things!💫Sara

Everything in the world kind of feels like an evil dumpster fire right now, and if you are a sensitive person like me, that sh*t gets to you.Today, I dive deep into what it really means to navigate a chaotic world as a mission-driven woman, and why so many of us feel stuck, scared, and burned out right now. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by world events, or like your passion for making a difference is costing you your peace, this one’s for you.Fear is being weaponized to divide and exhaust us.It directly affects the part of your brain responsible for logic, compassion, and clear thinking. More importantly, I share five powerful shifts you can make to step back into your strength, reconnect with your mission, and start creating real impact again (without losing your joy or sanity in the process).🏔️ What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️The sneaky way fear is being used to divide and control usWhy your beliefs (and even your burnout) are rooted in deep empathyHow fear hijacks your brain’s ability to think clearly and make moral decisionsWho profits from keeping you scared overwhelmed and why it mattersWhat it really means to protect your peace (without canceling everyone)How to focus on your genius and take back control of your impact5 things to do right now to feel more grounded, focused, and empoweredAffirmations for when the world feels too heavy to carryAffirmations for Mission-Driven Empaths → View the Post✨  Work with Me ✨Application Page:⁠ TAP HERE⁠ (ignore the copy I need to update haha)Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this story resonated with you, I’d be honored if you’d rate, review, and share this episode. It helps this message find someone who needs it.If you want support building your own health, resilience, and sustainable performance system (especially when life is messy), let’s connect.Cheers to being happy, healthy, doing good, and thriving through the chaos. 💫— Sara

In this episode, I walk you through the exact framework I use (and live by) to help high-achieving women like you go from burnt out and overwhelmed to lit up, energized, and thriving. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still running on empty, I think you’ll like this a lot :)I break down the five core pillars of the Chill But Driven Method, my signature approach to building chaos-proof wellness systems that actually stick. These are the strategies I used to juggle two graduate degrees, build a business, support a partner through addiction recovery, and still feel grounded and good in my body.Whether you’re in the thick of stress, chasing big goals, or just tired of the performative wellness hamster wheel, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and tangible steps to feel better now.🏔️ What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️Why “more” isn’t always better: the trap of overloading your wellness routineThe Reset Phase: how to add time and space back into your schedule (spoiler: you remove things)Resilient Movement: joyful, effective fitness that matches your energyFoundational Health Habits: simple, science-backed basics for real energyExecutive Function Systems: how I help clients stop drowning in daily chaosNervous System Regulation: the real key to clear thinking and calm energyThe Power of Joy + Play: how to bring fun back into your daily lifeRest is productive (and why your body needs it to thrive)✨  Work with Me ✨Application Page:⁠ TAP HERE⁠ (ignore the copy I need to update haha)Instagram: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠TikTok: ⁠@ChillButDriven⁠If this story resonated with you, I’d be honored if you’d rate, review, and share this episode. It helps this message find someone who needs it.If you want support building your own health, resilience, and sustainable performance system (especially when life is messy), let’s connect.Cheers to being happy, healthy, doing good, and thriving through the chaos. 💫— Sara

Spoiler alert: Fun and strategic health & lifestyle shifts are how you ride the wave of life’s chaos and come out sharper, calmer, fully lit up, and ready to do what you’re here to do 😜In this vulnerable and unfiltered first episode, I dive into my personal journey from burnout, chronic pain, and emotional chaos to showing up strong, grounded, and thriving. You’ll hear how I overcame physical injury, mental health struggles, and relational turmoil ... and how I built a foundation of resilience, wellness habits, and joy to support a life of high performance. You’ll walk away with hope and inspiration for creating sustainable health systems, and a taste of the fun + strategic approach to wellness I teach for high-performing women.🏔️  What I Yap About in This Episode 🏔️The “wake-up call” moment: lying on a couch with frozen tuna steaks, disconnected from my bodyLoss of a family member, surgery, and breaking point: how grief and a double hip surgery changed everythingHow I got back in shape and lost over 30 poundsWhat happens when you work too hardGetting acne, panic attacks on the bathroom floor, and socially isolating myselfLetting go of perfection in grad school: adding joy back into lifeHow to get good grades and have funThe test: dealing with an addicted loved one and starting a business at a “bad” timeHow letting go of control actually makes things betterHow I built a method for high‑achieving women to stay happy, healthy, and lit up✨  Work with Me ✨Application Page: TAP HERE (ignore the copy I need to update haha) Instagram: @ChillButDrivenTikTok: @ChillButDrivenIf this story resonated with you, I’d be honored if you’d rate, review, and share this episode. It helps this message find someone who needs it.If you want support building your own health, resilience, and sustainable performance system (especially when life is messy), let’s connect. Cheers to being happy, healthy, doing good, and thriving through the chaos. 💫— Sara

Want to feel good + do good sh*t?You’ve got a big mission. But you can’t change the world if your body is burnt out or running on fumes. This is a women’s wellness podcast hosted by a doctor of physical therapy turned health and lifestyle strategist.We share joyful, sustainable, evidence-based ways to be the healthiest and brightest version of yourself through body recomposition, nervous system resets & optimizing your executive function. No performative wellness BS here :) It’s time to chaos-proof your habits, have fun again, and unf*ck your wellness to elevate your impact.Welcome!