West Coast Notes

Burnout Recovery Articles

Reflections and science-informed guidance on forest therapy, somatic stress recovery, nature connection, creativity, digital wellbeing, and practices that help people come back to their senses.

From Overwhelm to Empowered: Navigating the Pervasive Stress of Today’s Society
Wendy FigoneSomatic Stress Recovery

From Overwhelm to Empowered: Navigating the Pervasive Stress of Today’s Society

As I learn to navigate the intricacies of my life, I recognize that overwhelm has been a consistent theme since childhood. Growing up as a highly sensitive child, I internalized the feelings of overwhelm not only as part of my own experience but also through observing my mother's struggles. I watched her grapple with the weight of life's demands as a single mother, often feeling helpless as she failed to seek the support she needed. Her inability to thrive in these moments of stress became ingrained in my perception of what overwhelm looked and felt like.