People assume because I’m an acupuncturist & yoga teacher, I must have it all together. Balanced. Zen. Energised. Always meditating. Eating perfectly. Calm and clear and grounded.
But here’s the truth: I still get burnt out. I still feel flat. I still battle with major depression.
And when it hits—woah. It’s a lot. When it happens, I feel heavy, hopeless, disconnected, and honestly just like everything is too much; and it’s then that I remind myself of two things:
This is human.
I know how to find my way back.
So no, I’m not “cured.” But—and this is key—I’m resourced. And I want to share with you what I do when I feel myself sliding into that dark, tired, emotionally-numb place.
1. I Stop Trying to Fix It
Burnout and depression have their own rhythm. The more I try to hustle my way out—forcing productivity, faking energy, doing All The Right Things—the more exhausted I feel.
I used to fight it. I used to push it. Get angry. Now, I try to meet myself instead of trying to change myself.
If I’m tired, I rest.
If I’m sad, I cry.
If I’m numb, I breathe through the fog.
I remind myself: healing is not performance. Healing is soft, patient, forgiving.
2. I Lean on the Medicine
Even though I do this for others, I still forget how powerful Chinese medicine can be until I get back on the table myself.
When I’m burnt out or spiralling emotionally, I book in to get treated myself. I take herbs. I get my tongue and pulse checked and ask myself: “What pattern is showing up right now?”
Usually, it’s something like:
Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency (overthinking, insomnia, low mood)
Liver Qi Stagnation (irritability, depression, PMS, tight chest)
Kidney Yin Deficiency (burnout, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog)
And I treat that—not by pushing, but by nourishing. Herbs, food, rest, touch, breath, space.
Chinese medicine doesn’t ask me to override my body. It asks me to listen.
3. I Eat to Ground Myself
When I’m in burnout or depression, I lose interest in food—or I only want sugar, bread, or nothing at all. And while I’m not perfect, I’ve learned that warming, cooked meals with protein and whole grains help regulate my mood more than anything.
A bowl of rice-based yumminess, roast veg, or soup with miso and greens is real medicine. I don’t calorie count. Through a Chinese medicine lens I ask, “Will this nourish my Spleen? Will this anchor my Shen?”
And I try to eat it sitting down, with my phone away—even if just for five minutes.
4. I Stop Scrolling and Start Soothing
When I’m overwhelmed or low, I scroll like it’s oxygen. But I’ve learned it doesn’t soothe—news flash!—it numbs, then overstimulates.
So I try to swap it for something else:
Lying on the floor with one hand on my chest
Doing 5-3-6 breathing
A hot shower with scented wash
Gratitude lists… 5 easy points to start shifting my awareness
These are nervous system tools, not life makeovers. They don’t solve everything, but they soften the edge.
5. I Talk to Someone
We ALL needing support; me included. I can’t always think my way out of emotional spirals. So I text a friend. I talk to my therapist. I let someone know,
If you’re out there, quietly struggling, please know: you’re not alone.
And you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.
6. I Rebuild Slowly—With Space
When I’m recovering from a burnout wave or a depressive dip, I don’t force a rigid routine. That has really never worked for me. Instead, I focus on rhythm, and space.
That might mean:
Cancelling all non-essential appointments
Bed rest - going to bed at the same time each night, and reading old school books (not scrolling)
Drinking warm lemon water before coffee
Doing one slow stretch in the morning
Sitting outside for 3 minutes with my face in the sun
These are small rituals, but they tether me to life when I feel like I’m falling.
So… Why Am I Telling You This?
Because you deserve practitioners who are real.
Because I’m not above burnout—I’m just trained in how to recognize it, name it, and support myself through it.
And because you might be going through it too.
If you’re stuck in exhaustion, depression, or emotional overwhelm—you don’t need to fix yourself. You need support, space, care. Maybe acupuncture. Maybe herbs. Maybe just someone who sees you.
Here’s What I’d Recommend, If You’re In It Right Now:
Start by stopping the shame. You’re not lazy. You’re depleted.
Support your body with grounding meals, breath, and herbal support.
Let someone help you—a practitioner, a friend, a therapist.
Get acupuncture. Not to fix you, but to gently nudge your nervous system toward calm, clarity, and rest.
And go slow. Healing isn’t linear. It’s a spiral, and you’re allowed to be where you are.
If you’re ready to feel a little more like yourself again—come on in.
I’ll meet you exactly where you are.
You’re not alone in this. And you don’t have to carry it all anymore.