As a Life Coach and someone who has experienced burnout firsthand, I’ve put together this list of some of the best self-care tools that have made a difference for many women experiencing burnout. These are tools that nourish your body, calm your mind, and support real recovery. You don’t need to tackle them all at once – that would just be another impossible to-do list, right?
Burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like holding everything together while silently crumbling inside because self-care got pushed aside. Sound familiar?
According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout can lead to serious health issues if left unaddressed. That’s why creating a sustainable self-care plan is so important, especially for women juggling multiple roles.
If you’re constantly exhausted, overwhelmed by small tasks, or running on caffeine and autopilot, you’re not alone. Studies show women are twice as likely to experience burnout as men, especially those balancing caregiving, careers, and emotional labor. And while social media might tell us to “just take a bubble bath,” healing requires more than that.
Start with just one thing that speaks to you, and give yourself permission to prioritize it. You’re absolutely worth the time and care!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I’ve personally used or truly believe can support women on their journey from burnout to balance.
Best Physical Self-Care Tools
When burnout takes hold, your body often feels the effects first. Tension headaches, insomnia, constant exhaustion. Sound familiar? These physical tools can be game-changers in recovery:
1. Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket, like the Luna Weighted Blanket, can be a game-changer for improving sleep quality. This weighted blanket promotes deep, restful sleep by applying gentle, even pressure to the body, simulating a calming, comforting hug. This deep touch pressure has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax and fall asleep faster. Women experiencing burnout often have disrupted sleep patterns, and a weighted blanket can significantly improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and stress.
2. Lavender Sleep Spray
A calming bedtime ritual is an effective way to signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. Using a lavender sleep spray, such as This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, is an easy, natural way to promote relaxation. Lavender has well-known soothing properties that can calm the nervous system and support restful sleep. This spray creates an aromatherapy experience that not only enhances the sleep environment but also signals to your mind that it’s time to let go of the day’s stress. Making this part of your nightly routine can gradually shift your body into a state of relaxation and tranquility. Lavendar is my favourite scent!
3. Foam Roller or Massage Ball
When burnout manifests as physical tension, a foam roller or massage ball can be really effective in releasing built-up stress. Tools like the TriggerPoint Foam Roller help alleviate tight muscles and improve circulation. It only takes 10 minutes a day to roll out the body and experience relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain, common areas that hold stress. These tools are a simple and accessible way to ease discomfort and support recovery without needing professional massages. Consistent use can also help prevent long-term injury and promote greater flexibility.
Best Mindset & Mental Health Support Tools
Alongside physical care, supporting your mental health and mindset is key in overcoming burnout. If your mind is constantly racing or filled with negative thoughts, it’s impossible to feel fully rejuvenated. These tools focus on shifting your mindset and improving your emotional well-being.
1. Best Meditation App for Overwhelmed Women
A meditation app is one of the most accessible ways to nurture your mental health. Apps like Calm or Headspace are great resources for women experiencing burnout. These apps offer guided meditations that can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and promote mindfulness. Taking just 10 minutes each day to practice deep breathing and meditation can make a world of difference in how you feel. It’s about creating a moment of calm amidst the chaos and learning to center yourself, no matter how busy life gets.
2. Best Guided Journals for Women in Burnout Recovery
Journaling can be a powerful tool for healing, especially when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. A guided journal, such as The Five Minute Journal or Mindfulness Journal, helps you reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences in a structured way. Writing down positive affirmations, reflecting on gratitude, and setting intentions for the day can boost your confidence and give you clarity. These journals are designed to be quick and easy, helping women reconnect with themselves and break the cycle of negative thinking. They provide a safe space to process your feelings, even when you feel emotionally drained.
3. Best Books to Read When You’re Emotionally Drained
Sometimes, reading a book that resonates with your struggles can be incredibly healing. Books like Burnout by Emily Nagoski and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown offer valuable insights into overcoming burnout and learning to embrace imperfections. These books can help shift your mindset from exhaustion to empowerment. When you’re emotionally drained, diving into a book that nurtures your spirit can offer the mental break you need. It can also provide fresh perspectives on managing stress and burnout.
Best Sleep & Relaxation Self-Care Products
When burnout hits, many women lie awake replaying their to-do list while at the same time, they are too exhausted to function. Breaking this cycle requires intentional sleep support:
1. Best Sleep Tools for Deep, Restorative Rest
When it comes to sleep, creating an environment that fosters relaxation is key. Sleep tools like a white noise machine, lavender sleep spray, or a silk eye mask can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. The soothing sounds of a white noise machine mask disruptive noises, making it easier to fall asleep. Lavender spray, as mentioned, helps signal your body to relax. A silk eye mask blocks out light, creating the perfect dark environment for sleep. Each of these tools contributes to a more peaceful, restorative sleep experience.
2. Best Nighttime Rituals to Combat Exhaustion
A relaxing nighttime routine is essential for winding down after a busy day. Some simple but effective nighttime rituals include journaling, sipping on calming tea and wearing soft pajamas or robe. These can signal to your body that it’s time to relax. Journaling allows you to clear your mind and express your thoughts before bed. Drinking calming tea, like chamomile or valerian root, has been shown to promote relaxation and ease tension. Putting on comfortable, cozy clothes creates a soothing, self-care experience. These rituals help set the stage for a peaceful, restful night.
Best Holistic Healing & Lifestyle Helpers
In addition to self-care tools that focus on relaxation, integrating holistic healing practices into your daily routine can provide long-term support for burnout recovery. These lifestyle helpers can help realign your body, mind, and spirit for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
1. Best Daily Habits That Helped Me Heal from Burnout
Integrating daily habits that nurture your body, mind, and spirit can have a huge impact on your recovery from burnout. Simple actions like stretching, meditating, staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and taking time to rest are essential for holistic healing. A wellness tracker can help you monitor your progress and stay accountable. Adding these habits into your daily routine might seem challenging at first, but consistency is key. Over time, these small actions create a foundation of health that helps you heal from burnout and maintain balance.
2. Best Herbal Teas to Soothe Stress and Boost Sleep
Herbal teas are a wonderful way to support your mental and emotional health. Teas like Pukka, Traditional Medicinals, or Yogi Tea offer blends designed to soothe stress and promote restful sleep. Ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, and lavender are known for their calming properties. Drinking a warm cup of herbal tea before bed helps relax the body and gives you a moment to pause. This is one of my favourite ways to unwind for the evening, but not too close to bedtime. Drinking it too close to bedtime might lead to interrupted sleep thanks to an inconvenient trip to the bathroom.
Best Productivity & Time Management Tools
Finally, effective time management is essential for preventing burnout from creeping back into your life. When you’re running on empty, productivity tools that help you organize your tasks and prioritize your time can make all the difference.
1. Best Planner to Bring Calm to Your Chaos
A well-organized planner is an essential tool for keeping track of your tasks, setting goals, and creating balance in your life. Planners like The Full Focus Planner or Daily greatness Journal help women stay organized while reducing the stress of overwhelming to-do lists. These planners include space for goal setting, gratitude, and prioritizing, all of which help create clarity and focus in your day.
For women navigating burnout or looking to add more intention in their routines, I also recommend the planner that I created specifically with these challenges in mind She’s A Goal Getter: A Women’s Success Journal & Planner. It blends structured planning with mindset support, weekly reflection prompts, and space for self-care check-ins. This planner was designed to help women get things done and feel more aligned, confident, and centered while doing them.
Whether you’re rebuilding your energy or pursuing your goals, the right planner becomes a daily anchor. It’s not just a schedule keeper, but a support system on paper.
2. Best Time-Saving Tools for Women Who Do Too Much
When burnout hits, it’s often because you’re trying to do everything at once. Time-saving tools like Trello, Notion templates, digital planners, and Pomodoro timers can help you break tasks down into manageable steps and improve efficiency. These tools allow you to stay organized, track progress, and make the most of your time. This is key to managing burnout and preventing it from happening in the future.
Prioritizing Your Self-Care for Lasting Healing
Remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential, especially when recovering from burnout. By incorporating even one or two of these self-care tools into your routine, you begin the journey back to balance and vitality.
Start small by choosing one or two tools that resonate most with you and build your personal self-care toolkit gradually. The most important step is simply beginning. Your future self will thank you for the investment you’re making today in your well-being.
Want to go deeper and explore how to create a life that supports both your well-being and your professional life? Be sure to check out my in-depth guide on How to Balance Health and Career Success without burning out.
