Why “Self-Care” Won’t Fix Burnout: A Wake-Up Call for Coaches

Why “Self-Care” Won’t Fix Burnout: A Wake-Up Call for Coaches

If self-care were the solution to Burnout, we wouldn’t be facing a global Burnout crisis!

The truth is, bubble baths, yoga, and meditation can’t fix what’s broken.

While these practices might provide temporary relief, (and I personally love them all) they don’t address the core issues that lead to Burnout.

For coaches supporting clients on the brink of burnout—or those already in its grip—it’s time to challenge the myth of self-care as a cure-all and go deeper.

Burnout isn’t just about stress.

It’s a complex interplay of stress, unmet needs, toxicity, a loss of sense of self, and poor boundaries (or as I prefer to call them non-negotiables).

The two biggest factors being Toxicity and Loss of Self

This is the Burnout Equation, and until we address these issues, Burnout will persist, no matter how many wellness apps or mindfulness routines your clients adopt.

The Problem with Self-Care

The problem with traditional self-care is that it often adds more to an already overwhelmed client’s plate.

Imagine asking someone who’s drowning in work and responsibilities to carve out time for a yoga class or a weekend retreat. The thought alone can be stressful. Self-care in this context becomes a chore—a superficial sticking plaster for a deeper wound, and just more things on an already overflowing to-do list.

Burnout is not a problem of insufficient self-care.

It’s a systemic issue, both in our clients’ lives and in the systems they operate within. As coaches, we need to move beyond the surface-level solutions and address the root causes of Burnout with our clients.

Burnout Recovery Requires Systemic Change

The work of Burnout recovery isn’t quick or easy, it can take years.

It requires systemic change—not just in your clients’ lives, but often in the workplaces, families, and cultures they’re part of.

This is where your role as a coach becomes truly impactful.

Coaching clients to create their non-negotiables, advocate for their needs, remove toxicity, redevelop their sense of self and reduce stress requires deep understanding, skill, and a framework that goes beyond generic advice.

At the Burnout Academy, we equip coaches with the tools and insights to support clients in creating sustainable change.

Are You Ready to Go Beyond the Surface?

If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level fixes and become the kind of coach who transforms lives, join me in the Burnout Academy.

Together, we’ll explore the Burnout Equation, develop your skills, and empower you to help clients not only recover from burnout but thrive in their lives.

The world needs more Burnout-literate, Burnout-aware coaches. Are you ready to step up?

Kelly