Emotions Are Real (And They're Trying to Save You)

What does being trapped in a park bathroom by a furious elk have to do with burnout recovery? More than you think.

In this episode of Beyond Burnout, Shelley Boyd takes you inside a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled encounter that became an unforgettable lesson in how our bodies process stress—and why ignoring the second half of the stress cycle can leave us stuck, exhausted, and teetering on the edge of burnout.

You’ll learn:

Why emotions are physically real, not just “in your head”

The two halves of the stress cycle—and what happens when you skip one

How to complete the cycle so you can reset, recharge, and reclaim your joy

Practical techniques—like Box Breathing, movement, and creative expression—to help you shift from survival mode to healing mode

If you’ve ever felt like you can’t “turn off” your stress, this episode is your roadmap for moving through emotions instead of getting trapped in them. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.