In this article we will be discussing Embracing Wellness for Optimal Performance: An Interview with Charlotte Stebbing-Mills

Charlotte Stebbing-Mills was interviewed by Jenny Devonshire, host of Pause to Perform podcast who delves into the world of wellness and explores ways to optimize mental and physical health for peak performance.

Continue Reading or Watch the video on Youtube here.

Charlotte’s Journey to Recovery

To kick off the interview Jenny delved into how Charlotte's passion for wellness and performance began.

Charlotte recounts a pivotal moment at the age of 13 when she witnessed a fundraising cancer research run at a local park in the UK. The sight of enthusiastic individuals participating in the event, both in memory of loved ones and in support of the cause, deeply impacted her. This experience awakened her to the realization that she had a choice—to either perpetuate the unhealthy patterns she witnessed growing up or embrace a different path focused on health and transforming hardships into positive outcomes.

This is where The Wellness Theory was born—a platform dedicated to helping people overcome stress, burnout and overwhelm to unlock their happy, high-performing selves.

The driving force behind their mission is the belief that one cannot effectively contribute to the world when overwhelmed by stress and burnout. Recognizing that wellness is the key to becoming a force for good, The Wellness Theory aims to empower individuals to cultivate a healthier and more balanced life.

In the full interview, Charlotte reflected on her personal journey of burnout recovery and emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of stress and burnout. She shares her own experience of burnout, which led her to seek help and support. This pivotal moment sparked a fire within her—a determination to channel her experiences and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Listen to the full interview here - LINK

Differences of Stress and Burnout

Stress exists on a spectrum. Acute stress refers to short-lived stressors that trigger us to adapt and grow. However, chronic stress, when left unchecked, can lead to burnout.

Burnout is a state of complete exhaustion resulting from chronic stress, often accompanied by emotional, physical, and mental depletion.

Charlotte encourages self-awareness and recognition of the signs of chronic stress and burnout to seek appropriate support and intervention.

“Burnout often stems from deeper issues within our personal experiences”-Charlotte

Unresolved emotional struggles and a lack of self-awareness can exacerbate burnout, even in individuals who genuinely love their work. For such individuals, it’s necessary to set boundaries and avoid being exploited even in situations where one finds fulfillment in their job.

Fear of Fatigue

Both Jenny and Charlotte acknowledge their shared struggle with the “fear of fatigue” and the “constant drive to push through tiredness”. They recognize the importance of addressing these underlying fears and learning to embrace rest and relaxation. They emphasize the power of downtime and the significance of valuing time off as much as time spent working. It's a constant process of recognizing and challenging the patterns and beliefs that prevent us from fully experiencing relaxation.

Charlotte emphasizes the necessity of exploring the root causes of our behaviors and beliefs. Unresolved issues and unconscious coping mechanisms can hinder our progress toward well-being. The journey to recovery involves delving into the origins of our responses and examining the impact of past experiences on our present state. By understanding these underlying factors, we can begin to make positive changes and choose healthier ways of being.

The Struggle of Emotional Disconnection

Charlotte emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Jenny adds her own experience of discovering the power of yoga in accessing and releasing emotions stored in the body. They both highlight the various ways in which individuals can tap into their emotions, whether through talking therapy or body practices. Listen here.

Significance of Self-Exploration

Charlotte reiterates the significance of self-exploration in understanding our triggers and unresolved emotions. She emphasizes that healing and self-discovery are ongoing processes, not something that can be resolved in a single therapy session or through quick-fix tips found on social media.

Learning our own patterns and understanding how they inform our behaviors and responses is a continuous learning curve. By delving into the root causes and exploring our own emotional landscapes, we can harness that knowledge to perform better and make positive contributions to the world.

Tips on How to Manage Stress in Short Term

1. Practicing Mindfulness

This involves bringing your attention to the present moment and focusing on your senses. It can be as simple as taking a few moments to notice the sounds around you, feel the sensation of your feet on the ground, or observe your surroundings without judgment. Mindfulness helps bring you back to the present and calms the racing thoughts and anxieties that often accompany stress.

2. Engaging in Physical Activity and Healthy Hobbies

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. It can be as simple as going for a walk, doing a quick workout at home, or engaging in any form of movement that you enjoy. Physical activity not only helps reduce stress but also improves overall well-being.

Finding healthy outlets for stress is also crucial. This can include engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, practicing yoga or meditation, or spending time in nature. It's important to carve out time for yourself and prioritize self-care to recharge and rejuvenate.

3. Seeking Support from Others

Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide a listening ear, guidance, or helpful resources. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can help alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective on the challenges you're facing.

Remember, stress management is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's about finding strategies and techniques that resonate with you and incorporating them into your daily life. By practicing self-awareness, self-care, and seeking support when needed, you can effectively manage stress and promote your well-being.

Final Thoughts

Recognize the power of understanding our own minds, embracing rest and relaxation, and unearthing the root causes of our stress and burnout. By prioritizing our well-being, we can cultivate resilience, find balance, and live fulfilling lives.

Be sure to explore the differences between acute stress, chronic stress burnout for you personally and delved into the complexities of what it could mean for your recovery.

Remember, true healing comes from addressing the root causes of stress. Setting boundaries and valuing rest in a society that often glorifies constant productivity can be a gamechanger too.

Taking care of our wellness is not a luxury—it is an essential foundation for sustainable success and fulfillment.

Access the full interview for free:

Watch via YouTube

Listen via Podcast

If you’d like support and guidance with stress and anxiety, take the stress less and thrive

more wellness scorecard ⁠⁠⁠and see how you can leverage your wellness and minimize stress,

for yourself and your loved ones.

https://www.thewellnesstheory.com/

Much love and wellness,

Charlotte and Jonathan