by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski · 2019
The science of burnout, particularly for women navigating chronic over-functioning.
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The Nagoski sisters wrote the burnout book we wish more of our clients had read before they hit a wall. Emily is a health educator; Amelia is a choral conductor who burned out spectacularly. Together they translate the stress research — particularly the distinction between the stressor and the stress response — into something usable.
Their central argument is that you can solve the stressor (finish the project, end the conflict) without completing the stress cycle in the body, and the unprocessed stress is what produces burnout. The book is specific about what completes the cycle (movement, breath, social connection, laughter, creative expression, crying) and why "self-care" as marketed by the wellness industry mostly doesn't.
We recommend this often to clients — particularly women — who are chronically over-functioning and confused about why they're so tired.
A note. This is reading material, not clinical treatment. If you’re working through something difficult, books complement therapy — they don’t replace it. Book a session with our team for personalised support.
More books in self-care, stress & burnout.
Nedra Glover Tawwab
Practical, therapy-informed guide to boundary-setting in relationships, family, and work.
Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
A research-based and warmly written guide to completing the stress response cycle.
Robert M. Sapolsky
The definitive popular science account of chronic stress physiology — essential psychoeducation for stress-related presentations.
Kristin Neff
The foundational self-compassion text — teaches the antidote to self-critical burnout with solid research backing.
Gabor Maté
Examines the psychosomatic connection between suppressed emotion and physical illness.
Brené Brown
Research on wholehearted living, letting go of perfectionism, and cultivating self-worth.
Our team sees adults, adolescents, and children in person at Bella Vista and via telehealth across NSW. Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Care Plan; NDIS self- and plan-managed; private health depending on fund.