According to Forbes, 66 percent of U.S. employees report experiencing burnout in 2025 — an all-time high. Research also consistently shows that women face a higher risk of burnout than men, and this gap has widened in recent years.

The combination of emotional, mental and often physical overload affects every aspect of a person’s work and home life, often leading to depression and other health issues.

While it isn’t always possible to completely eliminate the reasons causing burnout, there often are ways to combat them or reduce their effect.

In this installment of Ask a She, four female leaders share their opinions on why they believe it is so important to prevent burnout and share what they do in their own lives to prevent burnout.

Tara Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
Red Roof

Q. Why is it so important to prevent burnout?

A. Let's take a step back and understand the concept of burnout — the prolonged or chronic state of being overwhelmed, exhausted or stressed, signaling a need for recovery. What's profound about this is that your body and soul are responding and sending you a message that you need restoration. Our being has a built-in mechanism to tell us what we need and when.

We're spiritual beings having a human experience, and burnout is what happens when we forget that truth. It intercepts our ability to be present in our personal, professional and social life. When we understand that it affects our ability to be truly present, we should treat the balance of being able to show up authentically.

The ancient Stoics understood this. Marcus Aurelius wrote, "You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." Burnout is what happens when we give that power away, when we let the outside world dictate our inner state.

To me, prevention involves a daily, and sometimes hourly practice of being aware of myself, aware of my surroundings and aware of my state of being. In that awareness, I can take moments to safeguard my spiritual energy — physical, mental, emotional — essentially responding to balance my state of being. Know thyself and be in awareness of thyself is key.

It all starts with being aware of my state of being and then being committed to take action that facilitates a rebalance of my state of being. There is no magic answer or way — except — to know thyself. State of being is personal, do not do what I do or what others do, know thyself and find your own way.

Q. What do you do to prevent burnout in your own life?

A. I practice what the Tao Te Ching calls "wu wei" — effortless action. Instead of forcing my way through life, I look for the current and let it carry me. I stay aware and prioritize immediately as I need it. There are many times I've stopped a project mid-afternoon because feelings of being overwhelmed were consuming me. In those moments, as soon as I become aware, I spring into action as my own advocate.

I protect empty space in my calendar like it's sacred, because it is. That's where creativity lives, where peace resides, where divine guidance speaks. I schedule nothing sometimes, giving my brain permission to rest.

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When burnout signals arrive, I completely check out of work and worrying. I cancel obligations immediately, order dinner in and deflect demands on my thinking power by saying "I don't know" or "ask me tomorrow." I go to bed early, having grace for myself and nurturing my spirit, knowing this is a fleeting moment.

Remember what Rumi said: "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." Trust that pull — it's your internal compass pointing you toward your truest, most sustainable life.

Eddy Nevarez
Managing Director Investments
National Hospitality Division
Marcus & Millichap
The Nevarez Group

Q. Why is it so important to prevent burnout?

A. Preventing burnout is essential because it impacts every area of our lives — personally and professionally. When we allow ourselves to reach that point of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, our decision-making suffers, our creativity diminishes and our confidence takes a hit. Burnout doesn’t just affect work performance; it ripples into our relationships, our health and our overall well-being.

As women, we often wear many hats — mother, partner, daughter, friend — while simultaneously building careers, managing households and showing up for others. The pressure to do it all can be overwhelming. If we don’t take intentional steps to prevent burnout, we risk losing the ability to be present and effective in any of these roles. Preventing burnout allows us to stay balanced, think clearly and continue showing up as the best version of ourselves.

Q. What do you do to prevent burnout in your own life?

A. I’ll be the first to admit that I am still a work in progress when it comes to this. Over the years, I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t just “happen” — there are always warning signs and our bodies will tell us when it’s time to slow down. Now, I try to recognize those signs earlier and proactively carve out time for myself before reaching a breaking point.

For me, this means setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary and building small but meaningful moments of self-care into my routine — whether it’s a morning walk, time with loved ones, reading or simply allowing myself to rest. I remind myself often that taking care of myself is not selfish; it is necessary. The old saying is true: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” When I prioritize my well-being, I show up stronger, more focused and more present for my clients, my team and most importantly, my family.

Mallorie Kemo
Director of Procurement
Red Roof

Q. Why is it so important to prevent burnout?

A. Preventing burnout is especially important for working moms because we often carry a dual load — managing professional responsibilities while also managing caregiving and household duties. Preventing burnout helps protect your mental and physical health, allowing you to be your best at both home and work. When you’re burned out, relationships suffer, productivity drops and decision making becomes harder.

Q. What do you do to prevent burnout in your own life?

A. The two biggest ways I prevent burnout are by delegating and saying “no.” The key to delegating is to do it without guilt. At work I can empower my team to take the lead on a project. At home, I can share responsibilities with my husband or outsource when possible. I’ve learned that I do not have to do it all myself. I have also learned that I don’t have to do it all, period. Whether it is turning down plans in favor of rest or setting clear boundaries at work, sometimes, I just have to say no.

On long days when burnout starts to set in, the best thing I do for myself is to get outside and take a walk. Just me, my dog and a podcast will clear my head every time.

Komal "Tina" Patel
Managing Director
ALKO Hotels

Q. Why is it so important to prevent burnout?

A. As women, we often take on so many roles in our families, our work and our communities. It's easy to put ourselves last, thinking we have to keep going no matter what. But the truth is, we can't pour from an empty cup. When you are overworked and overtired, you are not good to yourself and you are not good to anybody else, either. I have learned that the hard way. That's why preventing burnout is so essential. Our well-being affects everything around us, how we think, how we feel and how we care for others. We need to permit ourselves to slow down when needed, to say no without guilt and to ask for help without shame. Taking care of ourselves isn't selfish. It's necessary because when we feel balanced and well, we can show up fully for the people and responsibilities that matter to us.

Q. What do you do to prevent burnout in your own life?

A. When I start to feel moments of overwhelm, I make it a priority to pause and reset. Taking a step back to breathe, meditate and relax helps me regain perspective. I’ve learned the importance of stepping outside of my workspace and giving my mind the space it needs to recharge. For me, that often means spending quality time with my kids, enjoying outdoor activities or tending to my garden at home. These simple yet meaningful moments not only ease stress but also ground me. They give me the clarity and energy I need so that when I return to work, I’m refreshed, focused and ready to hit the ground running.

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