When it comes to reducing stress, a good place to start is with time, priorities, and distractions. One well-known tool is the time management matrix, originally associated with Dwight D. Eisenhower and later popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People . It offers a simple way to sort out what matters most. I’ve used this framework with students, young professionals, and clients to organize responsibilities and reflect on workload. Over time, I began to wonder:...

Burnout and stress have a way of returning, like tides we didn’t quite notice rising. In listening to clients and workshop participants, I’m often reminded that hitting “bottom” or running out of steam isn’t a personal failure. It’s part of a cycle many of us move through over the course of a full life. When we invest deeply in work, family, friendships, or community, we often begin by giving generously. Over time, that level of commitment can become difficult to sustain. What once felt...