What happens when achievement stops feeling fulfilling and starts draining every ounce of energy? In this powerful conversation, former paediatrician Dr Jess Morgan joins Dr Lee David to explore the hidden early signs of burnout, why it can be so hard to slow down and how to rediscover a more sustainable way of living and working.

Jess shares her personal journey from NHS medicine through burnout and beyond – describing the subtle warnings she missed, the “hero narrative” that kept her pushing harder and the identity shift that came when she stepped away from clinical practice. Together we look at:

• Spotting the signs early: loss of joy in everyday pleasures, creeping cynicism, relentless mental overdrive and the urge to stay busy to avoid uncomfortable feelings
• The hero trap: how perfectionism, people-pleasing and proving ourselves can feed exhaustion and make it harder to set limits
• Redefining identity: moving beyond professional labels and reconnecting with different parts of ourselves – the playful, creative, reflective sides that help us stay whole
• Practical ways forward: therapy, supportive colleagues, setting and keeping boundaries, and small positive rituals that bring back energy and meaning

Lee and Jess also discuss the bigger picture: how compassionate leadership, realistic workloads and role-modelled balance at work can protect wellbeing far more than token gestures.

This episode includes The Choice Pause – What Matters, a short guided practice to help you breathe, notice and make space for what’s important.

Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or simply want to prevent burnout, this conversation offers grounded insight and gentle, doable steps:

• Start tiny – even 10 minutes of joy or stillness counts
• See “no” as a doorway to a deeper “yes” for what truly matters
• Listen with compassionate curiosity to the different parts of yourself and what each needs

If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down without losing who you are, this episode will help you reclaim energy, choice and a more balanced way to live and work.

About the host

Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. She is the founder of 10 Minute CBT and a podcast host sharing evidence-based tools for self-doubt, stress and everyday decision-making. Lee has written books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family.
You can find Lee on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. And you can find more about her books and wellbeing courses here

About the guest

Dr Jess Morgan has carved out a flexible and varied career that incorporates many of her different interests. She worked as an NHS paediatrician for over ten years before leaving clinical medicine in 2019 and retraining as a primary teacher. Alongside her work in the primary education sector, Jess is a speaker, writer and facilitator, using both expertise and lived experience to lead national change and improve the wellbeing and working lives of health professionals. More than anything though, Jess is a wife and a mum and loves nothing more than a wet and windy walk with her family or pulling on a wetsuit and diving into a lake.

Reference

Tang VL et al. Sci