Presence: Stop Burnout from Stealing Your Focus
In today’s world, it’s easy to overlook the simple but profound power of being present.
Burnout sufferers, in particular, find themselves mentally absent, feeling guilty for not being
more engaged. But true presence isn’t something we can just “switch on”—it’s a result of
balancing our mental and emotional states.

• Lesser-Known Insights into Presence
  – Presence and the Prefrontal Cortex: The brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for
  attention and decision-making, becomes overworked in burnout. When you’re
  constantly multitasking or stressed, it’s harder to focus on the present moment.
  – Mind-Body Disconnection: Burnout causes a disconnect between the body and
  mind. People often report feeling like they’re on “autopilot,” which is a signal that their
  nervous system is struggling to regulate itself.
  – Survival Mode vs. Presence: Burnout sufferers are frequently in “fight or flight”
  mode, driven by cortisol and adrenaline. Presence, on the other hand, thrives when
  the nervous system is calm, which explains why it’s so elusive for them.

• Signs Someone is in Trouble
  You may notice that someone who’s burned out:
  – Always feels guilty about downtime: This constant guilt makes them avoid moments
  where they could reconnect with the present.
  – Struggles with clarity: They have trouble focusing on conversations or tasks, feeling
  scattered and overwhelmed.
  – Emotional Flatness: They feel emotionally numb, as if they’re disconnected from both
  themselves and others.

How to Cultivate Presence During Burnout
1. Reframing Guilt: Burnout sufferers often feel guilty for not being “present.” The first step to
overcoming this is reframing that guilt. Presence is a skill that requires recovery and
practice—it’s not something you can force.

2. Simple Anchoring Techniques: Grounding exercises, like focusing on the feet touching the
floor or taking three slow breaths, can pull them out of autopilot.

3. Reconnect with the Body: Incorporating mindful movement (like stretching or yoga) helps
bridge the mind-body gap. These small acts improve emotional regulation, leading to a more
stable state of presence.

Presence is more than just paying attention—it’s about reclaiming control over your mental

and emotional states. If you’re struggling with burnout, feeling disconnected, or constantly
guilty for not “being there,” you’re not alone. My coaching method teaches you how to rewire
your brain for presence—and reclaim the peace and balance you deserve.