Resetting Boundaries: Self-Care and Burnout in the Age of Overwhelm

When the world feels nonstop, self-care can’t just be bubble baths and “take a break” advice—it has to include boundaries, community, and a realistic way to keep going without losing yourself. In this episode, Sacha reconnects with therapist and social justice advocate Ashley McGirt for a grounded conversation about exhaustion, advocacy, and what it actually looks like to reset. Ashley shares lessons from her work in community advocacy (including serving as a health chair with the NAACP), her experiences traveling to over 60 countries, and a powerful story that connects resilience to the treacherous journey of sea turtles. Along the way, we talk about communication boundaries, building a culture of care, and small practices that help you stay human in chaotic times. In this episode, we cover: Exhaustion in social justice work (and how it sneaks up) Why boundaries are a form of care—not selfishness Reestablishing communication boundaries without guilt What a “culture of care” looks like in real life Self-care beyond hygiene: practices that restore capacity The power of a greeting—and what it does for nervous system regulation Wellness in times of chaos: how to keep going sustainably Chapters: 00:03:44 Exhaustion in social justice work (burnout signals) 00:05:41 Why self-care is essential for activists and advocates 00:11:21 Resetting communication boundaries (without guilt) 00:14:11 Creating a culture of care (community as support) 00:17:08 Self-care beyond basic hygiene (what actually restores you) 00:24:31 The power of a greeting (connection as regulation) 00:26:10 The Maasai greeting tradition (what we can learn from it) 00:29:53 Wellness in chaotic times (staying steady)