We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mica Winegarden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mica, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
When I hit peak burnout, I withdrew from everything. Social engagements, family commitments, hobbies. When you’re really burned out, you feel like an exposed nerve and any little thing can be so triggering. This instinctual need for quiet and isolation gave me the space I needed for rest and reflection. Yet space I created for myself was also scary because it gave room for years of feelings and needs I had denied and overrode. Everything came crashing in.
I didn’t completely isolate. I spent time one-on-one with a few trusted friends. One day in summer, a friend who was also suffering from depression and overwhelm came over. We laid on the floor of my living room enjoying popsicles, and I gushed over her whimsical and eclectic outfit. She said she was inspired by her daughter learning to pick out clothes. Her daughter dressed in whatever made her happy and so my friend took a page from her book.
I started to think about things that made me happy as a child and young adult. Things I did to make me laugh and feel magical before I got worn down by the banality of adult responsibilities. I loved exploring and learning. I loved nature and building things with my hands. I loved developing new skills and going on adventures with friends.
Eventually, I made a list of different outings or projects I could do to fill my cup. That might be as simple as lighting a stick of incense or a candle when I first rise from bed, or going for a walk outside as soon as the sun is up. That might mean brewing herbal potions from herbs found from my last hike or working on a puzzle while rewatching a beloved television series.
Whatever I’m doing, I learned that front-loading my day with something lovely helps set the energy for my day. I learned I like gentle and slow mornings and more active afternoons, so I try to choose activities that match my energy in the moment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, I’m Mica Winegarden. Also known as The Burnout Fairy.
I am a Burnout Recovery Coach helping overworked high-achievers come back from the brink of overwhelm through the magic of nervous system regulation. My passion is empowering my clients to uncover their magic powers so they can manifest the life of their dreams.
My purpose is to empower and uplift people, to support them in their quest to find the safety they need to conquer their fears, to overcome overwhelm and anxiety, so they can experience freedom to live a life they love.
I do this through somatic coaching using several healing modalities such as yoga, energy healing, breathwork, and a variety of somatic techniques. Mostly, I accomplish this my meeting my clients exactly where they are at, with so much love and understanding. For one-on-one support, I serve clients through my Burnout Recovery Coaching package. For group support, I host a live monthly breathwork club that provides an hour of relief and self-care.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities I embody are part of my core values: curiosity, whimsy, and authenticity. Above all, having a curious nature has allowed me to be adaptable to changing situations and open to the others’ experiences. This means I’m able to create a container of safety for those who come into my spaces.
Having a love for whimsy has allowed me to be in a constant state of wonder. Do you remember how magical everything was when you entered a new and beautiful space as a child? I’ve never lost that, which means I can see possibility and opportunity the first time and the 100th time. Keeping a positive and open mind has allowed me to experience more grace in life.
Part of why I experienced burnout is due to the fact that I tried to fit into someone else’s mold. I ignored everything about what made me “me” and I suffered for it. The world needs me as I am and even more needs you as you are. Everyone has a gift to share with this world and it can only be shared by being your true authentic self.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
The #1 mistake my clients make is thinking they have to do it all THEMSELVES. When we work in isolation, we can keep up the appearance that we are trying, even when nothing is changing. This allows us to stay in the safety of what we know, even if it’s keeping us small and unhappy. It’s still keeping us safe.
The fact is, we all need help. Many of us had help from teachers, some from parents, fewer still from mentors. Beyonce didn’t reach her level of success without an army of managers, coaches, choreographers, and other creatives to get her to the top and stay at the top.
Someone is ready to work with me when they’ve had enough of the status quo and are ready to truly start living the life they want to live. Transformational coaching requires you to be all in, be ready to challenge limiting beliefs, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. All while being supported with tried and true somatic techniques.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.micawinegarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micawinegarden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micawinegarden
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@micawinegarden
