Why I’m still hibernating in late January

An anti-hustle resolution to 2026 and what’s coming to Burnout BFF this year.

Happy Belated New Year, Burnout BFFs!

I don’t know about you, but January is hitting me hard.

Between returning from a long trip to Asia, navigating my first bout of seasonal depression in Seattle winter, and the general bleakness of global news, I’ve been feeling sluggish and uninspired. There is a palpable sense of heaviness in the air that’s affecting me—both physically and mentally.

As someone who usually loves January and thrives on making New Year’s resolutions, this lack of motivation feels a bit terrifying. The “old me” would have felt guilty for having emotions that made me “unproductive.” However, my experience with burnout has taught me that it’s vital to sit with these feelings. Emotions are valuable data; they are signs from my body about what I need right now.

Biologically, mammals are wired to hibernate in the winter. Believing we must feel a “clean slate” or a burst of magic on January 1st is as arbitrary as expecting a flower to bloom in a blizzard. The calendar, after all, is a man-made construct.

So, if you’re three weeks into January and feeling unmotivated: I’ve got you. Because SAME.

How cute are these cabybaras I saw in Taiwan? I’m channeling their chill energy into the New Year.

A Different Kind of New Year’s Resolution

As a planner and stationery nerd, the New Year is usually my excuse to crack open a fresh notebook and list out every goal.

My past self used to obsess over metrics—tracking productive habits and setting ambitious personal targets—only to inevitably fall short as the year went on and priorities shifted. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is predictable and the only constant is change.

Instead of chasing rigid outcomes, my “resolution” this year is a single mission statement and a few guiding words. I’m focusing on what feels right rather than metrics that may or may not be in my control.

• 2026 Mission Statement: Creating sustainable impact for burnout recovery through authentic storytelling and community building.

• Guiding Words for 2026: Authenticity, Intuition, Creativity, and Connection.

If you’re feeling uninspired by traditional goal-setting, try this simpler way of setting intentions for 2026!

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What to expect from Burnout BFF in 2026

For me, 2025 was the year of the “hard reset.” I was forced to re-evaluate my career and life after hitting a wall in Big Tech and taking medical leave. What happened next was beyond anything I could have imagined: by sharing my story of recovery and career reinvention, I connected with so many of you who have walked similar paths. Re-kindling my creative passions helped me find a sense of purpose I thought I had lost forever.

I am so grateful for everyone I’ve met on this journey, and I’m excited to keep building the Burnout BFF community in 2026. Here is what’s coming:

1. Burnout BFF Stories: I’m debuting a new series featuring interviews with people who have overcome burnout and are now living lives that inspire me. When I left my job, the scariest part was not knowing anyone in my immediate circle who had done the same. Talking to these “burned out and badass” people has expanded my worldview and given me hope for my own exploration. I hope their stories help you feel less alone and more inspired to pivot toward a life outside the corporate grind.

2. Burnout BFF Community Building: Community is the heart of Burnout BFF. I want to continue fostering a safe space for us to connect. Earlier this week, a small group of us met for a virtual hangout and creative meditation. We discussed our corporate journeys and used creative exercises to process how our external environments affect our internal energy. It was an incredibly energizing session, and I’m excited to explore new ways to bring this energy to you—things like creative workshops, book clubs, and burnout recovery circles. My hope is to share the very resources I’ve always craved—things that helped me through my darkest chapters and continue to be a vital part of my life now.

Creative meditation exercise with a small group of Burnout BFFs

3. Deep Dives: Burnout, Neurodivergence, and Trauma: As I process my own experience, I’ve noticed fascinating patterns regarding the intersection of burnout, neurodivergence, and generational trauma. I’m digging deep into these root causes to share insights that can help us all recover, reconnect, and rebuild careers that actually align with who we are. Personally, processing my own generational trauma and identity has been eye-opening, and I want to shine a light on these “taboo” topics that rarely get discussed in professional circles.

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Join the Journey 💛

If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to have you along for the ride. Burnout is a heavy load to carry, but it’s a lot lighter when we carry it together.

By subscribing to this Substack, you’ll get these stories and deep dives delivered straight to your inbox. You can also find me sharing more day-to-day reflections on LinkedIn and Instagram. Here’s to a year of listening to our bodies, honoring our pace, and redefining what “success” actually looks like.