352. Marissa McKool. Redefining Rest.
Marissa McKool
February 27, 2025
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This interview examines the pervasive issue of burnout with a fresh perspective. Our guest, Marissa McKool, known as the Public Health Burnout Coach, shares her insights on overcoming work stress and achieving work-life balance, with a particular focus on redefining rest. By understanding the difference between earned and expansive rest and addressing both external pressures and internal barriers, we can pave the way for a more balanced and sustainable approach to work and life.
Key highlights include:
Redefining Rest: Marissa introduces the concept of "expansive rest," which is about taking rest when your mind and body need it, without needing to earn, justify, or seek permission for it. This contrasts with "earned rest," the idea that rest must be earned through productivity or external validation.
The Roots of Earned Rest: The concept of "earned rest" is deeply ingrained in our culture, stemming from historical factors like the Protestant work ethic and the Industrial Revolution. These influences have led to a societal belief that hard work and constant productivity are necessary to justify rest.
Expansive Rest for Well-being: Expansive rest is more sustainable for well-being than earned rest. It involves regularly refueling your energy reserves, preventing depletion and the need for extended recovery periods. It's also about the mental and emotional experience of rest, not just the activity itself.
Stress, Rest, and Creativity: Stress is a physiological state, not an emotion. Engaging in creative activities can signal safety to the brain, reducing the stress response. However, when creativity is tied to work that the brain perceives as a threat, it can complicate this relationship.
Overcoming Internal Barriers: Internal barriers, such as the belief that one must earn rest or the fear of asking for help, can prevent individuals from taking necessary breaks. Recognizing and challenging these internal barriers is crucial for achieving balance and preventing burnout.
Practical Strategies for Change: To embrace rest without guilt, individuals can engage in practices like body scans, meditation, and emotional freedom technique (EFT). These methods help to process uncomfortable emotions and shift limiting beliefs.
Marissa McKool, MPH, The Public Health Burnout Coach, is a renowned coach, speaker, and advocate with a mission to help female leaders and mid-career professionals alleviate their persistent work-stress and double their free time to achieve work-life balance. With over 15 years of public health leadership experience and a personal journey overcoming burnout, Marissa empowers women to thrive while prioritizing self-care.
Marissa's coaching approach blends evidence-based strategies with feminist coaching principles and personal insights, aiming to eliminate the epidemic of burnout in public health. She teaches women how to set boundaries, reclaim control over their schedule, navigate work-life dynamics, and prioritize rest and self-care—without compromising career aspirations. Her clients experience profound transformations, achieving professional milestones like promotions, significant salary increases, and improved well-being.
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