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When spring energy meets the urge to start anew, it can feel like the perfect time to shake off exhaustion, decrease the mental load and build a life that truly works for you. In this episode of the Beanstalk Mums – Real Talk for Single Mums podcast, host Elle Sitek sits down with coach and single mum Sasha Eburne to talk about rebuilding after burnout, balance and creating a business on your own terms. The Beanstalk podcast prides itself on being a supportive space for single mothers, covering everything from separation and co‑parenting to careers and wellbeing. This conversation continues that tradition with down‑to‑earth advice that will resonate with any mum juggling too many responsibilities.
Sasha’s story: from career burnout to virtual assistant CEO
Sasha spent 25 years climbing the corporate ladder in hospitality and events. In 2019, she decided to become a solo mum, but shortly after her daughter was born, the COVID‑19 pandemic wiped out her industry. With her long‑term career gone and a new baby at home, Sasha felt lost. A chance coffee with a former colleague introduced her to the virtual‑assistant world. She started freelancing, loved the flexibility and within a few months realised she had stumbled on a business model that could help other women too. Five years on, she runs her own VA agency and coaches mums to ditch the nine-to-five, step into the CEO role and build businesses that fit around family life.
The path wasn’t always smooth. Sasha openly admits to hitting burnout: working around her daughter’s sleep, trying to be “super‑mum” and keeping a house running left little time for her own needs. Her rebuilding after burnout recovery has shaped the gentle, practical approach she now teaches.
Why asking for help while rebuilding after burnout is a superpower.
One of the biggest lessons Sasha learned was that asking for help is not a weakness. Research on parental burnout shows that support gaps and the relentless “mental load” of remembering appointments, meals and everyone’s emotional needs are major contributors to exhaustion. Unsurprisingly, many single mums feel they must do it all. In reality, seeking support is a sign of insight and strength.
Sasha recommends:
- Start small. Ask a fellow mum to swap school pick‑ups, or trade babysitting for laundry folding. You’d be surprised how many people are happy to help once you make the first move.
- Outsource where you can. Hiring a cleaner or using a laundry service frees up precious weekend time. Even on a tight budget, swapping chores with a friend can have the same effect.
- Embrace community. Join supportive online spaces like the Single Mum Vine Facebook group or local playgroups. Studies show that strengthening social connections helps parents cope with burnout.
- Drop the guilt. Remember that sharing the mental load and asking for help benefits your children. A rested, happy mum creates a calmer home environment.
Spotting burnout before it hits
Burnout doesn’t always arrive with flashing lights. According to health experts, early signs include emotional numbness, loss of patience, headaches and sleep disturbances. Sasha suggests mums check in with themselves regularly:
- Do you ever get time alone? If you can’t remember the last time you did something just for you, you may be close to burnout.
- Is your to‑do list never-ending? Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations drive parental stress. When the list feels overwhelming, pick two or three tasks and accept that the rest can wait.
- How’s your self‑talk? Ask yourself when you first started believing you had to be everything to everyone. Often, this narrative stems from childhood messaging and doesn’t reflect who you are today.
Rebuilding after burnout: practical strategies
Getting back on your feet after exhaustion means doing less, not more. Here are some of Sasha’s favourite strategies for rebuilding after burnout:
- Redefine your relationship with time. The housework will never be “finished.” Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. As Sasha points out, doing two things consistently every day adds up to hundreds of accomplishments over a year.
- Use reflection as a tool. At the end of each day, celebrate what you achieved rather than berating yourself for incomplete tasks. This shift from scarcity to abundance builds confidence and motivation.
- Set boundaries and negotiate. Politely tell clients or family members when you’re available and suggest alternatives rather than saying yes on impulse. Experts emphasise that delegating tasks and refusing extra commitments are key steps in preventing burnout.
- Build a routine that suits your family. Sasha rejects the idea that work must happen between 9 am and 5 pm. She plans client calls while her daughter is at school and completes creative tasks after bedtime. Working at night or on weekends gives her the freedom to travel or take Tuesday afternoons off without guilt.
- Include your children. Instead of separating “work life” and “mum life,” Sasha involves her six‑year‑old daughter in age‑appropriate ways. Her daughter attends retreats, celebrates clients’ wins and sees firsthand how her mum’s business helps other families. Not only does this reduce mum guilt, but it also teaches children that work can be meaningful and fun.
Mindset shifts for lasting resilience.
Rebuilding after burnout isn’t just practical – it’s deeply mental. Sasha encourages mums to:
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Remember how awkward learning to drive was? Now you do it without thinking. The same applies to public speaking, building a business or asking for help.
- Question your labels. Are you really “introverted” or have you been told that? Give yourself permission to try new things and see how you feel.
- Write or draw your dream life. When money, time and limiting beliefs aren’t factors, what does your ideal day look like? Getting those visions onto paper makes them more tangible and helps you take the first small step.
- Practice self‑care unapologetically. Self‑care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you’re exhausted, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising sleep, rest and hobbies will make you a better parent, partner and professional.
You are not alone – find your community.
Whether you’re launching a business or simply navigating the daily juggle, community is vital. Sasha suggests joining groups where women genuinely support each other rather than compete. The Vine Single Mum community on Facebook and the podcast’s new voice‑message widget are great places to start. If no one is talking, be the first to say hi – you’ll likely find dozens of mums waiting for someone else to break the ice.
Watch or listen to the full episode: Rebuilding After Burnout: Advice That Will Change Your Life.
To hear Sasha’s full story and all her gentle, practical advice on rebuilding after burnout, listen to the podcast on your favourite platform or watch on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share the episode with other mums who might benefit from it.
Let this conversation remind you that your journey is unique. Burnout isn’t a permanent state – with the right mindset, boundaries and support, you can rebuild a life and business that feels like home.
Links for this episode:
🌸 Connect with Sasha on Instagram or find her on FaceBook
✨ FROM IDEA TO INCOME GUIDE — Download Sasha’s free Idea to Income Guide and take your first step toward building a business that truly fits your life.
👯♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.
🎙️ https://www.youtube.com/@BeanstalkSingleMums — We’re now on YouTube — watch me be super awkward so you don’t have to be (and grab some single-mum wisdom while you’re there!
You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
