013 You’re Still Performing, But You’re Not Okay: The 5 Stress Zones Women Lawyers Live In

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The Lawyer Burnout Solution

Heather Mills

28 episodes

1 day ago

You might think burnout is just part of the deal in law, but it’s really about what we’ve been socialized to believe we “should” be doing to prove ourselves, especially as women. The good news is that you can change those thought patterns and create a career that doesn’t burn you out. Hosted by Heather Mills, a coach and former class action attorney, this show offers practical tools to help you escape burnout culture without sacrificing your career or income. You’ll learn how to restore your energy, build a sustainable legal career, and stay in control of your success. Press play and take the first step toward feeling good in your career again. Heather understands the unique pressures for women in law – the urge to prove yourself, the drive to overwork and be perfect, the expectation to put in endless hours, and all the ways we’re taught to measure our worth by how much we achieve and do for others. That's why she's on a mission to end burnout culture for women in law. This show is all about giving you the concrete tools, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to reclaim your energy, confidence, and career. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by long hours, wondering how long you can go on like this, or questioning if success has to come at such a high personal cost, this podcast provides the support you need. Tune in every week to break free from burnout and discover how to create a legal career that actually feels good to live in, not just impressive on paper.

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013 You’re Still Performing, But You’re Not Okay: The 5 Stress Zones Women Lawyers Live In

The Lawyer Burnout Solution

12 minutes

3 months ago

013 You’re Still Performing, But You’re Not Okay: The 5 Stress Zones Women Lawyers Live In

Still getting everything done, but feeling off, numb, or on edge? You may be moving through one of the 5 lawyer stress zones. Here's how to tell.

You don’t have to be falling apart to be burning out.

For high-achieving women in law, burnout rarely looks like collapse. It looks like competence. Responsiveness. Excellence—on the outside. While inside, your nervous system is quietly sounding the alarm.

If you've ever thought, “I’m still functioning, so I must be fine," this episode will change how you see stress. You’ll learn how to spot the deeper signals your body is sending, long before everything breaks down.

What you'll hear inside:

A clear breakdown of the 5 Stress Zones women lawyers move through:
- Zone 1: “I’m Fine” – You’re productive, driven, and uncomfortable slowing down
- Zone 2: Friction – You’re tense, wired, and rest no longer works
- Zone 3: Survival Mode – You’re overwhelmed, forgetful, and bracing for impact
- Zone 4: Disconnection – You’re numb, flat, and going through the motions
- Zone 5: System Crash – You’re shut down, and your body says, “That’s enough”
How high-functioning lawyers normalize exhaustion and override their own signals
Why rest often doesn’t feel restorative—and what real recovery actually takes
How to start reconnecting with yourself without needing to blow up your life

Want more support?

Try the Free, Anonymous Lawyer's Stress Check-In: Pinpoint which stress zone you’re in and get a personalized next step to start feeling better (without making drastic changes to your life). www.heathermillscoaching.com/AIAssistant
Book a free 20-minute call: Talk through your burnout challenges and get support on what to do next.
https://calendly.com/heather-mills-coaching/breakthrough
Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn: Get weekly tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes support for your burnout recovery.

Full Show Notes, Episode Transcript, Plus More Resources for Women in Law:
Episode 013 You’re Still Performing, But You’re Not Okay: The 5 Stress Zones Women Lawyers Live In
https://www.heathermillscoaching.com/blog/013-The-5-Stress-Zones-Women-Lawyers-Live-In