Let’s Talk About Stress—and Why It’s Quietly Stealing Your Best Work

Simple, Science-Backed Ways to Protect Your Energy and Avoid Burnout

Not everything needs to be rushed. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause, breathe, and show up fully. (Matt Pierce)

We’re all trying to do our best. At work. At home. In our personal lives.
But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s exhausting.

You’re ticking things off your to-do list, replying to messages, pushing through back-to-back meetings or commitments… and underneath it all, there’s this low hum of pressure. A feeling that you’re always “on,” but never quite caught up.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not a personal failing.
It’s your nervous system doing its job in a high-pressure world.

Here’s the thing: stress isn’t always bad. In fact, a little bit of stress can sharpen your focus and help you rise to a challenge. But when stress becomes your default state—when your body never really gets a chance to reset—that’s when it starts to mess with your energy, your creativity, your sleep, even your motivation.

I’ve spent a lot of time learning about the science of stress and performance, and what I’ve found is this:

Sustainable success isn’t about working harder. It’s about managing your energy—your mental, emotional, and physical resources—so you can keep showing up at your best.