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June 20, 2023 43 mins

How do you handle burnout? We have all asked that question at some point because modern society has a lot of demands, and it's become too easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a free and accessible tool that could help you turn towards yourself again, away from overstimulation and crazy schedules? In this episode, I will share with you my own experience with deep depression and severe burnout, and how I found healing through making major life shifts centered around spending more time in and with nature.


In this episode, we learn:

  • [00:24] Maria shares her experience with depression and severe burnout over the past three years
  • [01:54] Plants are a great way to reconnect with a part of ourselves that modern society ignores
  • [10:24] How is burnout defined?
  • [12:27] How do you recover from burnout?
  • [13:25] What is Attention Restoration Theory?
  • [14:23] First type of attention: Directed Attention
  • [14:37] Second type of attention: Involuntary Attention (aka fascination)
  • [16:10] Involuntary attention practices to help you find balance in life
  • [16:14] Look at a plant before you look at your screen
  • [18:00] Thank the trees
  • [18:36] Pair it with gratitude
  • [19:25] Ritualize engaging with nature
  • [22:54] Go outside
  • [23:02] Forest bathing and its benefits
  • [25:51] Mental health walks
  • [26:44] Get your bare feet on the earth (aka grounding/earthing)
  • [28:36] Practice mindfulness through plant care
  • [30:53] Lean into scent
  • [33:24] Two different types of plants for healing purposes
  • [33:38] Slow burn plants
  • [35:57] Quick win plants
  • [38:23] Pruning back to inspire growth


Mentioned in our conversation:


For a detailed list of Maria's recommended practices,

check out the full show notes and blog here!


Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

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