burned out.

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It's been unseasonably warm here in Minnesota, so I decided to take a break from life and spend some much needed time in the garden. We'll talk about burnout and how to complete the stress cycle so that we don't get stuck in emotions that we don't want to be stuck in.
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[@elainezanavich9337]

I am so burned out. Drowning in my depression and anxiety. I apologize to everyone here for dumping on u. I love this channel because it helps me beyond words 💖

[@samantha_budhu]

I understand! Sending you positive thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏽💖✨

[@elainezanavich9337]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@chall1232]

Don't be sorry. If this is the only place you can dump, than have at it. Depression is hard, anxiety is hard. If you need help, let us help. Your not alone in this.

[@eileenlester4342]

I totally understand as I have been on medication for many years. Counseling helped me immensely and that's how I was diagnosed and able to get the correct medication. Have you talked to your doctor about this? Prayers for you. 🙏💜🙏

[@Sovereign.Alignment]

You are never alone. 🦋🦋🦋

[@debragould5347]

Dawn, I just want to tell you how special you are. You're the kind of woman we should all strive to be. I'm 71 now. If I had a "do-over", you would be my roll model. You are anyway! Your enthusiasm, work ethic, generosity and strong faith are always inspirational. Don't ever doubt yourself. You are a gift!

[@elainezanavich9337]

Thank you Dawn. It's been a difficult year with losing 2 brothers to cancer and my depression has exploded. Thank you for your kindness 💞💞

[@anaschulz8084]

I laugh! And craft or sit in the sun with my pups. Thank you Dawn, you always put a smile on my face and in my heart.

[@luthergirl106]

You said this absolutely perfect about Dawn. We love her so much!!!! She is a gift

[@TheMinimalMom]

Wow Debra, thank you so much, this means more than you know!!!

[@jennylhenry78]

I whole heardedly agree!

[@ronaesparza3763]

Dawn, I feel burned out too. So I can relate. I am a critical care nurse, worked in ICU for the past 3 years and worked double shifts. Im also married with 4 kids and 2 dogs. When I came home after work and saw clutter all over my house, I felt stressed. I took 6 months off work and talked to therapist, joined support groups to help me cope with my stress. I also followed your example and decluttered a majority of our excesses and organized what we used and valued. I spent time with my family & friends ❤

[@Karincl7]

You re married ??

[@Bandgazebo]

I can only imagine how stressful your job has been, thank you so much

[@elishamartin6042]

Do you feel like 6 months off rejuvenated you enough? Or did you need more time? I am so burned out. I switched to a less stressful job but I wish I could just not work for a year.

[@AA-ys5hh]

Dawn, I am a therapist and this is a topic that I cover with every single one of my clients. Thank you for sharing this in an accessible way to the public. Managing this piece of your life can do WONDERS for your well-being.

[@Tracysop1]

Stress comes most frequently for me when there are things happening that affect me, but I have zero control over them. The way I usually deal with that is to start tackling things that ARE in my control. I get physically active tackling projects-decluttering, cleaning, DIY, decorating. Over the course of completing those tasks, I get the dopamine bumps from accomplishment, and I also get the mental space to think through solutions to my stressors.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes, this is so good!!!

[@donna1471]

Tracysop1 Perfectly said!!! That is exactly how I deal with stress but didn't even realize it until I read your post. Thank you and thank you Dawn!

[@kathrynmoore4939]

Me too!

[@jennyc4783]

Thanks for sharing this. I actually saw your comment before watching the video and it helped me to get going. Thanks so much!

[@helenebennie3961]

I keep telling myself "Not my circus, not my monkeys." (I'm sure it means "Keep your nose out of other people's business." But for me it means "It is not your area of control, don't get worked up over it.")

[@lizzabbott]

Dawn, you are such a wonderful teacher ! Annnnd …. may I say … you NEVER come off as dogmatic or , “I have it all together & you should do this, too.” Never. Instead, you are enthusiastic about sharing new discoveries with us, so we can all discover it together & apply it if itz a helpful tool. You take the time to explain how a new & helpful discovery works, but you are never ever condescending or pompous or anything of the sort. Your love of learning is contagious & you share it generously. Thanks, Dawn ! You are such a ray of sunshine ! Liz in Buffalo

[@denesewallace2000]

❤

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Liz, this means more than you know!!!!

[@katieomalley2571]

Yes yes yes!! I’m sorry others have commented or made you feel as if you need to apologize I know the internet is a tough place but I’m thankful for you sticking it out

[@lizziemcdougall2767]

I walk my dog to end the stress cycle. It involves a combination of being outside, experiencing affection, and movement. Thanks for another great video!

[@katieevensen8387]

Me too!

[@hoguejp]

🎶"...What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer"🎶 --from the song "What a friend we have in Jesus" I was surprised that prayer wasn't listed as one of the 7 ways to complete the stress cycle. Thank you for this video! It's helpful!

[@TheMinimalMom]

You are so right, we should add that!!!!!!!!!

[@Rosie_C]

You are so right! The most uplifted I have ever been out of deeply discouraging times, is stopping and just simply thanking God for all the good things in my life. What would we do without a constant Friend who always hears us?

[@kathyapelt9468]

@@Rosie_C and answers us xx

[@jaclarkfamily]

I do pray. I do spend time in the word. That doesn't mean that I won't experience mental and emotional exhaustion.

[@jacquelinek5036]

It is included! If prayer is not talking with your crew I don't know what is.

[@diannemahedy8041]

At 76, I have finally realized I will always have a never ending "to do" list. And I am grateful! :)

[@kaleydc]

I title mine 'the revolving to do list' and it actually calms my anxiety around it

[@dianedennert8718]

Yes! Thankful (after home schooling our 5 children) to still have purpose for my life. In the little things and in the bigger ways I can minister to others. What joy!

[@Voorhell]

As a fellow chicken owner, I loved watching the chickens keep checking on your progress, hoping for treats!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Right!?!! They're so fun :)

[@dawngonzalez508]

Same here 🥰

[@gwenwade6059]

Becky the acre homesteader shines with love for her chickens. Too cute. She refers to them as the girls.

[@melindaworkman6039]

This suggestion may not be helpful, but you can put cardboard (with no print or dyes) under the landscape fabric and it blocks the weeds really well. Eventually it does break down, but it enriches the soil during that time as well. Just an idea for anyone else interested 😄👍

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh this is really good to know!

[@jennlorence]

This is what I do!!

[@RomaniKiwi]

@@TheMinimalMom When I prepare a bed for a new season, I pull out what I don't want, enrich the soil and bury a lot of my own kitchen waste in it. Then cover the bare earth with a layer of newspapers. It keeps down the weeds, and rests the soil. I put some mulch and compost on the top, so it's a nice clean bed. When I'm ready to plant I push aside the compost, cut a small hole in the papers, put in some potting mix to plant my little seedlings in. I barely have to weed until harvest, and my soil and veggies are wonderful! To be able to have them outside earlier, and protect them against snails and birds I use big, see-through containers (the ones you put your Christmas decorations in for next year) They form a little hothouse. I take them off in the mornings if it's sunny, to let the veggies get used to being outside... I used to have an old curved shower door for this, that works fantastic!

[@marlenemartin541]

Yes cardboard or newspaper help alot. Also straight vinegar will kill weeds. Or any plants for that matter.

[@karenmcmullan836]

Another vote for cardboard! Try and use plain cardboard as much as possible and layer with mulch. When the cardboard breaks down, put another layer of cardboard down on top of it with more mulch. I think the recommendation is 3-4 inches but I put more. Another tip: you can get free cardboard from businesses. You can ask or check their backdoor near the dumpster.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

I use late fall to close down my year. Major declutter, finish projects, winterize, close down and fertalize gardens. Then rest til January. By January I'm ready to tackle a new year!!!

[@TheHappySensitive]

I really appreciate your super helpful minimalism reframes (like, "you already have a minimalist closet, it's just surrounded by other clothes"). Your videos really help me take my home to the next - simpler - level. So I am going to counter your weeds question with a reframe: Weeds are free mulch. Instead of seeing them as a garden clutter problem, you can see them as a free source of nutrients for your plants. Just pull them out and use them as mulch. Also, they're such a fun way to learn about local plants. Before I even decide to pull any "weeds" I look up what they are and find out more about their role in the ecosystem. Many, I decide to keep (not 100s, but I'll leave a few). "Permaculture" is a different way to look at all this and is worth looking into. Nature tends to bring what is needed to a space, just because we don't understand the purpose (yet) doesn't mean there isn't one. This is how gardens are different from homes :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

LOVE this!! Thank you!!!!!!!

[@RomiAmalia]

Thanks a lot.

[@katiegleaves3792]

I love the message you are conveying here. Now if only the majority of my weeds weren't Spurge and Foxtails (completely took over the backyard this year), I would do the same. I do leave the other beneficial, local stuff whenever possible.

[@janet-Spirit_of_the_Living_God]

@@katiegleaves3792 Yes, they're only good mulch if you get to them before they put out seeds. A hoe works fast when they're small.

[@jennypecht9809]

I learned about completing the stress cycle in therapy, but I haven't thought about it in a while, and I really need to reimplement those ideas. I need a better coping tool than cookies...Thanks for a great reminder!

[@andreamiller6200]

I haven't even watched yet but alarm bells went off at the title of this video! Dawn, if YOU are feeling burned out, how would you like us to support and re-energize you? ...Okay, I have now watched and feel much relief that you are not burned out! But I did want to take one moment to comment on a very important perspective you comment on, about how your future self will thank you. Well, I am NOW my future self (turned 66 in August 2022) and here is what I want to say about it: I found I got blocked very quickly when my present self tried to always live for my future one, because it started feeling like a drudge to always have to prepare, prepare, prepare and not get to just veg out at times. But there was one aspect of accepting how to make life best for my future self that I took totally to heart, and that was managing my finances with wisdom and trust (I could even say faith!). I took to heart in my 20's that the future would come but my actions of today would be what prepared it, and I engineered it so that I saved a portion of my earnings every single time money came in. It seemed so puny at first, but I kept doing it and doing it and doing it, and now 40+ years later (yes, those years really do arrive!), I hug my younger self for being such a good steward and when I look back, there was truly nothing I lacked putting money aside for an eventual day when I would be 66. That is why I am not burned out now - I created the space in my financial life for the future to arrive and I am listening deeply to what you are saying about how to create the space right here and now in your mental life to complete the stress cycle and feel fresh again with each new day.

[@sarahamill1793]

I was just thinking, Dawn gives us so much and we have her to help us through….I would love to be able to return the favour. Hope she has someone as awesome as we do❤

[@sandradow1783]

I think she's trying to help us, her community, in this season of burnout. ❤️ thanks

[@silverflame_firebug]

Hear hear!

[@cathycunningham7769]

Awesome insight!!

[@cathycunningham7769]

I have always been frugal and a saver, but I also worked low income jobs for non profit organizations. I always trusted things would work out. Well yes and no. I did my best but I do wish I had chased the $ just a little bit better for a more comfortable retirement now.

[@brigittev9917]

New to me! I didn't know we had to complete the stress cycle or that there was one. I like it. It makes it less stressful now that I know there is an end to it. I feel I can relax now and I see how it sounds silly but just knowing it makes me feel really good right now. Thanks so much Dawn ❤

[@bonniejeanschmidt4255]

I literally used this video as my body-doubling today. I have been decluttering and working on paperwork. Thank you for your motivation and being a virtual friend. 😃

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yay!!! SO glad we could work together!!!!

[@nancyschaal3270]

I body-doubled with you also - sorting my t-shirts & underwear by size. 😂❤

[@irisschram]

Me too! I literally put this one on to "catch up" with Dawn while I was washing the dishes! :)

[@bleakaf]

Same, I have a deal with myself that I get to watch your videos if I either do something practical at the same time, or I have to have an intentional break where I actually sit with a cup of tea and watch.

[@sl9906]

Funny that as your notification popped up I was just thinking how burned out I was feeling. A great video and I’m am happily exhausted after watching you and the kids work so hard and listening to wisdom. As someone who’s chronically ill, I’m more like a house cat sitting in the window on these glorious days, trying to keep the pain and anxiety away. In addition to the tips you mentioned, “Tapping” is something that can really help with stress. Look it up on KZbin for how tos. Stretching, lymph drainage massage, and most of all prayer are great activators. Sometimes though, you have to just give grace to yourself to deep breathe in and out and stare at a wall if that’s all you can manage. Keep the videos coming! ❤

[@patriciabond4860]

I'm also in chronic pain constantly& I get exhausted watching you all work so hard lol I was remembering how I used to be able to do my garden in a day too! Great video 😍

[@sl9906]

@@patriciabond4860 crazy to watch and remember a time when I could do that. These videos are magnificent in so many ways.

[@helpmetosleep]

Relating!

[@mariecochlan664]

Oh my goodness Dawn. The whole time I was watching I kept thinking, I need to tell Dawn about NO DIG/Till method/! however, I remember that only 2 years ago I had never heard of such a thing. I spent the whole winter watching KZbin videos and then following a couple of No-Till gardeners for the whole year to see how they do it and what they are trying to achieve. This has changed my whole thinking about gardening, growing food etc. It's the ultimate minimalist gardening method!!! Mx

[@rosannasauereisen2827]

I inherited such a garden when my family moved with April. I've watched most of the Back to Eden documentary but I feel like I still have questions. Like what do I do now that I've taken all the veggies out of the garden? Just leave it as it is? Put something on it? I.e. manure that has been composted or what?

[@DonnaCookAuthor]

This sounds great. Are there a couple of channels you recommend for this?

[@mariecochlan664]

Aha! Well , since you asked. 😂. I laugh because I have been chewing the ears off everyone I know about this. Here’s a starting point. Watch the Back to Eden documentary and the rest of Paul Gautchi’s videos. Then there’s Gardener Scott; Charles Dowding; Richard Perkins; Huw Richards; Ruth Stout… to name a few. That would be more than enough to start you on a trail of research. Enjoy! 😀. Mx

[@jcus300]

@@rosannasauereisen2827 you can just leave it, typically recommended to add mulch/manure/cover crop/etc at end of fall to be exposed to weather over winter

[@DonnaCookAuthor]

@@mariecochlan664 Awesome, thank you!

[@rosannasauereisen2827]

I also enjoy walks to help de-stress. I make myself take the time even when I'm busy because it helps me that much. Living on an acreage in the spring/summer/fall, there is always a never-ending to-do list so I'm learning to just take time to enjoy this acreage too. (This is our first year being out of town)

[@margiebramer2384]

Dawn, run the garden material in the opposite direction. Instead of end to end, run it side to side. It's more work and cuts but it will cover the whole path.

[@astridteeuw2374]

I had a really serious burnout in 2021. My head was on fire, I couldn't do a thing. Making walks was the only way I could prevent myself from going in deeper and help myself getting better over time. A coach told me about the value of social activities or creatives ones to "destress". So many of the things you tell, are so true to me. And I did fully recover from my burnout 🤗

[@jackieo2403]

I'm in MN and it has been a wonderful Fall. Thank you for sharing that gift of a sunset. It was stunning .

[@jackierux1345]

It has been nice in Northern MN, it has been nice 👍. There was snow within about 10 miles from here lastnight!

[@brendastuemke5202]

I am in north central MN and it hit 73° this week! What a blessing, Because I know it’s going to snow and I need to get everything put away and finished outside but always have those things that we wait until the snowballs are hitting us in the face😂

[@DrugAbusePrevention]

Sugar is a physical stressor that amplifies the effects of external (emotional) stressors. By reducing sugar in the diet, the external stressors are not as powerful. So you get less angry or less sad or less hyper when you reduce or eliminate sugar.

[@amyworman4196]

Dawn, this is such a timely post for me. I was in tears last night over feeling so defeated. I'm a teacher and 5 years from retirement. I do not enjoy my job right now and feel like a failure. I just downloaded the Burnout book on Audible to listen to on my way to and from school. Thank you for your thoughtful, honest videos. It helps to know we all struggle.

[@sarahd1706]

You’re doing better than you realize! I’ve been hanging on by my nails with teaching & feeling like I’m not doing good & like getting substitutes would bless my students more than I would. I just got back my student feedback & it was 100% positive. You feel like a failure, but your students know you’re not even if (& especially if) all you can do is show them you care about how they’re doing. Best of luck!

[@saratalbot6147]

Amy- thank you for all you do. ❤️🤗🙏 Big big hugs. Also, the book is so good.

[@helenebennie3961]

Teaching at anytime is very wearying and emotionally draining. But give yourself and your students some grace, we have just spent two years going through a pandemic. (That said maybe you need some time off to recuperate.)

[@jessicaarida609]

Thanks for your videos. Having five kids while being in school full-time has been a huge struggle for me. Watching your videos makes me feel like I can do it. If I just do a little every day eventually I will get where I need to be. You are very inspirational to me ❤️

[@erinfrasch2775]

Hi Dawn! Thank you for this video, it’s been a tough week! I don’t prefer to, but I had a full out ugly cry last night. It definitely relieved the stress,but hoping to start exercising again to manage things better. Have a good day! 👍❤️😊

[@TheMinimalMom]

I'm sorry Erin ❤but yes, it does help sometimes!

[@dianedennert8718]

I have been so thankful at times that God gave us tears to cry. It truly can be such a stress reliever!

[@melanierust7129]

I had a cryout session last week. Wow did it help. I was instantly better. Deep breath and away I went with my next task.

[@jaredmartin1951]

IF you want ideas for the green tomatoes…you can pull them green, and put them inside by a window (or not even, anywhere indoors will work) and they will ripen and you can use them for all kinds of canned things, pizza sauce, salsa etc. We live in northern Minnesota and do this every year.

[@TheMinimalMom]

What!?!?! I had no idea!!!! We could have had a whole lot more tomatoes ;)

[@moparat]

I came here to say this!!! You can also put them in a brown paper bag if you want to speed up the ripening, but it's not necessary.

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

Down South, we slice green tomatoes, dip in cornmeal/flour mix, then fry em up add onion salt. Delish!!!

[@r.p.9829]

Green tomato relish..great with fish..

[@DD-xf1yd]

In New Jersey, we love our 'Jersey Tomatoes'....but if they're not quite ripe enough, to our liking (or even green, at the end of the growing season)....we do the same thing you do: Let 'em sit near a Window, for a little while, and they're ripe-red in no time!

[@joyindrelie6715]

Interesting! I'll be looking for that book for sure. Btw--I love this format of body-doubling video plus hearing you talk about something (what you're doing in your garden + this book you're reading). Thanks!

[@tammyblankenship6786]

You have encouraged me to start minimalizing. I have been doing it all afternoon in my kitchen. I didn't realize how much junk I had! Thank you for your encouragement. I decided to sit down and take a break by watching this video.

[@marcidevries5515]

Pathway weed tip: don't use mulch on top of the fabric. In Michigan, I use a greenhouse quality fabric on paths and beds both. I burn small holes through it to plant; then after the growing season is done, cut the thicker stalks and sweep up the debris. I leave it in place all winter, pull it back in the spring to add compost, then roll it back into place again to plant. The fabric I have have just finished its fifth summer and will be facing its fifth winter. Watch Living Traditions to see it in action. It's not the ideal no-till, Ruth Stout, Back to Eden type perfection, but with four kids and a huge garden...I needed real more than ideal!

[@shadegarden7375]

What a gorgeous sunset!!🙌🏻🙌🏻. Stress cycle…PRAY and turn it over🙌🏻🙌🏻.

[@taytayyay558]

This was great! I did not know about completing the stress cycle. It makes sense to have an activity to act as a release valve, especially if you can't solve the larger stressor problem. I was feeling stressed before watching this video and now I'm going to go for a walk to release some of that. Also, I was glad that you asked right at the beginning if we wanted to get some work done with you. I able to get laundry folded and put away while listening and it makes me feel so much better about being on KZbin "watching" videos. I really enjoy your content and always look forward to your videos. Thank you!

[@janelandry6584]

I needed this today. Having a horrible week at work. Thanks for sharing. I so appreciate you! Following up - I went for a walk at the end of the work day. So helpful to my mood.

[@Goldiloxandthe3bears]

Yesterday I just hit a wall. Then this morning my daughter woke up feeling burnt out as well. I think it is this time of year. We both have been doing so much. Imagine how understood we felt when your title today was Burned out! Thank you for sharing what you are learning and taking the time to encourage us.

[@caseyjb980]

Here in Maine is unseasonably warm too!! Love it. Last week I left a job I love after being unable to resist the pull of a slower, simpler life, and I spent the last ten years as a full-time working mom so I am so grateful to be able to stop and appreciate it with my 11 month old while we wait for my big kids to get home from school. After I just mom for a while I want to start a blog, can you tell me where you purchased your domain name and what site host you use? And any other tips! You are my favorite ❤

[@lizzabbott]

Congrats ! My Grand Daughter is 11 months old, too ! Can’t wait for her Birthday Party. Where does the time go ? Keep us posted on your blog ! Liz

[@TheMinimalMom]

Good questions! If I were starting again I would use Squarespace to reserve your domain and to set up your website :)

[@jillgott6567]

I had the burn out feeling a week ago. My neighbor died then unexpectedly my eye doctor of 40 years passed away. I did not know either man well and my neighbor had been ill for a long time however, it hit me. I am just now getting back to my everyday. I think I need to read this book thank you for suggesting it.

[@AlisonV362]

I have found that landscape fabric allows the roots to get a good hold. Then either they bring up the fabric with them or the roots break and stay in the fabric to regrow. You might try a heavier grade fabric, like the type you put under gravel. Then do not put the mulch over it bc it gives weed seeds a chance to germinate. (This is what I did in our food garden.) If I use mulch, I use a really thick layer (over 4") and put cardboard under it (no fabric). The cardboard usually lasts long enough to kill the weeds. However, recently, I switched to free coffee bean bags (be sure they are jute) instead of cardboard, and we get a free "chip drop" for our ground cover mulch. Also, I've been seeing some really concerning things about colored mulch that you might like to investigate before putting any more into your food garden. Wish we could have a garden as big as yours! Love it!

[@Mieke256]

This is so great Dawn! You remind me what I learned about the stress cycle. I need to apply it more again! I learned some other easy ways physically deal with the stress: - if you feel like running away (fleeing) “run” at the place you’re standing (or go to the bathroom if you’re in a public place) - push really hard against the wall with your hands if you feel like fighting. Both help your body to “fight” or “flight” and complete the cycle.

[@jodyporta2188]

Hi Dawn, great video! I didn’t realize I had burnout until seeing this video. Over the summer my hubs was burned in a gasoline fire. I have no words for how that effected us. We had a 6 acre property in NC. We decided to sell and move closer to our kids in Colorado. Well, our house sold in one day and the buyer wanted a 25 day closing. Exhaustion doesn’t even describe it. I love how you put everything into perspective in this video and in all of your videos! Thank you for helping so many people and especially me!

[@lauragreen4899]

That was a great video. You pegged me exactly in describing the emotional burnout. Especially the part where I'm getting to I don't care anymore. Thanks for all the good insight. It really helped. Let me give you one gardening tip. Next year clear out those pathways and lay heavy landscape fabric and gravel. If you do that you'll never have to replace it again and it'll be much easier to keep it cleaned out. You can actually take a leaf blower and blow the gravel off and you won't have stuff growing up in it. Also captain jacks dead weed brew. Watch Garden answer and check out her videos on the raised bed garden. Thanks for all you do!

[@kaleydc]

📦Boxes as weed barrier!👌🏻 They work sooo much better. Just break down the boxes and lay them flat overlapping a bit, easy peasy! I'm thinking knowing ending the stress cycle is good for me but sooo much better for me to know as it relates to my children. I'm excited to help them end their stress cycles now.

[@Prudence1733]

The only pain about boxes for me is removing any tape/stickers first and if they need to be cut to size. Using newspapers are cheap too but only using while it’s not windy out 😅 and spraying them down with water 💦

[@ninadukette3340]

Can the rain penetrate the boxes in the raised beds?

[@anitamadison244]

We just did that. Put down a ton of boxes we had saved & topped with mulch. Then we immediately regretted when we got a new puppy that dragged it all out & chewed it into a billion pieces. 🐶😭😆

[@Leighfrance]

Will be visiting and rewatching/listening to this several times this weekend as I declutter some major areas this weekend. Thank you for doing this.

[@justlovelyj.l.349]

I am not kidding when I told my husband at lunch this very day that I feel like all I do is unending, there is always something I have to do. I was stunned and happy to see your video. Thanks for being a ray of light to us all.

[@AM-bm2xw]

I feel like people talk about journaling all the time, and maybe people are over hearing about it. But it really does help me when I am stressed, just getting it all out on the page stops me from going over and over it in my head.

[@maureenbrophy7852]

Dawn love your chat in the garden. I just love pottering in the garden. Since we bought our house 45 yrs ago , I have been trying to bring green into it. Back then I would take slips/ cuttings& just put them in hard soil occasionally could afford to buy a shrub. In Spring my gray walls would change We have had tree surgeons into take out Hal of them a few years ago ( not like ur large back garden ). Due to achlles tendon injury’s I’m not doing much. But my husband has put in tulips & daffodils for spring ( joy) Enjoy your youth & lovely children& Tom I needed something to give me a mental lift & your chat just hit the spot. Many thanks. Maureen x

[@jencomito8957]

My family is in the process of recovering from years of too much stress as we cared for my in-laws. My MIL lived with us with dementia so there was no getting away from it. Your video made me realize that prioritizing creative activities (art, baking) over other school would probably be a huge blessing for us right now especially. Thank you for all your encouraging content!

[@nathaliegreenwood314]

I hope this note helps (since you requested gardening tips earlier in the season) - I believe you're not supposed to till tomatoes in (or put the plants into compost) because of how frequently tomatoes can carry disease that can affect the soil. So, be proud that you did not incorporate the tomato plants back into the soil!

[@cynthiaf775]

Instead of mulch between the garden beds, you can use pea gravel. Looks nice and neat and eliminates weeding.

[@jennyklenner7325]

Hi Dawn, last year I learned from a wonderful Canadian Soil Scientist KZbinr that tomatoes can be picked when almost mature but still green then layered between newspaper in a cardboard box. I had about 40 lbs. of green tomatoes last year (as not one ripened on the vine) and over a few weeks they all ripened beautifully in cardboard boxes. We were eating them into November and as most of them ripened I cored them then froze them to process at a later date. I was amazed that all of them ripened. What felt like an epic fail turned into an epic success. Thank you for all you do to help people get a grip on their everyday lives. Peace and blessings.

[@teezfavs3905]

Gee Dawn & Kids, I had such fun today doubling with you gardening out in the fresh air and me shining up my kitchen! Virtual doubling really works - and the concept of working through stressful periods is such a good one. It gives us another way to break out of the mind trap we get with burn out. Thank you for sharing the amazing sunset; today is a triple blessing! T in San Diego.

[@lyndaslocs]

Your video is timely. I work in one of the helping professions and I am burning out. It's good to know that burnout doesn't have to be a final destination. I find that walking my dog before and after work helps a lot. It's great that your children are able to work the land. I am a city kid, but my mother kept a garden each summer in our urban backyard. This brought back pleasant memories.

[@DonnaCookAuthor]

This dovetails perfectly with a book I just started reading called The Body Keeps the Score. Thank you for sharing!

[@susanw4364]

Get your landscape fabric from a greenhouse/landscaper. It is so much better than anything you can buy at Lowes, Home Depot or any other regular retail space. Just redid my landscaping after 15 years and it was still intact.

[@billieschleiger8753]

Oh man! I’ve noticed lately that when my littles and I are having particularly rough days dealing with each other, we break out the paint and crafts and it almost always turns the day around. Completing the cycle makes so much sense!

[@PamelaRuddyUKart]

I don't know if it is an issue for you in Minnesota but in Scotland we'd normally remove the plant material from tomatoes (and potatoes etc) to reduce the spread of blight/other diseases/pests. So I think you did the right thing rather than dig it in. I've listened to the book burn out as well, it definitely makes sense to me too. Thanks for the reminder as my exercise habit has slipped and that's probably not helping my mood! Thanks for hanging out together 😊

[@Pandorash8]

Sometimes pacing my house for 20 minutes is all that will alleviate my anxiety. (it typically hits at night and I can’t leave my two young children alone in the house to go walking outside). Movement is the best. Great tips xx P.S. I used this video to body double while getting breakfasts and lunches ready for the day for the kids and I.

[@bunny7403]

I cry - - then I take a nap... I think the nap helps the most! After having become disabled, I have learned that I not only need naps on bad days, but I have learned to LOVE them!!

[@terrisouza2692]

I love how you explain things all the way from this stress to decluttering... I'm so very grateful I found your channel a long time ago you just don't even know how glad I am. This is the holiday season and it's pretty stressful expectation since I've lost my husband... But grateful I'm raising my 3 grandsons so I'm not so lonely. Thank you for all your inspiration and being so sincere!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@cltinturkey]

Thanks Dawn, Great job cleaning up the garden! Instead of spraying any weed killer, I'd suggest a couple of barrier alternatives. I frequently use layers of plain cardboard or newspaper under some mulch. I break down thick boxes, remove staples, labels, and tape, and fill the area with those. Then I put down wood chips or even fall leaves in a thick barrier. You can do the same in your garden beds. Spread cardboard down in a couple of layers and then cover with fall leaves. Leaving the paths or the beds bare makes them vulnerable to weeds. Spreading a thick layer of leaves will block out weeds and let the leaves break down into compost over the winter. You can also plant "cover crops" in your vegetable beds over the winter, but it's late for that. It's better done in late September or early October for your climate. You can also plant them with WINTER rye seed (NOT regular rye) and cut that off a couple of weeks before you want to plant in the beds. Just chop and drop in the spring to feed the bed. Check with your farm supply store. May be late in the season for planting that too. Highly productive day, and I'm glad the kids helped too.

[@kerihinds7562]

We used a double layer of cardboard under our mulch(free tree clippings from power company that cut down limbs close to power lines). Loved it!! Hardly any weeds and the cardboard and mulch composts down to feed the garden.

[@heatherhollon4623]

I love this Dawn. So helpful. I’m always telling my husband I’m so stressed out and when he asks why I don’t really have a reason. Between this video on burnout and your video about the silent to-do list, it’s like a light bulb went off. THAT’S why I’m always stressed! We live on a farm and raise cattle and I have always enjoyed when we go out and work the cattle and I could never explain why. But now I get it. It’s going outside and doing something physical that completed the stress cycle and I always feel so much more calm after days we work cattle. Sometimes it’s nice to just get out of your own head and use your body and not your mind as much for a change.

[@tgayer1]

That info on completing the stress cycle is amazing. I was overwhelmed at work this week and will try to remember to do some breathing exercises when I’m stressed. Thank you! I’ve gotten into reading fiction books lately, and I remember that Diana said that just reading a fiction book for six minutes decreases your stress level by x percent.

[@fathershandcrafts]

Thank you. I have been living in anxiety because of some unknowns with my husbands health. I love that I have some control over the stress even if I can’t control the stresser! PS I have to tell you, Corbin works like a man. He is such a gift to you. Praise the Lord for his servants heart.

[@mettamia2008]

The garden aisles really don't need anything but mulch. I use wood chips and never use the fabric because it seems to allow weeds to grow in from the top down. Weeding will be needed less and less each year as the seed bank in the soil depletes. My theory is that you aren't depleting the seed bank because you're covering the soil with fabric so that when it is exposed to sun and rain the seeds that have been waiting for their chance will sprout. Good luck with your garden. It's such a joy to grow your own food.

[@melijern]

I love cardboard as a weed barrier. We use it in the bottom of the raised beds when we first place them. Blocks out the weeds and as it breaks down it becomes food for worms and promotes good soil.

[@CherylAnderson0]

I am waiting on that Bundt cake cookbook! Already me and several friends bake the triple chocolate often and will start baking the pumpkin soon. There’s nothing like getting in the garden or yard and working with the soil. It does something wonderful for our inner being.

[@bonnierainwater4484]

Me too!!

[@DarcieGlam]

My little dog was my stress relief and she passed away earlier this year. I am not ready to get another pet but needed to do something to help with job stress and my weeks being so long and the weekend being so short. I started having a movie night on Friday nights and I watch a movie no matter how late my work ends on Friday night. I now look forward to it every week. I eat popcorn out of the big old family popcorn bowl and enjoy a movie. It eases me into the weekend and actually stops me from thinking about work so much. The weekend seems a bit longer now that I am including Friday nights. Your garden looks lovely btw.

[@JV-ys8fd]

Also wanted to mention, like you talk about at about 18:37, I used your videos as motivation to clean and declutter. I play them and start cleaning, like right now I am finally working on fixing the chair seat bottoms I've put off for far too long!

[@RhondaRambles]

Thanks for the message Dawn, and the visit to fall. We already have 2 ft of snow in Alaska and I’m missing beautiful fall weather.

[@constancebailey5133]

Dawn, thank you so much for addressing burnout. I am a 62-year-old Gigi of three, and Mom of two. I've recently started a venture / Ministry to help young moms avoid burnout. The biggest obstacle I see for moms is Mom guilt. I am providing opportunity for moms to have a restoration weekend retreat, but none of them feel that they can leave the family for two whole days. When you talked about creativity and laughter being such great ways to combat stress, it made so much sense! I will definitely incorporate that into our retreats. Could you and Diana address mom guilt sometime? I know it's a universal issue for all ages

[@heidipurcell7606]

My husband shared with me about changing another word, I would say I got to go to moms, I got to go to the bank. He suggested I change the words from got to to “I get to”. The words we use make such a difference. Thank you for this video, I learn something and become inspired from so much of what you share.

[@cynthiagoodell1213]

On your weed spray question…horticultural vinegar. You can usually find it at a good feed store or garden center. It is 20% acidity, as opposed to the typical 5% of a store vinegar, and will kill any vegetation on contact, so be careful when spraying those walkways! Good luck, and great job so far! Thanks for all you do!

[@jodyhoffman1697]

Funny this burn out would be the topic today. Yesterday I reach the end point of my emotions. I froze them in place. I knew I need to make a change and decided today was going to be a "me" day. I was going to do only what I wanted and when I wanted to do it. With just DH and I hear I could get away with it. My to do list was put aside and I am actually getting things done that are on the to do list but it is by choice. Prayer and Bible reading helped too. I like your idea of walking out the door over walking into the kitchen as I have been reaching for the sweets too. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@marylacombe1985]

I have a lung condition that has me nebulizing twice a day plus all the other things the condition demands. I watch your video to destress while nebbing. I know I have to do it so it is nice to have something I enjoy while nebbing. And I totally agree about the future self appreciating it. I tell myself that all the time when I don't want to do something. I did it as a teacher cleaning up the classroom at the end of the day, straightening up the house in the evening, organizing a get together with family or friends. Ir's a n important skill to have.

[@donnafranks4325]

Have you ever looked into the benefits of nebulizing hydrogen peroxide? Not making any medical claims but it might be worth asking your doctor about

[@tracyking7445]

For the walkways use a generous amount of baking soda to make the soil more alkaline. You can buy large quantities in the pool section of Walmart, etc. Once soaked into the soil it prevents growth. Also finding 30-45% strength vinegar applied during sunny days will improve weed reduction. These work well on pea gravel paths I'm not sure about mulched paths unless applied under the fabric prior to mulching.

[@nancycerreta5629]

At 70 years old I recently learned to take a walk when stressed!

[@jeannereich8690]

Interesting. I think I'll pick up the book. I loved watching the transformation of the garden. That kiddo was sure good with the rake. He's such a good worker 💓 That sunset was amazing!

[@gwenwade6059]

I thought he was destressing in a "in the zone way" like you see Oriental gardend being deliberately raked into patterns. Maybe Tom could bulldoze a labyrinth with benches tucked into the treed property. Everyone can do walking meditations within. Quiet inner time.

[@karenhastey8360]

I’m just trying to survive with two littles lol, dusting, washing dishes and getting meals done was what I have been able to get done. Not doing well with stress, but I thank you for sharing these tidbits of helpful thoughts.

[@wendyswank9577]

We live in a condo now, so somebody else keeps the weeds down! YEAH! When we did......we used layers of newspaper under fabric. In the Spring, we sprinkle Preen in a clean bed. It keeps weeds from germinating. It doesn’t kill weeds or grass, so you need to start with a weed free bed.

[@mtairyherbs]

I garden every day for my business and that means two outfits per day - at least. I’m trying to minimize my wardrobe but need those garden clothes. I get very dirty so sometimes I shower twice per day especially in summer. Love it.

[@CD-xn2bz]

Completing the cycle….explains why every month or two I warn my husband that I’m overdue for a good cry and it’s coming soon! It’s a cry for the all of the stressors and sadness that have been building up. It helps! On a regular basis, being outdoors, walking, puppy time all help a lot. Thanks for this, Dawn!

[@d.zyned2thrive584]

Wow this makes so much sense! I homeschool our 5 kids and when I run right after I feel like a completely different person than when I don't! And I find that literally running or running fast after a shot of adrenaline because something stressed or startled me actually helps clear it out.

[@mrsg3460]

I often go for the fun jobs when I'm feeling stressed, I'd happily ignore the dishes and started making a cupboard look nice. Christmas is next month and I have so much going on I feel so stressed and anxious I really want to decorate for Christmas so I can get that warm feeling of the twinkly Christmas lights 🥰🎄

[@happydays6010]

This helped me understand my stress right now. So helpful. I’m 10 days postpartum and have brand new baby and toddler to care for. Thanks for body doubling with me. Caught up on some dishes and made my family dinner while watching. Thanks for making it all easier and your fresh perspective on stress management and minimalism.☺️

[@annapry6470]

To keep weeds away in pathways: Rock salt- like the big bags of water softener salt or laundry soda (baking soda for laundry, its stronger than regular baking soda), either one you need a good layer but it's really cheap stuff and it blocks roots from being able to absorb water which kills/prevents weeds. I use it it to line the border between my flower beds and the lawn. The really tough crab grass ends up pulling out like butter after a few weeks of letting it work into the soil! Be cautious to only use it where you're not planning to grow stuff later on because the salt will stay in the soil and make it no good for growing in that spot. You also won't want to use it on mulch that you want to dig out for composting later on. But on fence lines or permanent pathways, it's great!

[@sburwell75]

I love the "What could I do today?" instead of "What should I do today?" I can truly pick and choose... and that makes my mind happy

[@daughterofthemosthigh7777]

Hey Dawn, a little late but instead of cloth I use tarps. It lasts just a little longer than the cloth. Place some brick or stones along the edges and then mulch. I stay in The Word to help with stress/burn out.

[@susangriner6736]

i like dancing - even just the length of one song lifts my mood (if I remember to do it)

[@janiceyoder621]

Past experience tells me that it helps a lot to prepare your garden in the fall for spring. I don't always get it done but I do know it works!

[@jbourret]

We know your heart, Dawn, and appreciate your cheerful willingness to share what you’re learning, doing, and thinking about. ❤ No worries, and keep it coming please. I complete the stress cycle by praying (talking to my Shepherd), reading cheerful fiction, walking in the woods, and doing martial arts. I’m thankful for them all, and for you!

[@virginiacooper2923]

Love your guts girl!! Thanks for all your positivity!!!

[@sherylvalentiner6115]

Another excellent video. Having a systemic chronic autoimmune illness challenges me in so very many ways. I’m always being warned about my “stress levels”. Your information is timely and helpful. Blessings.

[@CS-pj8wj]

In Connecticut, we threw some potted strawberry bushes under our porch one year. (no pots). The following spring we had strawberry plants growing under the deck! Can't believe they survived the winter!

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

So glad Maggie was allowed to spend so much time with the chickens in the background. She probably needed that herself. I feel so squishy when Dawn says she loves me & hopes I have a great weekend.💜💜💜 Thx, Dawn!

[@Rosie_C]

We got to go for a walk this morning with just the 2 preschool aged children while grandma watched the 18 month old twins - I enjoyed it so much and the kids loved it and we were all happy! Then we mistakingly were on private property (something I could have prevented but honestly did innocently) and an old man got soo upset with us. Lol, the beginning was still very nice! I definitely need to find something else to complete my stress cycles - my life has gone from: being married for 5 years, having my best friend for a room mate for 6 years, and the past year of living alone has been very interesting! I cannot complain about running to the Lord to talk to about everything, though.

[@christietitus193]

Thanks Dawn, I needed this today. My house is under control with clutter and such, but for some reason it is still a huge stress for me! I feel that even though my kids are older there is still so much busy in my life! I definitely get stuck in the middle of the tunnel and since I am the only female in my household sometimes I feel like I am the only one losing my mind!! You did a great job explaining why I feel that way. Thanks for the inspiration! We are having warm weather in the northeast as well this weekend, I am hoping the sunshine brings peace my way :)

[@adz5bneweng589]

Weed control: Captain Jacks Dead Weed Brew concentrate. Mix at the highest percentage for best success. All natural. I think it's available at home depot. Don't store in the super cold during the winter. Relatively small bottle so it's easy to store. I have a shelf in my tool/battery/light bulb cupboard where I keep my garden fertilizers, weed and pest controls.

[@JV-ys8fd]

Burnout is becoming my middle name! I'm trying to focus on completing projects before I start a new one, uncompleted projects is a huge stressor of mine. As for the garden, look into the Ruth Stout gardening method or Back to Eden, they're similar to each other but slightly different and help with weed control. Ruth's method is a lot more relaxed than Back to Eden, but same output for each.

[@JanineMacLachlan]

About weed control, you can put cardboard on the unplanted beds (not the asparagus) and weight the cardboard with rocks when putting the garden to bed for the winter. This will suppress the weeds making it easier to plan in the spring. Good luck!