# The Chemistry Problem: Why stress and burnout aren’t mindset problems

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/you-might-try-this-7688437/the-chemistry-problem-why-stress-and-burnout-aren-t-mindset-problems
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/you-might-try-this-7688437/the-chemistry-problem-why-stress-and-burnout-aren-t-mindset-problems.md
Podcast: [You Might Try This](https://stenobird.com/podcast/you-might-try-this-7688437)
Published: 2026-06-22T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://youmighttrythis.com/episode/the-chemistry-problem-why-stress-and-burnout-arent-mindset-problems
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cab17bb1-87e1-4f1d-84d3-2523173ce288.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2217

## Resource

Welcome back! In today’s episode, Stacey and Cade speak with executive coach and performance expert Jenny Evans about why stress and burnout are not just mindset problems, but deeply rooted in biology and chemistry. Jenny explains how chronic stress triggers automatic chemical responses in the body that reduce access to the prefrontal cortex, shifting decision-making toward reactive, survival-based thinking. The conversation explores why traditional advice like “manage your mindset” only addresses symptoms, not root causes. Key takeaways: Stress is primarily a physiological and chemical process, not just a mindset issue Decision quality declines as energy depletes throughout the day Recovery, not just effort, determines sustained performance Small “microbursts” of movement, breath, or focus can rapidly reset energy levels Designing environments to support habits reduces reliance on willpower Chapters 00:00 Understanding Stress as a Chemistry Problem 06:25 Why High Performers Burn Out 12:22 The Impact of Decision Fatigue 17:17 Managing Energy Instead of Time 22:35 Simple Strategies for Energy Recovery 31:21 Building Long-Term Resilience as a Leader To learn more about Jenny, visit her website: https://www.jennyevans.com/ and check out her book: The Resiliency Revolution. To learn more about us and the podcast, visit youmighttrythis.com and check us out on social media @youmighttrythis

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## Transcript

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