Burnout is that guest that overstays its welcome. It creeps into our home, makes a living mess, then leaves us drained and helpless. Burnout recovery, while necessary, may seem similar in that it requires a lot from us. It demands constant self-compassion and resilience, but sometimes, we don’t know how to get there. There’s no perfect roadmap or solution, and without any guidance, finding the path to renewal can feel impossible.
If you need an insightful guide, these four books might help you get started. We’ve handpicked this collection to be a resource for when you need clarity—or honestly, even just a shoulder to cry on. So grab your favorite fall beverage, cozy up with a soft blanket, and take a look at how these reads can help you rediscover your spark. 
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
Defined by Refinery29 as “an essential read for women in the workplace today,” More Than Enough explores Elaine Welteroth’s notable career in media and how she, as a Black woman, learned to define her worth regardless of the world’s expectations.
Like Elaine, we often find ourselves in situations where we’re the only woman in the room, our voices minimized. We may clearly see the barriers that we must break down, but when there’s little to no change, it’s easy to be discouraged and fall into the pits of work burnout. However, her story demonstrates all the ways a woman is more than enough. Our pitfalls and challenges, strengths and imperfections, everything that makes us us is valuable. Through personal anecdotes and insightful social commentary, Elaine encourages her readers to power through the difficult seasons in their lives and find their voice, no matter their season of life.
Falling Back in Love with Being a Human by Kai Cheng Thom
Falling Back in Love with Being a Human is a healing balm for those who have forgotten how to celebrate themselves. A deeply personal collection of poems and essays, the book aims to reevaluate all of humankind and breathe compassion into the messiest, most unredeemed parts of us.
Kai Cheng Thom navigates her grief and fear by writing pieces that embrace people of all backgrounds, and at various life stages. The author concludes every piece with an insightful call to action—not for the reader to do much heavy lifting, but to simply look inward and learn how to embrace their authentic selves. If you, amid your burnout, need a gentle reminder of why your humanity is worthy of safety and belonging, there may be a page in this book dedicated to your healing process.
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
Award-winning journalist and author, Celeste Headlee challenges the idea of constant productivity where people prioritize work over rest, and how it inevitably leads to classic burnout symptoms—or worse. She dives into a historical overview of labor, how it has evolved to what we know today, and some strategies that can help us break away from its more harmful cultural aspects.
Similar to Kai Cheng Thom, Celeste encourages us to tap into our humanity and its basic needs: creativity, community, and connection. If we want to create happier, healthier workplaces, we need to lean into more sustainable ways of being. Reading this during your burnout recovery may help you disconnect from a fast-paced environment and find joy in slow, intentional leisure.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Amelia Nagoski and Emily Nagoski
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle takes a simple approach in tackling the all too familiar, sometimes debilitating experience of running out of fuel, yet having to keep up appearances. Written by sisters Amelia Nagoski, DMA, and Emily Nagoski, PhD, this book acts as a guide to reducing stress and practicing preventative measures. It provides worksheets and exercises to drive inspiration while addressing real societal problems that make it difficult for women professionals to recognize their achievements.
Both a transformative resource and respite, Burnout is written for women who need a simple, yet powerful solution for burnout recovery.
Looking for more content on burnout recovery?
CCWomen is on a mission to celebrate and uplift women in the workplace. Whether you need more resources on burnout or want to tap into a growing network of supportive, like-minded professionals, we have what you need to rediscover your purpose and thrive.
Navigating burnout recovery is no easy feat, but with community, it can be an empowering experience. Don’t wait—sign up to be a member today!
Elizabeth Woolner on