Hi! I'm Dr. Roz
You have the power to make an impact in your life, career, and relationships. My goal is to help you unlock the path.
Let’s be honest.
You’re doing the most, holding it together, showing up, and crossing things off the list.
And yet, despite everything, you still feel like you’re falling behind.
Behind at work.
Behind in your relationships.
Behind on the self-care you swore you’d prioritize this year.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re likely burned out and emotionally stuck in a loop that keeps your nervous system on high alert and your energy in constant survival mode.
This guide is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and reset. We’re diving deep into why this feeling of being “always behind” is so familiar, and how to begin reclaiming your emotional bandwidth (without overhauling your whole life).
Why Do I Always Feel Behind?
You’re not just forgetful. You’re overstimulated.
Your brain and body weren’t designed to hold the emotional weight of a thousand open loops: unread emails, relationship dynamics, global crises, your inner critic, and the pressure to “optimize” everything from your sleep cycle to your breakfast.
When your nervous system perceives that there’s never enough time, energy, or support, your body responds as if it’s in danger. Welcome to survival mode.
Here are three key reasons why you may feel perpetually behind:
Reason | What It Feels Like | What’s Really Happening |
Emotional Exhaustion | You feel tired even after rest | Your brain is tired from holding emotional stress |
Looped in Survival Mode | You’re reactive or checked out | Your nervous system is stuck in high alert or shutdown |
Lack of Self-Intimacy | You don’t know what you actually need | You’ve been too busy to slow down and listen inward |
Emotional Burnout Doesn’t Always Look Like a Breakdown
Most high-achieving women don’t recognize burnout until it screams at them.
Why? Because emotional exhaustion in successful, responsible women often shows up as:
- “Productive procrastination” (doing everything except what matters most)
- Numbness or zoning out (scrolling, snacking, spiraling)
- Resentment toward people you love
- Mental fog, irritability, or feeling disconnected from your goals
Sound familiar? That’s not just stress. It’s a signal your body is done running on fumes.
Why High-Achieving Women Miss the Signs
Because we’ve been taught that exhaustion is a badge of honor.
If you’re constantly striving, over-giving, or stuck in people-pleasing mode, you may mistake burnout for ambition.
And here’s the kicker: your nervous system learns that this chaos is everyday. Over time, stress becomes the baseline, and peace feels unfamiliar, even uncomfortable.
At Nu Leaf Therapy, we help women recognize when their bodies and minds are done pretending everything is fine.
What’s Actually Draining You (It’s Not Just Your To-Do List)
You might think reclaiming your energy starts with a new planner, productivity hack, or another round of meal prep.
But the real energy leaks often come from emotional patterns, not just poor time management.
Here are a few common emotional drains:
- Saying yes when you mean no
- Avoiding necessary conflict (aka self-abandonment)
- Hyper-independence and not asking for help
- Constant overthinking and second-guessing
- Disconnection from your own needs, limits, or desires
These loops are exhausting, not because you’re doing too much, but because you’re doing too much without connection to yourself.
The Loop That Keeps You Stuck (and How to Break It)
At Nu Leaf Therapy, we often talk about loops, emotional and behavioral patterns you repeat, unconsciously, that keep you stuck in survival mode.
Here’s what a typical burnout loop looks like:
I’m overwhelmed → I over-function → I disconnect from myself → I crash → I shame myself for crashing → I push harder again
Recognize the pattern? You’re not alone.
The goal isn’t to force your way out of the loop. It’s to gently step off the hamster wheel and learn how to regulate, reset, and reconnect.
3 Ways to Reset When You Feel Exhausted and Behind
1. Name What You’re Actually Feeling
Before you can fix your life, you have to find yourself first.
Ask yourself:
- Am I tired, or emotionally numb?
- Am I unmotivated, or grieving unmet expectations?
- Am I stuck, or simply in need of rest?
Try This
Pause for 60 seconds, close your eyes, and ask your body What do I need right now?
That moment of self-intimacy is where healing begins.
2. Interrupt the “Shoulds” with Something Real
When you’re behind, the shame spiral starts. I should’ve done more. I should be further along. I should be able to handle this.
Interrupt that inner critic with a more compassionate check-in:
“What’s one thing I can do with the energy I have today?”
It could be replying to one email instead of ten. It’s as simple as brushing your teeth and drinking water. Small resets matter.
3. Take the Quiz to Understand the Loop You’re In
If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while, but can’t explain why, this is your sign to get curious.
We created a free Emotional Health Quiz that helps you identify the emotional loop you’re in, and what your nervous system may be trying to tell you.
You’ll get insight into:
- Whether you’re stuck in survival mode
- The emotional patterns affecting your energy
- What kind of support could help you feel like yourself again
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are (Even If That’s Rock Bottom)
Whether you’re in Texas, Florida, or Mississippi, our licensed therapists at Nu Leaf Therapy specialize in working with women who feel like they’re doing everything right, but still don’t feel okay.
We’re here for the high-functioning, the hyper-independent, the helpers, and the healers.
Our approach is:
Holistic
We consider the mind, body, and nervous system
Trauma-informed
We support you without retraumatizing you.
Accessible
We offer virtual sessions in multiple states.
Efficient
No waiting lists, no clinical jargon, just care that fits your real life
When to Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to wait for a breakdown to deserve help.
Here are some signs you may benefit from therapy:
- You always feel tired, even after sleeping
- You’re losing interest in things you used to love
- Your emotions feel muted or “too much”
- You feel disconnected from your body or relationships
- You’re stuck in loops of people-pleasing, overworking, or perfectionism
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for clarity, reset, and the reminder that you’re allowed to feel whole again.
How to Get Started with Nu Leaf Therapy
It’s easier than you think. We’re built for busy women who want support without adding more to their plate.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit www.nuleaftherapy.com
- Take our free mental health quiz
- Book a discovery call with one of our licensed therapists
- Begin your RESET journey, on your terms
You’re Not Behind, You’re Being Called to Reset
What if this feeling of being “behind” isn’t a flaw, but a flag?
A flag waving you back toward your body.
Your boundaries.
Your self.
You’re not broken. You’re burned out. And that’s something we can help with.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Nu Leaf Therapy is here to help you reset, not with surface-level self-care, but with sustainable healing that starts from within.
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Take the quiz or book a session today at www.nuleaftherapy.com
- Find Emotional Balance
- Heal fromTrauma
- Overcome Anxiety
— Dr. Roslyn Ashford
Begin Your Path to Emotional Wellness in Three steps
Request a Consultation
Reach out to us to book your initial consultation and take the first step towards healing.
Engage in Therapy
Participate in our personalized therapy sessions, tailored to address your specific emotional challenges.
Experience Transformation
Witness the positive changes as you gain control over your emotions and enhance your mental well-being.
Your partner in the healing process
We understand the depth of your struggles. Our approach combines empathy with expert guidance, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. As a leading cognitive behavior therapy center in Mississippi, our CBT, CPT and Gottman-certified therapists ensure holistic wellness through evidence-based practices, engaging unconventional therapeutic activities, helping you cultivate a happier, healthier, and more balanced life. With nearly two decades of experience, we know how to empower you to reclaim your emotional well-being.
Roslyn Ashford, LPC
Founder and Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Counselor
Ariel Kinsey, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Discover what’s holding you back
Our Mood Reset Quiz is designed to pinpoint the underlying causes of emotional stagnation. Whether it’s lingering stress, unprocessed emotions, or recurring patterns, the quiz provides actionable insights to reset your mood and reignite your enthusiasm for life.
Why Choose Us?
Experience profound personal transformation
Choose Nu Leaf Therapy and:
- Regain control over your emotional responses
- Build resilience against life’s challenges
- Find peace in the midst of chaos
- Equip yourself with tools for lasting change
- Join a community that values emotional health
Take the next step in your healing journey with us.
As leader in cognitive behavior therapy across Mississippi, Texas and Florida, our CBT, CPT and Gottman-certified therapists ensure holistic wellness through evidence-based practices, engaging unconventional therapeutic activities, helping you cultivate a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.
Years Of Experience
Clients Transformed
Schedule A Consultation
Take the First Step to a Happier, more fulfilled life.
Need Further Help?
1-601-265-4014
hello@nuleaftherapy.com
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to estimate how long it will take. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.
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