Boundaries, Burnout, and the Power of Saying No After Cancer
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About this listen
If the word boundaries makes you feel uncomfortable, guilty, or like you’re about to disappoint someone, this episode is for you.
In today’s episode, Gabby talks openly about burnout after cancer, why it hits so hard, and why learning to say no isn’t selfish, rude, or ungrateful, it’s essential for healing. After treatment ends, many women find themselves exhausted, overwhelmed, and carrying everyone else’s emotional load, often without realising how much it’s costing them.
Gabby explains why burnout is not a personal failure but a physiological response to doing too much, too soon, with too little energy. She shares practical, compassionate tools to help you protect your energy, communicate boundaries calmly, and let go of guilt, without becoming hard, sharp, or defensive.
This episode is for you if you’re tired of people pleasing, feel permanently “on,” or worry that resting makes you lazy. It’s a reminder that you didn’t survive cancer just to live in survival mode forever.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why burnout after cancer is a body response, not a character flaw
- How your nervous system is still recalibrating after treatment
- Why “back to normal” is a myth — and why that’s okay
- The Polite No Formula that makes boundaries easier and guilt-free
- How to spot the early warning signs of burnout before your body forces you to stop
- Simple, practical energy-protecting habits that actually work
- Why boundaries don’t push people away — they teach people how to treat you
- How letting others have their feelings is part of healthy self-respect
Resources & Links:
- Book a free clarity call with Gabby: Schedule here
- Connect with Gabby on Instagram: @gabby.mottershead
- Visit the website: confidenceaftercancer.co.uk
- Watch on YouTube: Subscribe here
- Join Gabby’s weekly newsletter for tips on life after treatment: Sign up here