Stress-Free Productivity: How to Stay Motivated, Manage Your Energy, and Avoid Burnout feat. Dr. Jessica B. Stern
In this episode of The Ready Enough Podcast, host Lauren Beane sits down with Dr. Jessica B. Stern, a psychologist and productivity expert, to discuss how to beat burnout, manage your energy, and create a sustainable work-life balance without falling into hustle culture.
About our guest
Dr. Jessica B. Stern is a licensed clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, consultant, and
media personality on a mission to help people ditch burnout, improve wellness, and thrive
with purpose. She's the Founder and CEO of Three Lemons LLC, a wellness and corporate
consulting firm, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health, a radio host on
SiriusXM, an advisor and content creator for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-
founded by Selena Gomez, and a practitioner for Joy101, Hoda Kotb's wellness membership.
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Jessica has a knack for turning big, overwhelming
ideas—like mental health, leadership, productivity, and burnout—into practical, science-
backed tools that actually stick. Whether she's speaking to high-powered execs,
overwhelmed teams, or ambitious individuals, she brings clarity, energy, and a whole lot of
heart.
Her goal? To help people work smarter, live better, and feel more aligned with what’s
important to them—without losing themselves in the hustle.
If you’ve ever found yourself running on fumes, checking off all the boxes, and still wondering why you feel so drained — this episode is for you.
I sat down with Dr. Jessica Stern, a psychologist, professor, and productivity expert who’s redefining what it means to get things done. Instead of chasing the next app, planner, or time hack, Dr. Jessica believes true sustainable success comes from aligning your energy, time, and values — not just doing more for the sake of more.
Here are my favorite takeaways from our conversation on The Ready Enough Podcast.
1. Burnout Isn’t Fixed with a Vacation
You know that feeling when you go on vacation, finally start to relax… and then two days back at work, you’re right back to feeling exhausted?
That’s burnout. And as Dr. Jessica puts it, burnout isn’t just about overwork — it’s about systemic misalignment in how you’re spending your time and energy. If the structure of your work or life is draining you, a weekend off won’t fix it. You have to address the root causes.
2. It’s Not About Doing More, It’s About Doing What Matters
We’ve been sold the idea that more equals better: more hours, more hustle, more output. Dr. Jessica flips that script. Productivity without burnout means identifying what truly matters to you and spending your best energy there. That might mean saying “no” to good things so you have room for the great things.
3. Your Brain Is the Engine. Protect It.
Before you overhaul your calendar or download another app, look inward. Are perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or self-criticism draining your motivation? Dr. Jessica reminds us that you can’t “time block” your way out of a mindset block. Start by removing the mental roadblocks, then build systems that actually support you.
4. Think of Time Like a Budget
If you’ve ever tracked your spending to save for something big, you already understand this concept. Audit where your time and energy are going — then reallocate toward the activities and relationships that align with your values. Some obligations will stay (mortgage, anyone?), but you might be surprised by what you can cut.
5. Balance Happens Over Time, Not All at Once
Life will always have seasons where one area takes more of your focus. And that’s okay. Balance isn’t having everything perfectly equal at the same time. It’s making sure that, on average, you’re giving attention to what matters most.
6. The Power of Tiny Steps
Feeling stuck? Take the smallest possible step toward that thing you’ve been avoiding, then check it off. That little win builds momentum, and momentum is a powerful antidote to overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
Productivity without pressure is possible. It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, focus on what matters, and trust that small, intentional steps will lead to big changes.
If you’re ready to stop running on fumes and start working in a way that feels sustainable, I can’t recommend this episode enough.
