A Burned Out Social Media Manager
"I knew I couldn’t just keep pushing through."
Beyond Burnout is dedicated to sharing stories of burnout across different industries. In this edition, Kisai Ponce, Head of Social and Video at Well & Good, shares how burnout has affected her career in an industry that goes nonstop.
Experiencing her first burnout at 30, Kisai says she’s experienced two episodes of burnout. She notes that she first noticed symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, decreased productivity, anxiety, irritability, and depression. She later realized that these physical and mental ailments were signals that she was burned out.
What did you do to try and stop feeling burned out?
When I realized I was burned out, I knew I couldn’t just keep pushing through. At first, I tried to ignore it—thinking I just needed to power through a rough patch—but eventually I had to stop and get real with myself. I was emotionally exhausted, creatively drained, and starting to lose the passion that usually fuels my work. To start healing, I set firmer boundaries around work. I logged off at a reasonable hour, stopped checking email late at night, and gave myself permission to take real breaks—without guilt.
I also made a point to reconnect with my life outside of work. I spent more time with my family, which gave me a sense of grounding and perspective I had been missing. Just being around them helped me feel like myself again. I also decided to invest in my physical and mental health by getting a personal trainer. Committing to regular movement and accountability gave me structure, boosted my energy, and helped rebuild confidence that burnout had chipped away at. It wasn’t just about exercise—it was about prioritizing myself again. The biggest shift came when I stopped seeing rest and recovery as a reward and started seeing it as a requirement. That mindset change made all the difference.
What has helped you cope with burnout?
What’s helped me cope with burnout has been a mix of small, consistent changes and setting clearer boundaries. One of the most effective things I’ve done is turn off notifications on my phone. It’s made a huge difference in how present and grounded I feel during the day—I’m no longer constantly pulled back into work or social media when I’m trying to rest or reset. I also started working with a personal trainer, which gave me more structure and motivation to move regularly. It’s been great not just physically, but mentally—it’s a dedicated time where I can focus on myself. Spending more time with my family in my hometown in Puerto Rico, and getting a break from a New York, has also been really grounding. Being with people who love and support me outside of work reminds me of what really matters and helps me put things in perspective. And finally, just talking about burnout—naming it, and sharing that I’m experiencing it—has helped take away some of the shame or guilt that often comes with it. It’s helped me feel less alone and more empowered to make changes that support my wellbeing.
How long did it take you to recover from burnout?
This is still TBD. I’ve been in this industry since I was very young, and with how fast it moves, I’ve always had to be nimble and quick to adapt. Coming from Puerto Rico to work in New York, I’ve also often felt like I needed to be ten steps ahead just to stay competitive—which probably means I didn’t even realize how burnt out I was until recently. Now that I’m actively taking steps to address it, I definitely feel better—more present, more aware—but to be honest, I might not fully recover until I retire. And that’s okay. What matters is I’m no longer ignoring it.
Has burnout changed your perspective on work or life?
Yes, burnout has definitely shifted my perspective on both work and life. It made me realize just how much I was sacrificing my own well-being for the sake of productivity. I used to think that being constantly busy and "on" was the key to success, but I’ve learned that true productivity comes from being well-rested, focused, and balanced—not from burning the candle at both ends. Now, I’m much more intentional about setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. I understand that my mental and physical health is the foundation for everything else I do, whether it’s work or personal life. And life is way too short to be constantly overwhelmed, so I’m trying to savor the moments, whether it’s spending time with family or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Do you have any advice for others experiencing burnout?
My biggest piece of advice is to listen to your body and mind. Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight—it builds up over time, and it’s easy to ignore the early signs. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just "off," don’t brush it aside. Take a step back and assess what’s draining you. It’s also important to ask for help. Whether it’s from a therapist, a friend, or a colleague, you don’t have to go through it alone. Setting boundaries and saying “no” more often is a huge part of protecting your energy. And remember, it’s okay to take a break. I used to think I had to be working nonstop, but I’ve learned that breaks and downtime are crucial to coming back stronger. Lastly, be kind to yourself. Burnout can make you feel like you’re failing, but it’s not about your worth or capability—it’s about the systems you’re in and the pace you’re keeping. Prioritize rest and recovery, and you’ll get back to being your best self in time.
Are you still in the same industry that caused your burnout?
Yes, I’m still in the same industry, and honestly, I love it. Even though it contributed to my burnout, it’s still something I’m passionate about. The work I do excites me, and I really enjoy the impact it can have. However, after experiencing burnout, I’ve made significant changes to how I approach my role. I’ve become more intentional about setting boundaries, prioritizing my mental and physical health, and asking for help when needed. I’ve also found new ways to balance the demands of the industry with the things that keep me grounded, like spending more time with family, getting a personal trainer, and regularly seeing my therapist. I’m really happy in my new role, and while the industry still has its challenges, I’ve learned to navigate them in a way that allows me to continue doing what I love without sacrificing my well-being.