Hala Dabboussy

Stress and burnout are silent killers in our lives today. They creep in unnoticed, draining our energy and clouding our judgment until we feel trapped in a cycle of exhaustion. I learned this the hard way when I was forced to pause. That pause changed everything. It gave me space to reevaluate what truly mattered versus what screamed for my attention. If you feel overwhelmed, you don’t have to wait for a forced break. You can choose your pause—and it might be the most important decision you...

Dear You, Yes—you. The one who just took a deep breath while reading that headline and thought, “I’m not burnt out… I’m just tired.” Same thing. Different font. Let me guess. You’re productive. Reliable. High-functioning. You get things done. People count on you. You’ve mastered the art of showing up—even when you’re running on fumes and caffeine with a side of adrenaline. You don’t collapse. You don’t spiral. You perform. And because you’re still producing, you’ve convinced yourself that...

In today’s fast-moving world, the phrase "work hard, play hard" is tossed around like a badge of honor. It often suggests that pouring intense energy into both work and leisure will lead to success and happiness. However, this mindset can actually create more harm than good. It often leads to burnout, stress, and a feeling of being unfulfilled. This post will examine why this advice can be counterproductive and highlight the importance of finding joy in a balanced, meaningful way. The Myth of...