What if doing everything “right” is exactly what’s keeping you exhausted?
In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel to talk about something so many women experience but rarely understand: burnout. We explore why high-achieving women often hit a point where the routines that once worked stop working, why perfectionism can quietly keep us stuck, and how chronic stress changes the way our bodies function over time.
Dr. Kirsten shares her own journey into naturopathic medicine, what she's seeing in practice with women navigating burnout and perimenopause, and why healing isn't about adding more to your already full plate.
If you've ever wondered why you don't feel like yourself anymore—or why your lab work says you're "fine" even though you know something isn't right—this conversation will leave you feeling seen and give you practical tools to start moving forward.
In this episode, we cover:
● 01:07 How Dr. Kirsten found naturopathic medicine and why she works with high-achieving women
● 02:14 Why healing doesn't have to become another thing to perfect
● 09:33 The hidden habits that lead so many women to burnout
● 16:00 Common lab patterns she sees in women with chronic stress
● 18:53 Why blood sugar and insulin resistance deserve more attention
● 23:14 How strength training supports hormones, metabolism, and long-term health
● 29:01 What nervous system regulation really means and why it isn't just meditation
● 33:40 Simple ways to regulate your nervous system throughout the day
● 37:38 Why safety comes before deeper emotional healing
● 38:31 How beginners can start using breathwork without feeling overwhelmed
● 39:26 The personal experience that made Dr. Kirsten a believer in breathwork
● 43:23 Easy breathing practices you can start using today
● 46:06 How polyvagal theory helps explain your stress response
● 48:41 Why so many women struggle during perimenopause even when nothing else has changed
●51:13 Why symptoms matter just as much as lab numbers
● 57:14 The healing force within us and how to create the conditions for recovery
● 01:00:59 The most underrated daily habit for reducing stress and preventing burnout
Links and resources:
● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Website: https://www.drkirstennd.com/
● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallydrkirsten/
● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895
Connect with Dr. Kelly:
Website: drkellylivingston.com
Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/
Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine
YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston
Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.
Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.
If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.
Disclaimer:
The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
