Imagine waking up feeling refreshed with your mind at ease. You’re well-rested, loved, and supported, despite the craziness of life. You’re completely ready to face the day ahead because you’re no longer running on fumes. Sounds too good to be true? It doesn’t have to be.
For countless women, especially Black women, the expectation to constantly “push through” has become an ingrained part of our existence—a silent burden and societal pressure that often leads to burnout and a disconnect from personal well-being. At BrownStyle Magazine, we are creating a safe space to challenge the idea that you have to spend tireless hours being everything to everyone at all times. We believe that your mindset truly determines your wellness. And we are not the only ones.
As a family medicine physician, mental health advocate, nonprofit founder, mom, and woman of many more titles, Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke (affectionately known as Dr. Chi) understands the pressure women face in careers, at home, and in other facets of life.
“When you grow up surrounded by medical professionals and a culture that defines success by titles, it can feel like your worth is tied to achievement,” Dr. Chi states. “I believed becoming a physician was the ultimate goal—but I had to reframe that mindset.”
After experiencing burnout from hustle culture, Dr. Chi began prioritizing wellness as the ultimate form of strength and self-love. This included learning to take breaks, recoup, and being open to receiving support.
“My journey showed me that success isn’t about the title. It’s about happiness, peace, and the ability to share life with people you love. The journey isn’t linear, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to define success on my own terms,” she explains.
Navigating Burnout: Learning To Slow Down
Learning to define success on her terms came at a cost.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Chi’s family was nationally spotlighted as a “super squad” of frontline heroes on Good Morning America. But behind the applause and headlines, Dr. Chi was silently navigating exhaustion, anxiety, and full-blown burnout. It wasn’t until she experienced a breakdown during a shift at work that Dr. Chi realized just how much hustle culture had impacted her.
“I ignored [my warning signs] because I believed pushing through was what I was called to do. People needed me. But I didn’t realize I needed me, too. External praise can keep you going—but if you’re not well, it’s not sustainable. I had to learn that my health matters more than short-term praise,” she shares.
After experiencing burnout and learning to prioritize wellness, Dr. Chi has become an advocate for helping high-achieving women reset their relationship with success. She now champions the powerful philosophy that “wellness is the new flex.”
She explains, “Social media has helped us see that joy, rest, and well-being are just as valuable—if not more—than career milestones. Wellness is the new flex because being well, whole, and at peace is a sign of true success. It means we’re finally prioritizing what really matters.”
Tips For Reclaiming Your Joy And Redefining Success On Your Own Terms
For women looking for real, actionable steps to reclaim their joy and redefine success on their own terms, Dr. Chi offers practical, yet profound, advice: “Start by checking in with yourself. Ask, ‘How am I really doing?’ And be honest with the answer. Recognition is the first step.”
She continues, “Then, revisit the things that used to bring you joy. It could be as simple as journaling, dancing, morning devotionals, or prayer. Rediscover what lifts your spirit—and do it without guilt.
Dr. Chi adds that self-compassion makes life simpler. It allows you to reflect and say, “‘I’ve been through so much, and I’m still here.’ That acknowledgment is powerful. It motivates you to protect your peace. When you learn to love yourself deeply, you start making decisions that honor your wholeness.”
| ✨ Dr. Chi’s Tips For Protecting Your Peace ✨ |
|---|
| ✨ Catch yourself when “I’m fine” becomes your autopilot. ✨ Take off the “strong woman” cape—real strength allows room for softness. ✨Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s non-negotiable. |
Today, Dr. Chi shows up in all her roles from a place of peace. “I can be present for others without losing myself in the process,” she affirms.
Her message of hope to those experiencing exhaustion is clear: ‘Please know this: the world’s expectations don’t define you. If what you’re doing is leading to burnout, it’s okay to stop. It’s okay to rest. The most powerful thing you can do is show up for yourself. Your future self will thank you.”
And while it may feel like it at times, you’re really not alone. In the words of Dr. Chi, “When women come together and validate each other’s experiences, we realize we’re not alone. Prioritizing well-being isn’t a weakness. It’s a superpower. And when we support each other in that, we all rise.”
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Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
