Evidence-Based Solutions to Burnout: The Story Behind Clarity

Photo credit: Dr. Rachel Thomas

A woman sits at her desk, her eyes unfocused as she stares at the endless tasks in front of her. The pressure of managing deadlines, personal responsibilities, and the constant influx of emails feels overwhelming. Her mind is scattered, and a once-manageable workload now feels insurmountable. This is not just a bad day—it is burnout. According to a 2023 Gallup report, 44% of U.S. workers experience regular burnout, and women often bear the brunt due to balancing both professional and personal demands.

This is the reality Dr. Rachel Thomas sought to address when she developed Clarity, a framework aimed at helping women between 25 and 50 manage and prevent burnout. Unlike many wellness solutions, Dr Rachel’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that combine the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and functional medicine.

The Science of Burnout

Research has shown that burnout is not merely an emotional state but a condition with physiological consequences. Chronic stress alters the brain’s structure, particularly in areas responsible for memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. A 2021 study published in The Lancet highlighted how long-term stress impairs cognitive function and increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Dr. Rachel, an Oxford-trained medical doctor with postgraduate qualifications in neuroscience and functional medicine, designed Clarity to help prevent these effects. The program combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and personalized lifestyle changes. “Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a neurological response to prolonged stress,” Dr. Rachel explains. Her program’s emphasis on early intervention aims to stop burnout before it becomes debilitating, focusing on practical tools that fit seamlessly into busy lives.

One of the core aspects of her approach is blending cognitive exercises with easy-to-implement daily habits. This allows participants to make incremental changes in their lives without feeling overwhelmed. A 2022 review in The Journal of Clinical Psychology supports this method, showing that mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive exercises can significantly reduce stress levels and improve emotional regulation.

Data-Driven Solutions for Women

Clarity stands out in the crowded field of wellness programs by focusing on data and individualized care. Dr. Rachel integrates a range of metrics to track client progress and adjust personalized plans. The goal is to create a system that fits each client’s unique needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.

It is an online one-on-one program that helps women address the early signs of burnout and take proactive steps to manage stress. The primary focus of this initiative is women aged 25-50 who are juggling careers, family, and personal goals. “Women are often expected to do it all, and that pressure is a key driver of stress and burnout,” Dr. Rachel notes. Her program provides a lifeline for overwhelmed women, offering them tools they can use immediately.

This data-driven strategy ensures that the program is adaptable. While many stress-management programs focus only on short-term relief, Clarity emphasizes long-term sustainability. 

Burnout Among Women: A Growing Crisis

The rise of burnout among women is not an isolated phenomenon. A 2022 report from the Harvard Business Review showed that women are more likely than men to experience burnout, primarily because of the dual pressures of professional work and personal responsibilities. For women, the consequences of this “double shift” are far-reaching, leading to chronic stress that affects both mental and physical health.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a medical condition, showing the urgency of addressing this issue. For many women in their prime working years, this stress is compounded by societal expectations around caregiving and career advancement. Dr. Rachel’s  Clarity speaks directly to these challenges, offering a practical and proactive program.

The program’s holistic design incorporates elements from cognitive behavioral strategies, physical health activities, nutritional advice, and mindfulness techniques—all backed by scientific research. This combination addresses the multifaceted nature of burnout, recognizing that stress impacts the body just as much as the mind.

Future Growth and Global Reach

After launching in the UK, Clarity’s sights are on expanding internationally. Dr. Rachel plans to introduce her program to markets in the U.S., Australia, and the Middle East, where demand for mental health solutions is increasing. In the U.S. alone, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported a sharp rise in stress-related health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a key market for the program’s growth.

As the company scales, maintaining the personalized aspect of the program is a priority for Dr. Rachel. She emphasizes the need to ensure that as the program reaches more people, it retains its focus on individualized care and scientific rigor. The expansion also signals the potential for Clarity to make a broader impact on global mental health, especially in regions where access to stress management tools is limited.