Real Over Ideal
Function, not perfection.
Hosted by occupational therapist and executive coach Vanessa Gorelkin, Real over Ideal cuts through the noise to bring you practical strategies for life in a stressful world.
Real Over Ideal
Ariana Grande & (Energy) Receipts like Phone Numbers
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Understanding the Bounce Back Tax: Why High-Functioning Days Leave You Drained
Ever had a day where everything seems to go perfectly, only to crash the next morning? This episode breaks down the concept of the "bounce back tax" — the invisible toll your body and brain pay after high-energy days — and offers practical strategies to manage it without guilt or burnout.
Main Topics Covered:
- The science behind effort costs and energy expenditure
- How high-functioning days deplete cognitive resources and cause physical fatigue
- The role of ego depletion, allostatic load, and dopamine dips in post-productivity crashes
- Social science insights into social regulation fatigue and emotional labor
- Practical strategies: The 80% day, reset window, and minimum effort floors
- Reframing rest as productive recovery rather than non-functional
Remember, your high-energy days cost something — honoring that helps you build sustainable productivity and kindness to yourself.
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If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:
realoveridealpod@gmail.com
Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:
https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab
If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467
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