Bridgetown, Barbados – May 6, 2025– In today’s high-octane world, the pursuit of success often comes at a steep price: burnout. But what if self-care wasn’t just a fleeting indulgence, but a powerful, sustainable strategy for high-performing individuals? This week, News on the Go’s Lui the Bajan sat down with Kathleen Brathwaite, a dynamic Self-Care Coach hailing from this island, to delve into her transformative approach:
“I’m a Self-Care Coach from Barbados, and I specialise in helping high-performing professionals, leaders, and caregivers reclaim their energy through high-impact self-care strategies,” she began, her voice radiating warmth and expertise. “My work isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about rewiring how we manage stress, set boundaries, and build resilience so we can lead, live, and work at our best.”
With a background in healthcare, Kathleen witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of relentless pressure on professionals, leaders, and caregivers right here in Barbados and beyond. This ignited a passion to move beyond superficial self-care trends and develop a framework for genuine resilience. “My background in healthcare made me realise how many professionals, including caregivers, push themselves to exhaustion,” Kathleen explained. “I saw firsthand how burnout wasn’t just a workplace issue—it affected relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. I wanted to create an approach that makes self-care sustainable, even in high-pressure environments. That’s what led me to coaching, workshops, and executive self-care solutions.”
Kathleen’s philosophy centres around “high-impact self-care,” a departure from occasional spa days. Instead, she emphasises understanding personal energy dynamics and addressing the underlying patterns that lead to depletion. “While those things can be part of self-care, they don’t address the deeper patterns that lead to stress and burnout,” she clarified. “MyStudios focus is on rewiring how we manage stress at its root. That means understanding how we set boundaries, manage our energy, and shift our mindset. Instead of self-care being a temporary escape, I help my clients build systems that make self-care a natural part of their routine, no matter how demanding their work or life gets.” A key strategy she employs is the “Energy Audit,” encouraging clients to track where their time and energy are being spent meticulously. “Many high performers don’t realise how much of their energy is being drained by unnecessary tasks, interruptions, or even guilt-driven obligations,” Kathleen revealed. “Once we identify those energy leaks, we can create strategies to eliminate, delegate, or restructure them, freeing up space for meaningful work and personal time.”
A cornerstone of Kathleen’s coaching is the art of setting healthy boundaries. Recognising the fear many have of appearing selfish, she reframes boundaries as acts of self-preservation that ultimately enable individuals to show up more fully in their personal and professional lives.
“Boundaries are the foundation of sustainable self-care. Without them, it’s easy to overcommit, feel resentful, and burn out,” she asserted.
“Many people struggle with setting boundaries because they fear being seen as selfish or unhelpful. I help my clients shift that mindset—setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away; it’s about protecting your energy so you can show up fully for what truly matters.”
A practical tip she offers is the “Pause & Assess” technique – consciously taking a moment before committing to any request. “Saying ‘yes’ before they’ve had time to think” is a common pitfall, she noted. “One simple fix is using the Pause & Assess technique—taking a moment to check in with yourself before agreeing to something. Even saying, ‘Let me get back to you,’ can give you the space to decide if something aligns with your priorities.”
Kathleen extends her expertise to the corporate realm, working with executives and teams to cultivate a culture of well-being. She underscores that leadership isn’t solely about decision-making but also about maintaining the energy and clarity required to guide effectively. “Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about maintaining the energy, clarity, and resilience to lead effectively,” she stated emphatically. “I work with executives to help them implement self-care strategies that support not just their personal well-being, but also the culture of their organisation. A burnt-out leader creates a burnt-out team. When leaders prioritise self-care, they set the tone for a healthier, more productive work environment.” The most rewarding aspect of her work?
“Seeing the transformation in my clients. When someone who was constantly exhausted suddenly finds balance, feels energised, and enjoys their work again, that keeps me going. It’s gratifying when leaders bring these practices into their workplaces, creating a wellness and resilience ripple effect.”
Kathleen offers an impactful yet straightforward starting point for those feeling overwhelmed and seeking a sustainable path to well-being: scheduling non-negotiable recovery time. “Start by scheduling non-negotiable recovery time in your day. It doesn’t have to be hours—it can be 10-15 minutes of deep breathing, a walk, or a simple pause to reset your mind,” she advised. “The key is to treat it as essential, just like a meeting or deadline.”
Kathleen Brathwaite’s message is clear: sustainable self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental pillar of a thriving life. By understanding our energy, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritising recovery, we can move beyond the burnout cycle and unlock our full potential.
Connect with Kathleen:
Website: https://caregiverrechargehub.com/heart-of-care-academy
Email: Recharge.caregiverhub@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-brathwaite-34137071
Insta: @hsconsulting2023
Tel Num: 1 (246) 825-8574
