Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

Why Women Are Running On Empty | Dr Zoe Williams on Stress, Burnout & Mental Load

Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

Show Notes

Why do so many women feel exhausted, overwhelmed and unable to switch off — even when life looks “good” on paper?

In this episode of Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson sit down with Dr Zoe Williams for an honest conversation about chronic stress, burnout, cortisol and the invisible mental load women carry every day.

From 3am wake-ups and brain fog to chest pain, anxiety and feeling constantly “wired but tired”, Dr Zoe explains how stress shows up in the body — and why so many women ignore the warning signs until they physically can’t anymore.

The conversation also covers:

The difference between normal stress and chronic stress

Why women struggle to say no

How stress affects sleep, hormones, fertility and libido

The pressure of balancing work, motherhood and home life

Burnout, boundaries and the importance of recovery

Simple techniques to calm your nervous system

A relatable, funny and eye-opening episode for any woman who feels like she’s juggling too much.

🎧 Follow Just As Well for more conversations on women’s health, wellbeing and modern life.

Want more from Women’s Health? Join the Women’s Health COLLECTIVE for workouts, exclusive events and expert advice to unlock your fittest self - Train smarter. Live better. Visit www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/wh-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

Oct 20, 2026

Vicky Pattison takes her seat beside Claire Sanderson as the new co-host of Just As Well — and she’s got plenty to say. In a candid, funny and deeply personal conversation, Vicky talks PMDD, exploring an ADHD diagnosis, egg freezing and trying for a baby, as well as why she chooses to share so much of her health journey publicly.

Oct 16, 2026

We’re so excited to share that Vicky Pattison is joining Claire Sanderson as the new co-host of Just As Well.

Oct 13, 2026

From candid confessions to brilliant one-liners, Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson look back on some of their favourite Just As Well moments together. Hear Gemma tease Claire about being shy, Kate Moyle explain squirting, Laura Hoggins challenge the idea that Pilates is enough, and Trinny Woodall get them moving. Plus, Giles Yeo on GLP-1s and changing celebrity bodies, Dr Vonda Wright on ageing, and Dr Louise Newson tackling the myth that HRT causes cancer. And, of course, the waxing story.

Oct 6, 2026

We’re revisiting one of Claire’s all-time favourite Just As Well conversations: her honest, funny and deeply moving interview with Jessie J.

Sep 29, 2026

Lucy Shuker is one of Britain’s most successful wheelchair tennis players. After a motorbike accident at 21 left her paralysed, Lucy rebuilt her life through sport—going on to compete at the highest level, win Paralympic medals and become a trailblazer for women in wheelchair tennis.

See all episodes →