Burnout: How to Complete the Stress Cycle
Stress… we all experience it. It’s a part of our everyday life. However, if we never do anything with our stress, it can lead to burnout and interrupt our ability to function.
This blog covers practical ways you can complete your stress cycle and step out of burnout. This blog highlights the ideas from the book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski.
*We highly recommend you give it a read!!*
Stress vs. Stressors
Stress = your body’s physiological / biological response
Stressors = things causing stress (i.e. work, school, traffic, finances, etc.)
Stress
Completing the stress cycle does not just happen, you must do something…
Ways to complete the stress cycle
- Physical activity
- Breathing
- Positive Social Interaction
- Laughter
- Affection
- Crying
- Creative Expression
*The most effective way to complete the stress cycle is physical activity (or any type of movement!)
Tips:
- Do what works (& what you enjoy)
- Schedule into your day, every day
Signs you need to deal with the stress, even if it means ignoring the stressor:
You notice yourself doing the same thing over & over again, or engaging in self-destructive behavior
“Chandeliering”- aka reacting out of portion to what’s going on in the here and now, usually caused by holding in stress / emotions (i.e. so angry you are jumping to the chandelier)
You notice yourself “hiding” from your life or isolating
Your body feels out of whack
Each day we ignore, repress, or avoid our stress it compiles. Most of us are not carrying just our stress from today, but from days, months, or even years. It’s time to put some of it down. You don’t have to live in a constant state of burnout.