Burnout Myths
Do you know that there are lots of people (you may be one) who believe that there's no such thing as burnout? That burnout is really just stress in overdrive. Well let me tell you burnout is real. It's more than being stressed. I know because I've experienced burnout twice during my life.
Burnout is no myth. Chronic stress has a major impact on your stress-response system and your adrenaline and cortisol levels. It is a medical fact that when stressors are always present, you feel constantly under attack and in “fight or flight” mode. Ultimately you get to a point where you feel you have nothing more to give.
Burnout does not mean you’re weak and can’t handle stress. The truth is that people who are burnt out tend to be naturally high-achievers. They are the type of people who take on more responsibilities without being asked and step up to go above and beyond for others. According to burnout and resilience expert Paula Davis-Laack, “Studies show that even as people start to burn out, their willingness to help others remains high. For many, burnout actually increases their tendencies by triggering the “tend and befriend response.”*
Being told to get more sleep and exercise will not make it all better for you. Quick fixes like a day off, day at the spa or even a vacation may provide a much-appreciated band-aid but they don’t help at the cellular hormonal level. And they don’t solve the problem because what causes burn out in the first place is far more complicated than not having a vacation or day off in a while. Recovering from burnout is a process that involves purposeful disengagement and personal reflection to fully appreciate what is out of alignment and as importantly why.
You don't have to keep burnout a secret or hope that it will go away on it's own if you ignore it. In fact, if you’re burned out, it’s likely that other people are already noticing. You may be absent or sick more frequently, snapping at colleagues, or spending more time in your office instead of attending work functions. Whatever it is, it’s not going unnoticed. So even if you ignore it, others aren't. Admit to yourself that you need to have a conversation most likely with your boss. If you can’t talk to your boss, talk to a friend, a coach, your significant other, or your healthcare professional. Talk to someone who won't make snap judgments about you or your feelings. Talk with someone who will let you express freely your concerns and and thoughts.
Remember that burnout does not always mean that you are depressed. They often are related but it's a puzzle to figure out which came first. Burnout is a complex illness. Maybe you’re struggling with burnout yourself and are ready to take meaningful steps to reclaim your passion about life and what matters most to you. Reach out to me via email or DM me if you’d like to talk.
