Let's face it: the world can be an extremely stressful place to be and we all have stressors that can't be fully avoided or controlled. We feel pushed to the max in our daily lives and up against the limits of what our bodies can handle.
On her recent podcast, “Unlocking Us,” Brené Brown, professor and renowned author of many bestselling books on topics like vulnerability and shame, chatted with sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski, co-authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.
First of all, please consider listening to the podcast itself, which is fascinating and focuses primarily on one of the main components of burnout: emotional exhaustion.
The authors define emotional exhaustion as “the fatigue that comes from carrying too much for too long” (via Herbert Freudenberger who coined the term “burnout” in the 1970s).
Essentially, as the Nagoski sisters explain, emotions are cycles that happen in the body. They are an involuntary neurological response with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
From the book: “In short, emotions are tunnels. If you go all the way through them, you get to the light at the end. Exhaustion happens when we get stuck in an emotion.”
Unfortunately, this means that you’re operating at a chronically-elevated stress level for much longer than your body was designed to withstand. It can go on for hours or days (even months or years!) causing all kinds of problems throughout the systems of your body (digestive, immune, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive, etc.).
When stressors trigger a stress response, a chemical stew activates inside the body (think fight/flight/freeze)--but removing the stressors does not mean the cycle is complete.
You need to do something to signal to your body that you’re safe or else you’ll never fully shift back into relaxation.
So, what’s an efficient way to complete a cycle after a really stressful incident?
Your body tells you. We’ve all experienced the relief that comes at the end of a big cry. It’s like that.
So many people come to see us who are dealing with chronic stress and the toll it takes on their bodies. Hopefully some of these strategies can help you get ahead of it. Let us know how it goes!
(And if you’d like to check out the Nagoski book, be aware that it’s mostly focused on women’s experience of burnout. You can learn more about it here.)
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
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Did you know that there are more than 3 million cases of tension headaches each year? This is a very common reaction to the high levels of stress in our society today. So, if you suffer from them on a regular basis, you're not alone!
Tension headaches are characterized by mild to moderate pain, often feeling like a tight band around the head area. There may be sensitivity around the sides of the head, neck and shoulders. Unlike migraines, this type of headache typically does not cause vision or stomach disturbances. However, if you struggle with chronic tension headaches, the pain can adversely affect your quality of life.
Stress can be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from very demanding circumstances. But what can be done to reduce one's stress level?
It is important to make quality rest a high priority to stay healthy and balanced. Adequate sleep each night can dramatically reduce one's overall stress level. While the body is resting, it works to rebuild and revitalize the body. Give your body the time it needs to rebuild, and it will thank you!
Eating a healthy diet based on lean proteins, vegetables and plenty of water is a huge proponent of overall wellness. Decreasing the intake of caffeine and sugar, and minimizing processed foods can reduce the occurrence of tension headaches. The unhealthy additives found in many processed foods are difficult for the body to assimilate. A good rule to follow: if you can't pronounce the ingredients, they don't belong in your body!
An active lifestyle incorporating lots of fresh air and exercise is important in stress reduction. Exercise can reduce stress levels in the body through the release of endorphins, and increase blood flow to all body systems. It also helps improve one's outlook on life!
Many tension headache sufferers have found amazing relief in regular chiropractic care. At Atlas Brain and Body, Dr. David Nygaard specializes in upper cervical correction. He uses a gentle, specialized technique to ease the body back into balance. When the body is in balance, overall stress is greatly reduced. And you can get back to doing what you love!
How long will it take for me to get better?
