5 dangers of burnout

Five dangers of burnout:
 
1
 
Research shows that burnout can thin the gray matter of your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain that is responsible for important functions such as reasoning and decision-making), and it can enlarge the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system).
 
As a result, when our alarm system goes into overdrive, we sense threat when there is none, and we are less able to mediate this heightened state with cool, calming reason.
 
2
 
An amygdala in overdrive activates the sympathetic nervous system, our fight-or-flight response, which can lead to higher levels of stress hormones, including cortisol and epinephrine.
 
Increased levels of epinephrine damage blood vessels and arteries and raise blood pressure, and excessive cortisol levels result in an increased fat tissue.
 
3
 
Burnout occurs when there is chronic stress that has not been successfully managed, and to borrow from the World Health Organization’s definition, it is characterized by “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion,” “feelings of negativism or cynicism,” and reduced “efficacy.”
 
This often results in a vicious cycle, where the reduced efficacy feeds the negativism and cynicism, which leads to greater feelings of energy depletion and exhaustion.
 
4
 
Keep an eye out for the following signs of burnout. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor or therapist:
Exhaustion
Insomnia
Helplessness
Changes in your eating habits
Anger…
 
…Irritability
Cynicism
Reduced interest in things you usually enjoy
An inability to think clearly
Apathy
An overwhelmingly negative outlook on life
Breathlessness
Reduced effectiveness with tasks
Dizziness
 
5
 
Arguably, we are at a greater risk of burnout because of our increased dependence on technology. We jump to respond to every alert and notification, and this takes us away from moments of connection with ourselves and others…
 
…As a result, our window of tolerance shrinks, making us more reactive and less in touch with our natural rhythms and the resulting wisdom.
 
If you would like to talk to an experienced psychotherapist about burnout, please book online for a free callback.
 
Chris Warren-Dickins
Psychotherapist in Ridgewood, New Jersey
Explore Transform LLC