In this discussion, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of 'Burnout', sheds light on the stress cycle and the necessity of completing it to prevent burnout. She emphasizes the difference between modern stressors and historical ones, advocating for the importance of processing stress effectively. Amelia also shares insightful strategies for dealing with difficult colleagues, including physical activity to restore a sense of safety. Moreover, she highlights the crucial roles of sleep, creativity, and the power of connection, such as physical touch, in enhancing emotional resilience.
Understanding the stress cycle is vital for managing stress effectively, as unresolved stress can lead to burnout and prolonged discomfort.
Creating a supportive work environment encourages healthy self-care practices and fosters open discussions about well-being to alleviate stress.
Deep dives
Understanding the Stress Cycle
The stress cycle is a physiological response that occurs in the body when faced with stressors, previously adaptive for survival in dangerous environments. When an individual experiences stress, adrenaline and other stress hormones are released, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. Today, however, stress often results from non-physically threatening situations, such as work-related challenges and interpersonal conflicts. Completing the stress response cycle is crucial because, when unresolved, this stress can lead to burnout, manifesting as a prolonged physiological state without resolution.
Effective Strategies to Complete the Stress Cycle
Physical activity is identified as one of the most effective methods to complete the stress response cycle, as it allows the body to release built-up tension and return to a state of equilibrium. However, not everyone finds relief through exercise, highlighting the importance of recognizing other avenues for stress management. Alternative strategies include getting adequate sleep, engaging in creative self-expression, and fostering social connections, all of which can help mitigate the effects of accumulated stress. For instance, simple interactions, like complimenting a barista, can serve to remind individuals of their safety in the world.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Establishing a supportive work environment is essential to facilitate stress management and reduce feelings of guilt associated with self-care practices. Teams can promote a culture where resting and recharging is valued by setting clear boundaries around work hours and encouraging open discussions about well-being. This collective approach helps alleviate external pressures, allowing team members to prioritize their mental health without feeling selfish. Cultivating such a culture can empower individuals to embrace practices that help them effectively complete their stress cycles and prevent burnout.
This is our second episode on Burnout as part of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club series, running throughout January.
Each week, Helen and Sarah focus on a different Videobook and identify insights and ideas that everyone can put into action to support their career development.
In this episode, Sarah talks to one of the authors Amelia Nagoski about the stress cycle and why we need to find new ways to release the stress in our bodies to prevent burnout.
The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub