Burning Bright, Not Out: Cracking the Code to Thriving at Work Beyond Exhaustion

Wellness has become yet another task on our to-do lists, often demanding significant wealth and resources to be done "correctly." This mindset needs reevaluation, especially in the context of burnout. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of accomplishment, can result from getting stuck in feelings rather than moving through them.

Ignoring systemic issues while focusing only on individual control is like teaching poker strategies without acknowledging that the game is rigged.

This article will crack the code to thriving at work beyond exhaustion.

UNDERSTANDING STRESS

Dealing with stress involves a distinct process from addressing the stressors themselves.It entails completing the stress response cycle, which is crucial for preventing chronic stress and burnout.

Many of us harbor decades of unresolved stress cycles, contributing to our overall burden. To encapsulate this process, we can refer to it as "the Feels," highlighting its physiological nature rather than an intellectual decision.

Completing the cycle can be achieved through various means such as physical activity, deep breathing, positive social interactions, laughter, affection, creative expression, or even crying.

Sometimes, it's more important to deal with our stress response than to face the stressor directly.

The Role of Wellness

The brain's "Monitor" decides whether to keep going or give up, based on how important our goal is, how much we're trying, and how much progress we're making. To solve problems, we can look at the problem, make a plan, and do it. We can change how hard we're trying or how we think about our effort.

It's good to set small goals that are clear and personal. Even if goals are big and hard to understand, it's okay to think about winning and losing in a different way.

Instead of just reacting to stress, we can think about exploring new things or sticking with what we're doing. We should think about what's good and bad about both choices.

Knowing what's important to us helps us be healthier. We can connect with what's important through big goals, spiritual beliefs, or close relationships. It might take time to figure out what's important, but thinking about when we feel happiest can help.

Sometimes, we forget about ourselves because we're too busy helping others. But it's important to take care of ourselves too.

When bad things happen, we can learn from them and get stronger. For example, even if something bad happens, we can find ways to be stronger by using what we have and learning new things.

STRATEGIES FOR THRIVING AT WORK : CONNECT, REST AND GROW

CONNECT:

Everyone craves connection, and it's not always about personal life. We're wired to switch between being connected and independent. The study of our connections with others is called two-person neuroscience, revealing that our feelings and thoughts are highly contagious. Being around people means sharing our energy with them.

Trust allows for both genuine and guarded moments. Deep understanding means grasping ideas within their context.

In this bubble, you can bring your anger with their consent, and together, you can work through it. "Anger gives you power and motivation to fight, and sharing it in the Bubble changes it from something potentially harmful to something safe and possibly life-changing."

REST:

What makes you stronger isn't what nearly broke you, but the rest and recovery that follows. Rest isn't just sleep; it's also mental relaxation. Feeling too busy for rest is often a result of feeling compelled to give endlessly. Both mental rest and active rest, engaging different parts of your brain, are essential for processing the world around you.

This is why sleep is crucial, especially if you have health issues. Operating without enough sleep is like being intoxicated. However, in Western culture, there's a stigma attached to prioritizing rest.

Ideally, we should spend about 42 percent of our lives resting, which includes various activities like sleep, relaxation, physical activity, and socializing. This equates to around 10 hours a day.

In essence, rest encompasses sleep, nourishment, social connections, and movement. "Rest matters because you matter. Your worth isn't defined by productivity."

GROW:

Inside every person resides a "madwoman," caught between the stark contrast of reality and hope, struggling within the confines of societal expectations that pigeonhole individuals into roles of either villain or saint. This inner entity grapples with the disparity between our authentic selves and the idealized image imposed by Human Giver Syndrome.

The manifestation of this "madwoman" varies from person to person, often appearing as toxic perfectionism. However, one way to counteract its influence is by cultivating self-compassion, akin to exercising a muscle—it's not always easy, but it fosters resilience and growth.

A helpful strategy involves personifying this inner turmoil, allowing it to take on a distinct character separate from ourselves. By doing so, we create a psychological distance that enables us to understand and address these inner conflicts through connected knowing.

---

Wellness isn't merely a mindset; it's about actively engaging in behaviors that promote health and happiness. Listen to your body and trust its signals. Practice self-compassion by being gentle with yourself, acknowledging that you deserve kindness and understanding. Remember that your happiness and joy are important and worthy of pursuit. Embrace the belief that you are sufficient and complete just as you are in this moment. Each action taken toward your well-being contributes to a fulfilling life journey.