What is stress? 

We all need stress. It helps when we want to get things done, it helps when we’re in danger, and it helps when we want to complete something. 

When you experience a stress response, it’s as if you press the gas pedal in your car (the car serves as a metaphor here), and that can be fast or slow, depending on what’s needed. You’ll notice that you start to breathe faster, your heart beats faster, you become active, and you may act quickly or hastily, etc. Many things happen in your body that you don’t immediately notice: your blood pressure increases slightly, your focus narrows to one thing, and you become less aware of everything else, etc. 

What is chronic stress?

If you don’t stop your car in time to refuel, cool down after driving fast, or perform maintenance while continuously driving, your car can break down along the road. 

The same happens to you: if you work hard, take on extra tasks from a colleague, and continue without taking breaks, while also dealing with a busy personal life (such as caregiving or family), your body will eventually stop functioning properly, just like the car. If this continues for too long, you can become ill.

Combinations of Causes

There are many causes of overload. Often, multiple factors are at play at once, creating a burden. These can include combinations of: work, worrying, loneliness, lack of social support and/or appreciation, intense sports, chronic illness (mental or physical), feelings of anxiety and insecurity, trauma, and unhealthy lifestyles. Even enjoyable activities (like a night out with friends) can eventually lead to too much stress in your body.

Why does it make you sick? 

Chronic stress affects both your body and your mind. It impacts physical functions, causing changes in your cardiovascular system, digestive system, brain (memory, concentration, how well you can maintain focus), mood, fatigue, irritability, a short temper, or prolonged periods of feeling down, etc. 

How can you end up with burnout? 

If this goes on and on, you’re doing harm to yourself. Your resilience and energy levels continue to decrease, while stress symptoms increase. Over time, the functions in your brain and body begin to change. You exhaust yourself. The effects become apparent in all areas: physically, emotionally, and cognitively (memory, creating an overview, concentration). 

Elements to reverse this process: 

• Physically recover: Rest, sleep, take regular recovery breaks, etc.
• Restore and build energy
• Build physical condition and increase vitality
• Work on improving self-management skills
• Increase mental resilience by addressing (sabotaging) beliefs that stand in your way and push you beyond your limits.
• Exercise (e.g., walking)
• Healthy nutrition (following the Dutch “Schijf van Vijf”)
• And more…

Do you recognize this?

Don’t keep it to yourself—reach out to me for professional support to get through this.