BURNOUT…
Burnout is a problem that many people either face or come very close to at some point of their life or career. If your job or some other commitment keeps you completely drained physically or emotionally, and if this situation goes on for years, months, or maybe just weeks, you may finally reach the breaking point and become a victim of burn out syndrome. Burnout is a chronic condition that happens when your body or mind can no longer cope with overwhelmingly high demands. You are trapped in a state of emotional exhaustion, and it is hard to get out of that state. You stop caring about what you do, even though you may feel guilty about that fact. Even if you still continue working, it seems hard to make progress. You hardly accomplish anything significant, just go through the motions. Furthermore, burning out is not just stress, it is much more than that. There are people who may experience high stress at their job time after time. But job stress does not necessarily mean that they are at risk of job burnout.
Let’s look at some of the Signs of Burnout:
A fork will last indefinitely as long as it is used for eating. However, if we began to use it to drive nails or dig trenches, it would soon break. The key is to use it for what it was designed to do. People, like forks, eventually break when they do what they are not designed to do. Consequently, if your job, your relationship, or other aspects of your life, are sucking the life out of you, you’re heading for burnout.
Thousands of people suffer from constant fatigue, unrelieved by rest and sleep. This is the main symptom of adrenal burnout syndrome, a closet companion of burnout. Other symptoms may include a craving for sweets, low blood pressure and blood sugar, irritability and depression. Low energy impairs every system of the body. Secondary symptoms range from impaired digestion to infections. Toxic emotions accumulate with adrenal burnout. The world looks bad, people are evil, and a hopeless attitude is not uncommon. So how do you know if you, a loved one, or someone who reports to you is suffering from burnout? Here are the early warning signs.
1. Chronic fatigue - exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
2. Anger at those making demands
3. Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
5. A sense of being besieged
6. Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
7. Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
8. Weight loss or gain
9. Sleeplessness and depression
10. Shortness of breath
11. Suspiciousness
12. Feelings of helplessness
13. Increased degree of risk taking
Everything outside you depends on what is happening inside you.
In my profession, I have worked intensively with many people, the most pervasive problem I observe among the population is burnout. Most people are fried. Burnout will turn you into a lifeless, hollow-eyed automaton. I learned this lesson many, many years ago, by depleting myself when I over-scheduled my days, spending more time at work than in my heart. Eventually, I was like a walking tape player, I went through the motions, said all the right things, smiled, shook hands, and did my work very well. There was only one problem: I was not there. Everyone else went home with a smile, while I was as parched as a dry river bed. Yes, I was expanding my career, but in the process I was shrinking my soul. That sucked! One night I arrived home from an intense day and plopped myself in front of the TV. My head hurt. My back hurt. My feelings hurt. An inner voice spoke: "This can't be it." It went on: "You can't be serving people when you are abusing yourself. Get your life force back, and then you will be in a position to truly serve everyone, including yourself. In fact, don't do anything until you find your center again." Okay, okay.
I looked around at my peers and saw that many of them were fried too. We were all people who had started out with the best intentions to serve and be good at our careers. We had passion and excellent abilities. But we built a treadmill and then could not keep up with it. Was there a message here, like the size of a drive-in theater screen? Many helping professionals suffer the consequences of playing God, or at least dealing with people who expect them to be God. In the process of saving other's lives and souls, many lose their own. Currently, believe it or not, the average expected life span of an American physician is ten years less than the national average. Is there a clue here? Was Aristotle on to something when he advised, "Physician, heal thyself?" In a sense, we are all physicians, are we not? We are all in service to others, whether as a mother, waitress, or auto mechanic. The critical question is: Do you own your service or does your service own you? Does your vocation empower you, or do you feel like you are hauling a hundred-car freight train? Any career short of electric creativity means you have compromised. If all you are receiving for your work is money, you are being grossly underpaid. Most people do not experience livelihood; they are more familiar with deadlihood. So it's time to move to a new `hood. When you allow your passion to guide you to your right livelihood, you will be hard-pressed to call it "work." While the Wright brothers were developing the first airplane, one of them told a reporter, "We can't wait to get up in the morning!"
So, this is one huge antidote to burnout, see? People who have found their true calling report that they are having so much fun, they feel like they should be paying people to let them do it. Yet they are paid well for their services, and rightfully so. Their gifts go far beyond the obvious service they perform; they are teaching (by example) authentic self-expression, which cannot be translated into dollars. But, you don't need to be a Wright brother to be able to look forward to your day. Just be you. Just be you. Heed your natural instincts. Tell the truth about how your work feels. When something lights you up, pursue it. When something shuts you down, step back. The world will not fall apart if you take care of yourself before your clients. It will come together.
The Four Stages of Burnout:
Burnout is the gradual process by which a person, in response to prolonged stress and physical, mental and emotional strain, detaches from work and other meaningful relationships. The result is lowered productivity, cynicism, confusion...a feeling of being drained, having nothing more to give." Whether at work or school (or even in a marriage), to prevent it you must get it. To provide a framework both for understanding and, hopefully, inoculating against future burnout, let's begin with: ‘The Vital Lesson of the Four 'R's’:
If no matter what you say or what you do, Results, Rewards, Recognition and Relief are not forthcoming, and you can't mean "no" or won't let go...trouble awaits. The groundwork is being laid for apathy, callousness and despair. Let's examine some of the progressive signs of being caught up in this erosive spiral. Here are "The Four Stages of Burnout":
1. Physical, Mental and Emotional Exhaustion. Maybe you are still holding it together at work or home or school. Still, can you relate to this sequence? As soon as you get home, you head for the fridge, get out a beer or a glass of wine, turn on the TV, collapse on the sofa and you're comatose for the rest of the evening? Doing more with less, having plenty of responsibility but not enough authority, or juggling an unmanageable schedule is taking a toll.
Normally, you pride yourself on doing a thorough job, a high quality performance. Now you are looking for shortcuts, if not cutting corners. And this gnaws at your self-esteem. There may even be pangs of guilt. A case of the "brain strain" is developing, accompanied by an energy shortage and feelings of exhaustion. If stress levels continue unabated, you may be ripe for the second stage.
2. Shame and Doubt. Perhaps this scenario is familiar. A supervisor asks you to take on a new assignment. You want to...but this voice inside silently screams, "Who are you kidding!" So what's happening? You're not feeling confident about the future; and you're feeling pretty lousy in the present. Not surprisingly, you may even start discounting your past accomplishments. Beware...This is not a logical process; it's a psychological one. Now you wonder if colleagues, friends or family members will detect that something is wrong. While projecting a competent image has been the norm, now this voice inside is relentlessly shouting, "Impostor!" "Impostor." And then you catch yourself emitting heavy, labored sighs. When do people often engage in deep, labored breathing or sighing? When experiencing a deep sense of loss and change perceived as uncontrollable. Is chronically grappling with a profound sense of vulnerability or uncertainty anyone's favorite state? Certainly not mine. No surprise then that some folks will "progress" to the third phase: "Cynicism and Callousness." Are you starting to feel I've been looking in your window? Or, as someone once said to me: "Have you been a fly on the wall in my house?" Let's not be premature. We still have two more stages to go. And next, we'll check out your attitude.
3. Cynicism and Callousness. In response to that prolonged feeling of insecurity or vulnerability, some folks feel there's only one thing left to do: put on the heavy armor. They develop an ATTITUDE: "Look out for # 1." "Cover your derriere." "No one's getting to me." And, in the short run, the strategy often works. You become sufficiently abrasive or obnoxious, that people start avoiding you. But this hard exterior can eventually become a burdensome, self-defeating strategy.
Here's an example. Let’s say you’re basically a down to earth, nice person...who finds yourself becoming increasingly bitter, with that hard attitude. And it is scaring you! Now granted, you’re in a position that pulles you in all directions - compelling demands, favors, complaints, etc! Still, what is your biggest stress trap? That's right, you’re such a "nice guy/gal." What can't nice guys and nice gals do? They can't say "no!" Nor are they confident establishing their boundaries. They have difficulty with authority - being one or interacting with one. These nice folks tend to avoid conflict; they don't want to hurt others' feelings. They are not comfortable with anger, or don't know how to express their frustration or displeasure in a focused manner. Their personal mantras are being "fair" and "accommodating", while feeling deep rejection when other's aren't fair or accommodating.
These accommodators, despite having a full workload plate, when asked to take on new work will just mash their peas and bread into the mashed potatoes and allow others to pile on more stuff. Hey, being a team player doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your integrity or health. There's an option: "Sure I'll help you with this new demand and deadline. But for me to give the assignment the attention it deserves, we'll have to renegotiate my priority list and timelines." (I'm not saying there aren't extra-ordinary and emergency situations. But there is a difference between urgent and important. When everything is urgent, nothing is important!) Setting realistic limits is not a negative reflection on your work ethic or your ability to go the extra mile. Without boundaries, that mile often morphs into a marathon. Remember, someone once said: "Burnout is less a sign of failure and more that you gave yourself away." If, this fits, you may be really worried. You may think that you’re going through a split personality process - going from Dr. Jekyl into Hiding. I assure, you, there’s no genetic transformation occurring here. Without realizing it, you have been sucked up by the progressive burnout whirlpool. And there's another reason for paying attention to this process. Burnout doesn't just facilitate a hardening of the psyche. When your stress starts to smolder into frustration and anger; then turns to suspicion and mistrust as you enclose yourself in embattled armor or a crusty shell...This is not just how you harden an attitude, but it's a formula for hardening the arteries, as well. Cardiovascular complications, high blood pressure, chronic adrenal fatigue, even premature heart attacks can ensue. Which is why, usually, I'd rather people hit the fourth stage of burnout, than linger in the third. Of course, "Failure, Helplessness and Crisis" sounds terrible. But consider this: "hitting bottom means there's no more downward spiral." And, if you can reach out, there's no where to go but up. Hold on, we have one more lap to go.
4. Failure, Helplessness and Crisis. Being caught in a familiar "Catch-22" situation, often signals the final phase: "Damned if you do, damned if you don't." "Damned if you stay, damned if you leave." Your coping structure seems to be coming unglued. Next stop...the psychiatric ward! Probably not, however, probably not, the crisis smoke signals are billowing big time. Why is that? You see, burnout is like trying to race a marathon - full speed, nonstop. Can anyone race 26 miles full speed, nonstop? Of course not. Even Olympic marathon runners must pace themselves. If not, the body parts will break down. And with burnout, over time, the mental apparatus also wears out. In fact, one reason the fourth stage is so disorienting is that a person's psychological defenses have worn down. Cracks start appearing in the defensive armor. Painful memories and old hurts normally contained by your emotional defenses are leaking through the cracks. A slight or an emotional bump can set off an overly sensitive and personal reaction. Now a mate's occasional, somewhat annoying behavior really irritates as it reminds you of a mannerism of your father. Or, jealousy towards a colleague reeks of sibling rivalry.
My friends, before throwing up your hands, remember...burnout is not for wimps. A lot of other folks would have jumped ship much earlier. Many of you reach the farther stages of burnout because of your tenacity and dedication. You have a strong sense of responsibility and don't like being deterred from reaching your goals. All noble qualities...unless compelled by rigid perfectionism and "there's only one right way" thinking. Then, pursuing your goals takes a back seat to proving others wrong and overcoming humiliation. You are chasing (maybe, also, being chased by) ego-driven goals. Especially in times of overload, uncertainty and major change, "driven and rigid responsibility" can quickly transform a performance benefit into a personal and professional liability. Also, these folks are usually not just responsible, they often are quite responsive to others. People lean on them for support. Are you a pillar of strength for those around you? If so, will those dependent upon you be quick to notice when you are feeling shaky? That you may need a shoulder? Often not, as their sense of security is contingent on your always being strong and available. Are you buying into this "superperson" role or hiding behind a heroic mask? Maybe you always had to help mom with the other kids. Or you're the emotional sponge in the office, frequently absorbing your colleagues' complaints. Can you hear that screeching, scratching sound? That's the stress knot twisting and turning tighter and tighter about your neck.
On the Edge
No wonder people start jumping out of jobs or school, out of relationships, sometimes just jumping. And for those not into jumping, you may be into swinging by the fourth stage. Mood swinging, that is, between short highs and/or prolonged depressive lows. Fourth stage burnout is the crisis point, it's crunch time.
Nutritional Deficiencies are also a MAJOR common cause of burnout. Why? When under stress, the need for nutrients is much greater. Carbohydrates, when excessive in the diet, stress the adrenals. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues. Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. These include B-complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc, chromium, selenium and trace elements. The reasons for this begin with how food is grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils. Processing and refining further deplete nutrients. Further, fruit and veggies are sprayed with toxic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. Meats are injected with hormones and antibiotics, etc. Habits like eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value derived from food. Also, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients. Toxic metals and chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the food. Other sources are dental materials and skin contact with chemicals. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications add to the body’s toxic load. Toxins may also be generated within the body due to impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it either ferments or rots in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed into the body. Chronic infections, of dental and other origin, also contribute to the toxic load. In most people, the organs of elimination do not function at an optimal level. As a result, toxic substances slowly build up in the body, leading to adrenal burnout and many other health conditions.
Stimulants damage the adrenal glands. They whip the adrenals. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common stimulants. Less obvious stimulants include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, the news and movies full of suspense. Vigorous exercise, sexual preoccupations and other thrills may also act as stimulants. Stimulant use, however, can also be a result of adrenal burnout. Stimulants are attractive to one in burnout to provide temporary energy. This is the appeal of the drug culture, both legal and recreational.
So, what do we do? What do we do?
Nutritionally, the absolute best food on the planet is my favourite Super Blue Green Algae, I stock this, contact me if you’re interested. It brings relief within minutes. You also need a good probiotic, and digestive enzymes and MSM. , I stock all these nutrients, contact me if you’re interested. This is what I do, I design personalized nutrient programmes for my clients either for a specific episode or as an ongoing health programme.
Unhealthy responses to stress are another cause of adrenal burnout. These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid. “Don’t worry, be happy,” is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to high-strung, nervous individuals and those with very active minds, as they are especially prone to adrenal burnout. Many children today are born with weak adrenals due to their parents’ nutritional deficiencies. By age three or four, these children are in burnout. They are often sick, depressed and have difficulty in school.
Ok, let’s give you the antidote for burnout once and for all, and let’s begin by exploring some of the Myths about Burnout:
Myth #1: Burnout is psychological:
Burnout is a breakdown of the energy system of the body. Vital minerals are depleted or burned out and replaced by toxic metals. Psychological stress may be a cause and burnout can affect one’s emotions and behaviour. However, burnout itself is biochemical. Recovery may involve improving emotions. However, it also involves rebuilding body chemistry because it is a physical condition as well.
Myth #2. People in burnout have no energy and cannot work.
Many in burnout hold full-time jobs. They may appear in good health. However, they are often tired or stressed. They may require stimulants in order to keep going. Some bury themselves in their work to forget how tired they feel.
Myth #3. Vigorous exercise is good for burnout.
Vigorous exercise can be attractive to those in burnout. Exercise temporarily makes them feel better. While it may provide a boost, in the long run vigorous exercise further exhausts their bodies. People in burnout need to reduce exercise, often to a minimum in order to conserve their energy and allow their adrenals to rebuild. Exercise requires energy and adrenal reserves that people in burnout do not have. This, my friends, is a secret that almost no one is aware of, I repeat, People in burnout need to reduce exercise, often to a minimum in order to conserve their energy and allow their adrenals to rebuild.
Myth #4. A vacation, or a diet, will cause recovery from burnout.
I am going to say something extremely sobering, now, my friends, research shows that:
Ø Most people never recover from burnout. Recovery requires a strong commitment to healing. A number of natural therapies are often required. Recovery takes at least from 1-2 years. If one recovers faster, one was not in adrenal burnout.
Myth #5. Burnout occurs mainly in men. In fact, it is more common in women.
This is due mainly to lifestyle changes in women. Many women now work outside the home, and raise the children as well. Many are in single-parent homes or both parents work. Women have more sluggish oxidation rates to begin with, so burnout may be less apparent in women, but it is just as common or more so than in men.
Myth #6. Burnout only occurs in those in high-stress jobs.
Burnout occurs in all groups, regardless of occupation, income or educational level. In fact, many homeless people are burned out. This helps account for why they may give up hope or be incapable of holding a job or supporting a home.
Myth #7. Burnout occurs only in adults.
In fact, it is common today in children and even babies. How? Children are being nutritionally depleted and toxic as a result of the ill health of the parents. This can be measured with mineral analysis. Minimal brain dysfunction, chronic ear or other infections, crib death, failure to thrive, ADHD and anti-social behaviour are all be symptoms of burnout in children.
Myth #8. Burnout affects only physical health.
Burnout affects every area of life. Family and work are often affected. Relationships often suffer. One may lose interest in everyone and everything. There simply is not enough energy available for others or for activities beyond those required for survival. Friends, family and employers are often unaware of what is occurring, which only worsens the situation.
Myth #9. A hectic lifestyle causes burnout.
This may be one cause. However, a hectic lifestyle can also be a result of burnout. Excessive activity, overwork and a very busy life can be a way to stimulate one into action, a compensation for feelings of exhaustion. When such a person stops working and running around, they will feel just how exhausted and perhaps depressed they really are.
Myth #10. Overwork for years causes burnout.
This is possible. However, it can occur due to a single shock or just a few traumas that occur together. It may also not be related to any single trauma or activity. Often a combination of factors causes burnout. Whether one goes into burnout from an illness, accident, divorce, overwork or other stress depends very much on one’s ability to handle stress, rather than the absolute amount of stress.
Myth #11. Burnout is an overused term without a scientific basis.
Just because burnout doesn’t show up on x-rays or standard blood tests does not mean it is not real. Burnout can be measured and quantified using tissue mineral testing. The term is not overused. In fact it is greatly underused. A large percentage of the population is in burnout and it would be helpful if physicians understood it better, even if they have no cure.
Myth #12. Plenty of sleep will take care of burnout.
Unfortunately, this is not so. The body is unable to regenerate its energy during sleep. In fact, waking up tired after 8-10 hours of sleep is a primary symptom of burnout. Like a dead battery, the body does not recharge itself during sleep. An interesting principle of health is that one can only regenerate during sleep in proportion to the energy one has. Those in burnout are overtired which interferes with the restorative power of their sleep.
Myth #13. Cleaning out toxins will take care of burnout.
The accumulation of toxins that occurs as the body can no longer remove them properly contributes to burnout. Exposure to toxic metals or chemicals can be an important factor in burnout. Eliminating them is helpful. However, energy is required to release toxins. If the energy system is weak, just fasting or detoxifying will not be enough. One must rebuild the entire energy system by balancing body chemistry and providing nutrients as well. A one-month or even six-month cleanse is nowhere near adequate. It can take a year just to replenish one mineral. For those in burnout, extreme detoxification programs such as fasting, can be dangerous. This is because the body lacks the vitality to properly eliminate toxins, the eliminative organs are compromised and toxins may be redistributed in vital organs. A gentle, complete program of rebuilding and nourishing the body must accompany any efforts to eliminate toxins. In fact, as vitality improves, toxin elimination will proceed on its own. This is why, as a nutritionist I put my clients on gentle detox programmes, gently does it here.
Myth # 14. One will come out of burnout when one changes whatever factor or behaviour caused the burnout.
This is not how it works. As one goes into burnout, vital minerals become depleted and toxic substances replace them. They become part of the structure of enzymes and body organs and glands. Although one changes one’s diet, lifestyle, attitudes or behaviour, the toxins remain. Often, burnout does not even set in until several years after a trauma, illness or injury as depleted and damaged cells proliferate. Though many change their diets and get over their traumas, most people never recover from burnout, or make only a partial recovery, by themselves, that is, with the aid of the nutrients that we use in our field, they definitely do!
Myth #15. To recover from burnout just re-establish close communication with those who are close to you.
This is the prescription for burnout in some popular books. However, this is not enough. Communication is also difficult when one is in burnout. Burnout can greatly affect one’s attitudes, outlook and perceptions, making real communication very difficult. Low energy by itself can impair communication. Lack of understanding of the problem by partners, friends and others can also impair communication.
Myth #16. To get out of burnout, one needs to get back in touch with oneself.
This is not enough for recovery. Also, getting in touch is difficult due to toxins in the brain. These produce odd feelings, low self-esteem and negative attitudes that often accompany burnout. Many people in burnout become overly introspective, which can make them worse as they get in touch with all their problems.
Myth # 17. One can recover from burnout in matter of months.
It takes at least two years and often longer. Layers of adaptations and compensations must be undone. Each adaptation uses up energy so that when one begins correction, there is little energy to work with. This slows progress and is one reason correction takes several years. Also, twenty or thirty minerals must often be replenished, a time-consuming process even assuming that one is ingesting all needed nutrients. Eliminating toxins that have become integral parts of the organs and glands also takes time, like rebuilding a house. If the process occurred too rapidly, one would become very ill. If one recovers in months, one was not in burnout. Often, a small recovery can feel like a cure when it is not. Those in burnout need an overhaul, not a tune up. One needs to commit to doing whatever it takes and devoting a few years to healing. This needs to become one’s primary occupation or job for a while, allowing all other interests and activities to become secondary to the commitment to healing.
Myth #18. Burnout is not an important problem unless the stress of burnout causes high blood pressure or another symptom.
Burnout is degenerative exhaustion. It sets the stage for all degenerative diseases, because energy is a common denominator of health. All illnesses start with fatigue. The body is like a newer car with power steering, power brakes and power windows. The entire car stops working right when the power goes down. Burnout is a serious problem, although symptoms may be vague and unrelated to a specific disease.
Myth #19. Burnout is a new phenomenon. In fact, burnout is as old as humanity.
It can even help understand the rise and fall of civilizations. Nations often change over time. Repressive traditions can in time lead nations into burnout. Constant wars as occurred in
Recovery:
Recovery from burnout is certainly possible. It takes several years and usually requires a change in diet, improving one’s lifestyle, nutritional supplements, detoxification procedures and attention to one’s emotional and spiritual health. Addressing all these aspects is the way to assure success.
Diet
Diet is an important factor for everyone. Eat protein with every meal. Eggs, natural meats and poultry are the best sources of protein. Toasted almond butter, goat cheese and nuts are other good sources. Avoid vegetarian diets. At lunch and supper, have three cooked vegetables. Rotate your proteins and your vegetables so you don’t eat the same thing every day.
You may have complex carbohydrates, but not wheat and spelt. Some people are also sensitive to gluten found in rye, barley and oats. Excellent starches are root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, carrots, onion and celery root), blue corn, brown rice, quinoa and others. Organic blue corn chips are fine.
I recommend everyone avoid wheat, spelt, sugar and cow’s milk dairy products except butter. If other food allergies are present, avoid these foods for a while. Avoid Isolated soy protein as it is of poor quality and contains many anti-nutrients. Reduce all sweets, eat very little fruit and avoid all junk food. Avoid all vegetable oils except for olive oil. Avoid all juices. They are too yin, most are too sugary and they can concentrate food toxins, upset blood sugar and weaken the adrenals. Use sea salt rather than table salt. Eat regular meals of excellent quality. Make the switch to organic food, whenever possible.
Excellent are green foods like kelp, barley grass powder and various coloured vegetables. Cooking with coconut oil is excellent and helps as well with weight loss, Candida albicans infection and energy. Drink high quality water, not from the tap. Distilled or reverse osmosis waters are best. Good quality water is an excellent investment in your Self.
Avoid all extreme diets. Your body needs a variety of nutrients. Restriction is not a good idea. In my experience, strict vegetarians will never recover from burnout. Follow good eating habits with regular, sit-down, relaxed meals.
Nutrients and Lifestyle for Recovery
Food supplements are necessary. Other nutrients that are very important for adrenal activity are vitamins A, B, C, E, pantothenic acid (Vit. B5) and adrenal glandular substance [extracts]. Calcium and magnesium are often needed. A digestive aid is always needed. Other nutrients may be needed depending on one’s level of toxic metals and other symptoms or deficiencies.
Rest and sleep are extremely important. Plan on nine hours of sleep for at least a few years. At times, more may be needed. Sleep is not a waste of time. There is no substitute for adequate rest. Also rest after meals, at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Gentle walking is beneficial. Vigorous exertion depletes the adrenals. Deep breathing and stretching, yoga or Tai chi do not deplete the body. Exercise to relax rather than to build muscles.
Cleaning up your environment assists health recovery. Replace toxic chemical products used around the house. Non-toxic alternatives are available for cleaning and as solvents. Pesticides and herbicides are often extremely toxic. Chemical hair dyes, shampoos and toxic skin care products need to be replaced.
Ventilate your house and purify the air if needed. Often very toxic is new construction. At work and at home avoid toxic exposure. Turn off televisions and computers when they are not in use. Sleep away from these appliances. Use cell phones only when absolutely needed.
Spend some time in the sun each day. Contrary to some propaganda, half an hour of sunshine daily will not hurt you. It is a nutrient and assists health in many ways. Sit in front of a window if it is too cold to go outside.
Detoxification
Detoxification procedures are also very good. Chiropractic, massage and reflexology can help reduce stress. Many natural therapies help realign and rebalance the body. Making these part of your lifestyle will enhance recovery.
Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health
Often it is necessary to grow out of burnout. A key to recovery from burnout is improving values and attitudes. They play an important part in every single case. Negative thinking is a bad habit that eventually tears down the body. Worry, fear and anger place added stress on the glands. Many techniques there are to help shift one’s thinking. Inspirational books and tapes, seminars and therapies there are many. There is no single answer right for everyone.
Searching for love outside of yourself depletes the body’s energy. Find the love inside yourself first, and you will find the right activities and companions. Burnout may result if you are awakening spiritually. Your present work and lifestyle may simply be inappropriate. Consider different employment or work arrangements if you suspect your stress comes from your work.
Relationships can cause a lot of stress. When one partner goes into burnout, the other often does not understand. Many couples become energetically incompatible. This has nothing to do with love or caring. It is important to listen to the wisdom of the body, and not be blinded by fixed ideas.
Many methods can help one relax and tune in to the wisdom of the self. Meditation and visualization exercises may be most helpful. Slowing down is often necessary if you live a busy life. It can take great courage to realize that by doing less you can accomplish more. By staying home more, you can relate better with others. By resting more, you can be more creative and productive. Change often requires overcoming guilt, shame and feelings of laziness.
The Blessing of Burnout
Adrenal burnout is always a wake up call. Some area of life is out of alignment. For a deeper exploration of self, it is often the starting point. Rather than just existing as a programmed zombie, adrenal burnout may be the beginning of real living.