Completing the Stress Cycle
The Importance of Completing the Stress Cycle: Tips for Dealing with Burnout
Stress is a common experience for many of us, but it can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health if left unaddressed. In their book "Burnout," Emily and Amelia Nagoski explain that completing the stress cycle is essential for managing stress and preventing burnout. Here's what you need to know about completing the stress cycle and tips for doing so.
What is the Stress Cycle?
The stress cycle is a physiological response that occurs when we experience stress. It's a cycle that starts with a stressor, triggers our fight or flight response, and ends when the stressor is resolved. However, in our modern lives, stressors can be chronic or ongoing, and the stress cycle can become stuck or incomplete.
Animals have a natural ability to complete the stress cycle. For example, when a gazelle escapes from a predator, it will engage in a shaking movement that helps release the stress hormones from its body. This shaking movement is a way for the gazelle to complete the stress cycle and return to a state of calm.
Similarly, humans can also complete the stress cycle by engaging in physical activities that allow for the release of stress hormones from the body. Activities such as running, dancing, or even taking a brisk walk can help complete the stress cycle and return the body to a state of calm.
Why is Completing the Stress Cycle Important?
Completing the stress cycle is important for our physical and mental health. When we don't complete the cycle, the stress hormones in our body remain elevated, leading to negative effects such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Completing the stress cycle allows our body to return to a state of calm and helps us manage stress in a healthier way.
Just like the gazelle, we too can learn to shake off our stress and complete the stress cycle, allowing our bodies to return to a state of calm and helping us manage stress in a healthier way.
How to Complete the Stress Cycle
The Nagoski sisters outline several ways to complete the stress cycle, including:
Physical activity: Engage in physical activity that raises your heart rate and engages your muscles. This can help burn off excess stress hormones and complete the stress cycle.
Emotional connection: Reach out to loved ones and spend time connecting with others. This can help us feel supported and less alone in our stress.
Mindfulness practices: Practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques. This can help calm our nervous system and complete the stress cycle.
Laughter: Engage in activities that make you laugh and feel joy. This can help shift our perspective and complete the stress cycle.
Creative expression: Engage in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music. This can help us release emotions and complete the stress cycle.
How can you shake off the stress?
