BURNOUT
Prevention and Treatment
BURNOUT
Feeling overwhelmed
Burnout is defined as a state of “emotional, mental and physical exhaustion following excessive pressure, strain or self-inflicted overwhelm“ (Dictionary of Psychology, Compact 2007).
We see burnout as a result of too much stress in various areas of life, which negatively affects personal well-being to a considerable degree. Burnout syndrome is a state of extreme emotional exhaustion accompanied by reduced productivity, depressive episodes and psychosomatic illness.
Many people are subjected to intense pressure and stress on a daily basis. Constant pressure to perform and succeed – the collision of professional and personal demands and/or personal problems – lead to a state of hyperactivity and tension.
When a person overexerts him- or herself over long periods of time, it can lead to a feeling of emptiness and loss of energy and vitality. Increased irritability, feeling depressed and exhausted as well as various health issues are the inevitable consequence.
From a holistic standpoint, burnout is a combination of congested physical energy, which isn’t utilised or released, and a state of mental exhaustion caused by permanent tension. This continuous state of stress leads to a constant hormone release, which in turn induces a functional adrenal insufficiency. The adrenal gland is overstrained and drastically reduces the hormone release, which then leads to a drop in performance, a weakened immune system and an increased susceptibility to infection. The system is depleted and can no longer switch to a phase of regeneration on its own. Oftentimes, highly stimulating foods make the situation worse by causing vacillating insulin levels and additional pressure on the adrenals.
On a psychological level, this state of exhaustion is reflected by a loss of general interest and motivation, fatigue, a sense of powerlessness, weakened concentration, lack of joy, depressive thoughts, withdrawal and a strong feeling of hopelessness.
Holistic measures calm the sympathetic nervous system and de-stress the body. The adrenals are stimulated positively and are encouraged to slowly recommence their function. The entire energy cycle returns to a flow state and physical as well as mental relaxation is again made possible.
Combined with balanced movements and adequate nutrition, this will result in a positively stimulated and energised body.
THE TREATMENT
Treatment and prevention
The Urban Health Concept team offers a holistic approach to burnout prevention and treatment, covering physical as well as mental health.
We focus on relaxation, regeneration, attention, self-perception, self-care, mindfulness, reactivation of vitality and resource development.
To that aim, our interdisciplinary team can offer the following treatments (in isolation or in combination with other forms of therapy) to individuals or small groups:
- Psychotherapy
- Psychological counselling
- Life coaching
- Body therapy
- Osteopathy and shiatsu
- Nutrition counselling and micronutrient analysis
- Energetics
- Relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness coaching
- Meditation and Breathing
Chronic Fatigue/Lack of Energy
There aren’t many symptoms as widespread as chronic fatigue.
Many people already feel exhausted when they wake up in the morning, others have energy for a few hours and then crash. Most will attribute these issues to too much work or too much day-to-day stress, but that’s only partly the reason.
Oftentimes, inadequate nutrition and its consequences play an essential part. Most of the foods we eat nowadays sap us of energy more than giving us energy, and with the added factor of insufficient exercise, the body will become clogged and blocked.
This means the body will focus most of its energy on the maintenance of tension and blockages and the management of completely unsuitable foods. Body therapy can help resolve the root causes of these physical and energetic obstructions. If patients then also adjust their nutrition, they will soon again have unimagined energy reserves at their disposal.
Nervousness/Anxiety
Anxiety mostly appears under particular circumstances – exams, interviews and other challenging situations produce stress and fear. A little bit of nervousness is always natural during moments like these, resulting in a range of symptoms like rapid heart rate, accelerated breathing patterns and a feeling of insecurity and unease. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for this, an essential function, because it warns the body of approaching danger.
This natural reaction can however be thrown off balance – in all of us. This causes body, soul and mind to lose their equilibrium, and with added insomnia, the body won’t be able to recover quickly. Extreme fatigue and headaches can be the result.
A holistic treatment plan – a combination of shiatsu and psychotherapy, which focuses on strengthening body and mind – will grapple with the root causes of these symptoms. Shiatsu calms the sympathetic nervous system and de-stresses the body, leading to a recovered natural energy flow.
Therapy support
Our posture reflects our mind.
Each emotion we experience creates a physical reaction and influences how we move through life.
Long-standing restrictive behaviour patterns and feelings have a negative effect on us and can lead to inadequate posture as well as blockages, which will subsequently also sabotage us on a physical level. Creating a vicious circle, this will then prevent us from abandoning these negative patterns.
The treatment and removal of these patterns will ideally happen on a physical as well as mental level. When the cognitive and the vegetative brain want the same things, then we have achieved true equilibrium.
Psychotherapy will take care of the cognitive level – the realisation and the processing. Body therapy will resolve the corresponding blockages and correct posture. Both approaches applied together will multiply the effect of each one.
Urban Health Concept
Holistic Health Centre