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Burnout's Effects on the Brain

  • Writer: Patricia Faust
    Patricia Faust
  • Oct 10, 2019
  • 3 min read

Burnout: a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. It reduces your productivity, and saps your energy leaving you increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. (help-guide.org)


What a grim description that is. If you have ever experienced burnout, this description resonates with you. There are many different areas of our lives where burnout can occur. We may experience it through our job, as a caregiver, a parent, or even in our relationships. If you have been an observer of someone experiencing burnout, it can be frightening. What are the difference between chronic stress and burnout? Stress can involve too much: too many pressures that demand too much of you physically and psychologically. But stressed people can still see a point where they can pull it all together, gain control and be able to feel better. With burnout there are feelings of not enough. Being burned out means feeling empty, with no motivation and, beyond caring. Individuals who experience burnout don’t see any hope of positive change in their futures. When you are under stress you are aware of being in that state. Burnout can slide in without your conscious awareness. It can have a lasting impact on the brain’s physical structure. Severe chronic stress causes the shrinkage or enlargement, thinning and premature aging of the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) – these areas regulate our stress response. There is also a strong relationship between long-term stress and significant loss of grey matter, making our brains more vulnerable to neurotoxins.


Chronic stress

Our brains are hardwired to keep us alive. Passed down from our prehistoric ancestors, our brains are always on alert for threats. The fight-or-flight response is activated far before we are even aware of it. Where as our ancestors recovered from their threat quickly, we live in a very different world. The 24/7 stress response takes a toll on our brains and our bodies. Persistently high levels of cortisol interfere with body function such as sleep, digestion, and the immune system.


Burnout

If you are burned out, your brain has rewired to the survival mode. Burnout is the state where the body starts to have trouble producing cortisol – this is known as adrenal fatigue.

The following chart is a comparison of stress versus burnout:

Stress Burnout

Characterized by over-engagement Characterized by disengagement

Emotions are over-reactive Emotions are blunted

Produces urgency and hyperactivity Produces helplessness and hopelessness

Loss of energy Loss of motivation, ideals and hope

Leads to anxiety disorders Leads to detachment and depression

Primary damage is physical Primary damage is emotional

May kill you prematurely May make life seem not worth living

Source: Stress and Burnout in Ministry


Burnout symptoms

· Signs of physical exhaustion

o Chronic fatigue

o Insomnia

o Constantly falling ill

o Weight gain

o Loss of appetite


· Signs of emotional exhaustion

o Anxiety

o Depression

o Anger issues

o Tendency toward pessimism, cynicism, detachment


· A drop in productivity

o Start forgetting important tasks on a regular basis

o Inability to concentrate and pay attention


Lifestyle choices that can prevent burnout

You can overcome burnout in much the same way as you would prevent it.


· Play. Stimulate the brain in novel and diverse ways. For example, embrace a hobby that has nothing to do with your work tasks.


· Others. Positive, meaningful social connections are a proven way to keep stress levels down. We are hardwired to connect. Be a part of your 'village'..


· Downtime. This doesn’t necessarily mean a vacation. Our brain needs to unwind and recharge on a daily basis. Go for a short walk on your lunch break. Read a book in the evening instead of surfing the web. Plan for this downtime so that you actually take it. Your brain will reward you for recharging it!


References:

Alini, E. (August 2, 2017). ‘Burnout’ is a thing, doctors say. Here are the symptoms. Retrieved September 6, 2018 from Money/Consumer Online Global News.


Michel,A. (February 16, 2016). Burnout and the brain. Retrieved March 21, 2016 from http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2016/february-16/burnout-and-the-brain.html


Minds for Business, Psychological Science at Work. Burnout leaves its mark on the brain. Retrieved March 21, 2016 from http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/minds-business/burnout-leaves-its-mark-on-the-brain.html


Preventing Burnout, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Strategies. Retrieved March 21, 2016 from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout.htm

 
 
 

Comments


We are already into June! I am not moving as fast as time apparently. I am just preparing for the “lazy, hazy days of summer”.

June is anything but lazy.  This is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  This month brings to light the value of living a brain healthy lifestyle, the importance of early detection, and the support that is available for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

The FDA approved the blood test that detects Alzheimer’s disease and identifies what stage of the disease is present.  These tests will be available in doctor’s offices.  What does this mean?  Diagnosing Alzheimer’s was a bit of hit or miss because the methods of diagnosis were complicated and not definitive.  The primary care doctor had to figure out what specialist to refer the patient and lose more diagnostic time trying to get them an appointment.  Determining how far the disease had progressed was even more of a challenge.  With this blood test, immediate results and staging allows immediate, appropriate care to be initiated.  In the early stages of the disease a person can maintain a higher quality of life for a longer period.

The Alzheimer’s Association National Event – Outshine the Darkness of Alzheimer’s.  The Longest Day is celebrated on June 21, the summer solstice.

This is a global effort to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, with participants choosing activities they love to do while fundraising.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) promotes a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by highlighting the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

National Safety Month includes safety measures for seniors – fall prevention, safe medication use, home safety modifications. Check with you local Area Agency on Aging for information.

 

Over the past few years, I have had a friend, Carol Meyer, who has been a part of My Boomer Brain.  Carol has her own publication, InFlow that is published quarterly.  It is amazing.  InFlow Magazine - Your Digital Dose of Inspiration is just that.  She has chosen some of my blogs to publish in InFlow and I am grateful.  She wants me to extend an invitation to look at InFlow for yourself.  Here is the link and access information:

https://inflowmagazine.gumroad.com/l/Issue11

Scroll to ‘Name a fair price’

Enter ‘0’ in the ‘name a fair price’ field to get it for free

Click ‘I want this’ and follow the prompts

 

With summer just around the corner, I’m booking online and in-person presentations for July.  Topics are varied and topical, ranging from memory care, the aging brain, brain health, cognitive resilience, and many more.  If you are interested in organizing an event or want to discuss how brain health can be integrated into your community or organization, please reach out to me directly at patricia@myboomerbrain.com

 

Finally, if you are looking for more in-depth strategies and a roadmap to better health, I encourage you to explore my book, The Boomer Brain. It is a resource designed for anyone over 40 who wants to understand how lifestyle choices impact cognitive aging and what you can do to keep your brain sharp for years to come.  Find it on Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1962133613

 

Slow down your time and enjoy the laid-back pace of summer. 

Pat

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