Information Bulletin No 11

Stress and Burn Out

Stress

Stress is a normal function of body. It is to keep the body alert and functioning in a positive manner. It can be either physical, emotional or a combination of both.

Stress can be experienced in almost any situation. Examples being: disagreement with another person; an unexpected change in plans or circumstances; or being controlled by activities beyond our control, such as being stuck in traffic. As mentioned above, we are not necessarily able to change our circumstances, but we can change the way in which we respond.

Critical and sustained levels of stress will cause adverse effects on our body. It is also subjective, as differing people are able to withstand differing levels of stress. This again is reflected in the conditioning that the individual has been subjected to in the past.

How do we cope with stress?

Do nothing;
Cope with it;
Change it; and
Retreat.

The first two options are not considered to be long-term solutions. At best, they can only be tolerated for a short period once stress has been identified. It is much better to look at the various options available within Option 3, which is the only option to produce a beneficial long term productive change. The final option will remove the effect, but will more than likely not address the cause of the stress within the individual.

Quotation:

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out."

Ray Bradbury, Author

Burnout
Where stress is allowed to continue unabated over a prolonged period of time, it will progress to the next stage, being burnout.

The various steps towards burnout are:

Repeated exposure to excessive stress over a prolonged time period;
Loss of confidence by the individual in their ability to undertake activities within their competency levels;
Level of performance of the individual falls away;
The individual exhibits indifference, tiredness and/or irritability/impatience;
Substance abuse dramatically increases; and
Finally, work ceases or there is the loss of the job.

Quotation:

"When one link snaps, the whole chain collapses."

Lau Tzu

Management of burnout can be undertaken by addressing one or any combination of the following options:

Reduce the level of stress experienced;
Goal setting & time management;
Change lifestyle; and
Coping mechanisms.

The Dynamic Improvements Programme discusses the issues of stress and burnout, as well as the resultant addictions experienced. The Programme provides methodologies to bring about change through awareness, responsibility (getting honesty) and then action. This is one of the most difficult areas in human behaviour to bring about change.

Please contact Graeme Alford, Principal Executive/Life Coach, for further information.