Let's discuss the disconnection we often feel from our bodies and how this issue is intricately linked to burnout, along with some solutions for addressing it.
Throughout much of the day, we frequently reside predominantly within our thoughts. Whether preoccupied with immediate tasks requiring cognitive exertion rather than physical activity or caught up in revisiting previous occurrences, particularly those causing distress, our focus narrows down significantly. The mind tends to repeatedly play back particular moments for endless analysis. Conversely, we might also find ourselves contemplating possible futures, envisioning hypothetical situations or formulating resolutions to persistent challenges.
In this mental marathon, what ends up being neglected is our body.
Certainly, we're continually utilizing our bodies for tasks like walking, typing, listening, and speaking. Such activities demand physical involvement. Nonetheless, many of these processes occur almost unconsciously. Thankfully, our bodies are engineered to ensure survival, functioning autonomously most of the time with minimal intentional control from us.
However, there's a caveat: when we allow the autopilot to take control and remain ensconced in our thoughts, we overlook vital cues from our physical selves. Cues indicating that all is not well. Gradually, these signs become more pronounced, ultimately presenting themselves as clear symptoms or persistent ailments. Sadly, this detachment from our bodily sensations is quite common, exacerbated by societal expectations, workplace dynamics, technological advancements, among other factors.
The link between burnout and... detachment
Burnout originates from persistent stress. Whenever we experience repeated activation of our stress response—from various stressful factors—it begins to seem like our normal state.
From a physiological standpoint, our body shifts into an enhanced mode, gearing up to handle potential dangers. Hormones associated with stress surge through our system, muscles become taut, respiration accelerates, and digestive processes falter. These reactions ought to be transient, enabling us to manage immediate challenges and then revert to equilibrium.
When stressors remain unrelenting, this condition continues indefinitely. With each passing day, we grow less aware of what our bodies experience as we get habituated to it. Tense shoulders, quickened breaths, exhaustion—all these sensations seem typical. To numerous individuals, feeling relaxed can be disconcerting, often linked with weakness or adverse feelings stemming from previous experiences.
Trauma and chronic activation
Frequently, individuals going through burnout can come across as indefatigable—constantly busy and perpetually engaging with new tasks. They might even display signs of being highly charged up; however, this unending activity usually originates from unrecovered past traumas. Traumatic events during childhood, ranging from significant occurrences such as abuse or domestic conflicts to minor incidents within intimate connections, tend to create lasting impressions.
Trauma may result in two primary responses: persistent hyperarousal (constantly being 'wound up') and detachment from one’s physical sensations and feelings. Through this disengagement, we create a separation from distress and weakness. Nevertheless, this approach also prevents us from receiving essential cues that direct our health.
Practical steps to reconnect
- Seek Professional Help: If you find yourself burdened by previous traumas, collaborating with a psychologist or therapist might prove to be profoundly changing. They can help you navigate through these events in an secure environment and build more effective strategies to handle pressure.
- Draw focus to your physique: Begin with simplicity. Reflect on this question: How does my body feel at this moment? Initially, your response might lack clarity, which is perfectly fine. This exercise revolves around developing mindfulness. With consistent effort, you will start recognizing subtle feelings such as tense muscles, a mild headache, hunger pangs, or dehydration signals that typically go unnoticed.
- Set reminders: Utilize your phone as a tool to prompt you multiple times daily to connect with your physical state. Observe how your body is feeling and try to pinpoint any emotions associated with it.
- Incorporate gentle movement: Activities such as yoga, stretching, or perhaps conscious walking can assist you in tuning back into your physical self. The important aspect is to concentrate on the feelings within your muscles and joints as you go through these motions.
- Practice deep breathing: Frequently, stress can cause rapid, shallow breathing. To combat this, practice deep, deliberate inhalations and exhalations. Emphasize thorough exhalation since it triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in calming your body down.
- Try body scan meditations: Lead-by-example meditations such as body scans enable you to notice bodily feelings without criticism, thereby strengthening your bond with your physique.
The path to recovery
Overcoming burnout is a intricate and uneven journey. Immediate outcomes should not be expected, and encountering obstacles is an integral aspect of this path. It’s possible you'll experience intense reactions to small pressures as your body recovers and adjusts itself. Being patient with the process and showing kindness towards oneself are essential elements throughout this recovery period.
Keep in mind, there isn’t a universal remedy. Every individual’s body and psyche react uniquely. Should you require assistance, feel free to seek help. People aren’t supposed to endure hardships alone.
Reestablishing a connection with your physical self isn’t merely part of overcoming burnout; it’s also about regaining your internal equilibrium and strength.
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You can reach out to me via LinkedIn. Corina Chirileasa | LinkedIn , where I frequently post fresh material. Should you require assistance or wish to exchange thoughts, feel free to contact me directly at corina@renascut.ro .
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*This is Expert Content provided by Corina Chirileasa.
(Ilustration created with Dall-e).
Corina Chirileasa She is a clinical psychologist, educator, and mentor specializing in burnout recovery. Over her extensive career spanning more than 15 years in business development and leadership roles, she currently assists individuals in overcoming burnout, managing depression and anxiety, and facilitating desired life transitions through secure and enduring methods. Her expertise encompasses various fields within psychological counseling, and she tailors her support strategies to meet each person’s individual requirements.
Disclosure: Corina is one of the co-founders of Romania-Insider.com but she has stepped away from the company’s operational activities.
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