STRESS AND BURN-OUT
posted 23rd January 2023
If you want to avoid burn-out, which can take a very long time to recover from, then it is important to check yourself for the following:
Are you constantly saying, 'I have a million things to do!'
Do you find yourself 'chasing your tail' and never quite catching up?
Do you work more than 40 hours per week?
Are you feeling anxious, restless and tense?
Are you experiencing hair loss or alopaecia?
If you suffer digestion problems - have they worsened?
Do you have dilated pupils?
Has your blood pressure and heart-rate increased?
Do you have financial problems?
Have your suffered the loss of a close family member or spouse or friend?
Do you sleep less than 8 hours per night?
Are you menopausal?
Have you suffered a job loss?
Are you under or over-eating?
Do you have relationship difficulties or issues with work colleagues?
Are you suffering a serious illness?
Are you experiencing divorce?
Are you mentally and physically exhausted?
Stress can be short-term or prolonged, and prolonged stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion, which in turn can affect the thyroid gland. Other health problems can manifest such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, high cortisol levels, (fat around the middle), gut/digestive issues, insomnia, gastrointestinal disease and even cancer.
Why is it that some people can cope with an enormous amount of stress, and others can only cope with very little before they become ill? An imbalanced response to stress can create and worsen the condition. I would emphasise the importance of eating a balanced and highly nutritious diet to support and help repair the body, so that it regenerates itself. Exercise, yoga and meditation can also help to balance the body emotionally, mentally and physically.
Stress depletes the 'B' vitamins, which supports the nervous system, and alcohol can deplete vitamins and minerals further at a time when they are needed so badly. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can lead to hair loss and insomnia. Stress also significantly depletes magnesium, known as the 'calming mineral' or 'alternative tranquilliser.' It also depletes zinc which is important for the creation of DNA and supporting the immune system, fertility, hormones, depression, loss of smell and taste and much more. Stress can also elevate copper levels that can lead to various diseases. We need to support our adrenal glands in order to avoid burn-out as the adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions. Vitamin 'C' is also vitally important together with Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), and various other supporting supplements.
Sometimes it is not until we have reached burn-out that we realise how far we have allowed stress to overtake our lives, and I really believe that if you can take a check on yourself before this happens, then you are in a stronger position to reverse something that can result in quite serious consequences. I would not advise self-prescribing, but to seek nutritional advice on dosages from a qualified practitioner.