Burnout

There are two components to stress: the stressor and the stress itself. You have to deal with both. Burnout occurs when you don’t move through the stress cycle. You thrive when you can move fluidly through different emotional states. Stress is not inherently the problem, getting stuck is the problem.

Protections against burnout we can bring to process:

1. Moments of closure
2. Maintaining a sense of progress
3. Connection to something bigger: An intellectual tradition can provide meaning
4. Realizing the game is rigged

References

Nagoski, Emily, and Amelia Nagoski. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Ballantine Books, 2020.

There are two components to stress: the stressor and the stress itself. You have to deal with both.

The game is rigged; anyone from a marginalized position has a harder time succeeding. Recognizing that the game is rigged is essential to not letting it get to you. It’s also essential to tune into what your body can tell you, not just how others see it.

Lichaw, Donna. “I Wanted to Write a Blog Post about Burnout.” Twitter, 18 Nov. 2021, https://twitter.com/dlichaw/status/1461345893865562115.

Your brain needs closure in order to learn, rest, and then build energy for what’s next. It’s why TV shows have episodes, books have chapters, and games have levels. Do > close > learn/reward » level up. Do > do > do » burn out It really is that simple.