When burnout strikes, our instinct may be to catch up on sleep or escape to a beach vacation with margaritas in hand. However, by the time we reach this point, it's often too late.
While stress is an inevitable part of life, it's the lack of real recovery that leads to burnout. Vacations and lazy weekends are great. However, we must proactively and continuously engage in renewal activities to manage chronic stress and prevent burnout.
What is Renewal?
Renewal is about invoking the antidote to the stress response. Constant activation of the stress network impairs cognitive skills, diminishes creativity, inhibits immune function, and reduces openness to new perspectives.
The good news is that the antidote lies within you in the form of your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS counters strain by slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and relaxing the body.
Activating the PNS by incorporating daily renewal activities is crucial for managing stress and preventing burnout. It's not about waiting until we're on the brink of burnout to take action. By making renewal activities a consistent part of our routine, we can maintain our well-being, boost productivity, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Ways to Combat Chronic Stress
So, what does renewal look like in action? Here are a few ways you can reduce the stress response:
Creating a safe space to share dreams
Pursuing a beloved hobby
Mindfulness through prayer, meditation, or yoga
Compassionate acts such as volunteering
Laughing and engaging in playfulness
Walking in nature or taking restorative breaks away from screens
Cultivating social connections and deep, meaningful relationships
But wait! There's more!
The Added Benefit of Emotional Contagion
Sorry to throw the infomercial close at you...but it's worth noting our emotional states truly are contagious. Others unconsciously "catch" feelings from us via emotional and physiological signals we emit. By engaging in renewal activities, not only do we benefit ourselves, but we also lift up those around us.
Making Renewal a Consistent Part of Your Routine
Take a moment to reflect on your current stress levels and how often you do something that renews your mind, body, and spirit. It's probably far less than you would like. And it's easy to say you don't have time.
Remember, investing in your well-being is not a luxury—it's a necessity for long-term success and happiness. These simple acts open the door for lighthearted joy and change how you show up for yourself, your work, and your relationships.
Anything that makes you a better partner or parent or deepens your life satisfaction is worth every second, my friend.
Need help with this? Let's chat.
Through 1:1 guidance grounded in neuroscience, change management, and 20 years of marketing experience, I empower people just like you to replace uncertainty with confidence, clarity, and capability - in months instead of years.