Unlocking the Stress Cycle: Top 7 Therapy Tips
As a psychotherapist practicing in Hermosa Beach, I'm always on the lookout for books that can provide real, actionable wisdom to help my busy clients manage stress, anxiety, and burnout. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by the Nagoski sisters is one of those gems. Below is a quick snapshot of the book of takeaways you can implement immediately.
Emily and Amelia take a refreshingly honest look at the systemic issues and personal experiences that lead to the overwhelmed, drained state we call "burnout." More importantly, they outline concrete strategies for completing the "stress cycle" to achieve a lasting sense of well-being.
If you're looking for therapy for stress and anxiety, or just want to better understand the stress cycle, here are 7 key takeaways from their book that I find invaluable:
Burnout Is About Your Nerves, Not Your Circumstances
We often blame our stressful jobs, relationships, or situations for burnout. But the book reveals it's really about incomplete biological stress cycles getting stuck in our bodies and minds.
The Myth of Work/Life Balance Isn't Helping
Striving for rigid separation between "work" and "life" can actually increase stress. The authors promote a more flexible "cycle" approach.
The Power of Functional Stress Relievers
Small habits like breathing, moving your body, laughing, and being creative can be potent stress relievers because they provide physiological cues that you're safe.
The Need to Complete the Stress Cycle
Incorporating those functional relievers completes the biological cycle, putting your body and mind back to a calm baseline. Without that completion, stress builds up over time. This was especially eye-opening to me, and I’ve since increased my commitment to exercise, especially hot yoga.
How the "Human Giver Syndrome" Drains Us
Caregivers and ambitious people are vulnerable to constantly giving to others without receiving nurturing in return. This fuels burnout.The Difference Between Stress and Stressors
It's eye opening to separate the events causing stress (stressors) from the biological experience of stress itself. We can't always control the stressors, but we can control the stress cycle.Community Heals Stress
Cultivating real connections with others has a profound impact on stress levels and burnout resilience. We heal through relating.
I hope these insights inspire you to pick up the book yourself. And remember, if the "stress cycle" still feels stuck, working with a therapist for stress and anxiety management can make a huge difference. We all deserve to feel vibrant and alive!
