Burnout

Wellness is not a state of being, but a state of action.

Wellness is not a state of being, but a state of action. The stress response cycle is a physiological process that your body goes through when faced with a stressor. Even after the stressor is gone, your body may still be stuck in the stress response. To complete the cycle and return to a state of relaxation, engage in: Physical activity (20-60 minutes most days) Deep, slow breathing Positive social interaction Laughter Affection (hugs, kisses) Crying Creative expression These activities help signal to your body that you are safe and the threat has passed. Remember, dealing with the stressor (e.g., work deadline) is different from dealing with the stress itself (the physiological state). Both are necessary for overall well-being.

Frustration happens when our progress toward a goal feels more effortful than we expect it to be. Planful problem-solving involves analyzing the problem, making a plan, and executing it. This works best for stressors you can control. For uncontrollable stressors, use positive reappraisal - recognizing that difficulties are opportunities for growth and learning. When faced with persistent frustration: Redefine winning: Set incremental goals that are soon, certain, positive, concrete, specific, and personal Redefine failing: Recognize unintended positive outcomes from apparent failures Know when to quit: Assess the costs and benefits of continuing vs. stopping Remember, persistence is not always virtuous. Sometimes, strategic quitting is the wisest choice.

Meaning is not found; it is made. Your "Something Larger" is the source of meaning in your life. It could be: Ambitious goals that leave a legacy Service to the divine or spiritual calling Loving, emotionally intimate connections with others To find your Something Larger: Write your own obituary or life summary Ask close friends to describe your "real you" Recall moments when you felt an intense sense of meaning or purpose Engaging with your Something Larger provides a sense of connection to something beyond yourself, helping you thrive during good times and cope during difficulties. It's not about finding meaning at the end of the journey, but sustaining you throughout the journey.

When you are broken, go to bed. The patriarchy is a system that systematically advantages men and disadvantages women. It manifests in various ways: Explicit misogyny Sexual and relationship violence Body image pressures Unequal speaking time and opportunities Human Giver Syndrome is the belief that some people (often women) have a moral obligation to give their time, attention, and bodies to others. Recognizing these systems allows you to: Complete the cycle when faced with patriarchal stressors Practice "unlearning helplessness" by taking action Engage with your Something Larger to heal Human Giver Syndrome Remember, you're not imagining the unfairness -…