Understanding Burnout Through Polyvagal Theory: Navigating Your Nervous System's "Traffic Lights"

In a world where stress and pressure are constant, many of us are unknowingly living in "threat mode." This is when the nervous system is stuck in a state of constant alert, ready to react to potential dangers — even when there aren’t any. When we’re in this state, burnout can sneak up on us, making it hard to think clearly and be kind to ourselves. The result? We can be quick to criticise ourselves and struggle to see situations from a more balanced perspective.

The moment our brains perceives danger, it activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This is the part of our autonomic nervous system that controls our involuntary body functions. The SNS triggers the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones prepare the body to either fight the threat of flee from it:

-      Increased heart rate and blood pressure

-      Rapid breathing

-      Energy mobilisation

-      Heightened senses

-      Reduced pain sensitivity

This response is excellent for short-term survival.

“The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

C.G. Jung

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that supports you to manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

Once upon a time, all we needed to worry about was food, water and shelter. Now we are juggling many other competing demands; work, family, and other commitments. Setting aside time to unwind and relieving some of your stress, is vital, or both your mental and physical health may suffer.