Stress as a Silent Killer

Modern living has us busier than ever, leaving little room for relaxation or genuine reprieve. We are spending more time sedentary, less time outdoors, and often neglect even basic meal breaks as we rush from task to task. This lifestyle is neither healthy nor sustainable.

Human beings are not machines; they require adequate rest and recovery. Our bodies can endure a lot, but we must nurture them to keep functioning optimally. Currently, we seem to be conducting a troubling experiment, relying solely on stress and anxiety for our energy. The outcomes are already known: depression, isolation, suicide, and ultimately, death.

In Japan, there's a term, "Keroshi," which translates to "death from overwork." This phenomenon, which gained attention in the 1990s, involved individuals working such long hours that they would suffer fatal health crises or take their own lives under the pressure of relentless work.

A 2016 study by the World Health Organization highlighted the dangers of long working hours, revealing that working 55 hours or more per week correlates with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher likelihood of dying from heart disease, compared to those working 35-40 hours weekly. Yet, despite these alarming statistics, we persist in our routines, prioritizing productivity over our physical and mental health.

The Path to Burnout

We are conditioned to disregard the signals our bodies send us, viewing stress and anxiety as obstacles to productivity. Scientific research indicates quite the opposite. These cues can only be ignored for so long before they manifest in more severe symptoms that disrupt our daily lives. Had we heeded these warnings earlier, we might have mitigated the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that arise when our bodies demand attention.

Burnout is often the culmination of ignoring our body’s needs. When symptoms are reported to healthcare providers, they may lead to vague diagnoses or be dismissed entirely.

Outsourcing our health and wellness does not lead to healing; it often exacerbates the situation. — Dr. Rachel Dew, DNM, PhD

When faced with overwhelming feelings of fatigue and no clear path to relief, it can feel hopeless. In many cases, the only way to recover is to identify and eliminate the sources of chronic stress and anxiety.

Identifying the Sources of Stress

Chronic stress can stem from various factors in our lives, including:

• A lack of community support
• Insufficient leisure time
• Remaining in toxic environments
• Ignoring bodily signals for rest
• Over-scheduling
• Limited physical activity

Disconnecting from our bodies only hinders the healing process. To recover, it’s essential to reconnect with our bodies and listen to their needs. Often, our bodies are aware of what they require to heal; we just need to pay attention.

Listening to Your Body

The physical symptoms we experience are our bodies’ way of communicating. These signals may begin subtly but increase in intensity if ignored. When we suppress these connections by "powering through," we often face more severe symptoms that force us to acknowledge something is amiss.

By developing a heightened awareness of our bodies, we can tune into smaller cues and adjust our needs before reaching a crisis point. This self-awareness is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Our bodies communicate through sensations rather than language. This concept, known as proprioception, refers to our body's awareness of itself in relation to the environment.

Your capacity to attune to this is remarkable. Proprioception aids in everyday activities like walking and balancing, often becoming an unconscious process. However, you can consciously engage with it to enhance your self-awareness and identify stressors or areas of relief.

Every action we take contributes either positively or negatively to our health. Our bodies provide cues to help us navigate these choices.

It's time to start paying attention.

Bethany Sadler-Jasmin is a Global UX Design Lead, solopreneur, and burnout recovery coach. She writes about UX design, responsible technology, burnout, chronic stress, and finding joy. For those interested in exploring this subject further, you can check out her podcast, Balanced Soul, or learn more about her Burnout Recovery Coaching Program.