Herbal medicine against overwork

2023-08-22 14:00:38

The overwork is most often called burn-out – an English expression meaning to consume oneself, to exhaust oneself, to overwork oneself. The term burn-out not only connotes the fact of having gone too far, too hard in the effort, but also a real situation in which the worker has the impression of having been wrung out, worn down to the point of exhaustion. rope. He feels “consumed” by his tasks to the point of becoming unfit for work, or feeling intolerable suffering when he performs them. In addition, burn-out is inseparable from another anglicism: management. Particularly in large companies, as well as in administrations, for reasons of profitability, workers are required to constantly give the best of themselves, generally to the detriment of their quality of life. Otherwise, they lose all hope of a career and even risk their jobs. Moreover, some companies do not hesitate to get rid of their exhausted employees, who did not know or could not resist the injunctions of their superiors. Some employees had to end their lives, like the suicides that took place in Orange (formerly France Télécom – 35 suicides between 2008 and 2009), so that this becomes a social fact, at least in France.

What does science say?

The term burnout, in medical terms” burnout syndrome “(SEP), was first conceptualized in 1974 by the American psychiatrist Herbert J. Freudenberger¹. However, most of the work that immediately followed on this subject, and in particular the main questionnaire screening method, is due to Christina Maslach, an American social psychologist. The clinical definition of burnout is a state of professional exhaustion, which is physical, emotional and psychological.

This exhaustion results in extreme fatigue, which the usual rest periods can no longer relieve. Either the patient does not benefit from it – he continues to work during this time – or he is unable to mentally leave work and fully enjoy the rest.

Then comes cynicism about work. Whatever the efforts made, employees think that they will never achieve the set objectives, that the hierarchy is never satisfied, etc. This cynicism, manifested by irritability, disengagement, a loss of idealism, can spill over into relationships with colleagues, clients, hierarchy or even… patients. Because it is a serious fact that we pass over in silence: the doctor who diagnoses overwork is often overworked himself ! In France, recent public studies have shown that in 2021, almost half of general practitioners (44.8%) were experiencing severe burnout.². In 2022, this figure rose to 71% for private doctors, almost half of whom had insomnia and 27% had depressive syndromes.³. When the first to treat overwork are affected, this does not always make treatment easier.

Finally, Professional burnout syndrome manifests itself through lack of personal accomplishment and self-questioning. The feeling of accomplishment drops to zero. We feel worthless, ineffective, useless.

Hence the importance, before getting there, of remaining attentive to the symptoms, however small they may be. First of all physiques : difficulty sleeping, fatigue that sleep cannot resolve, muscular tension particularly in the neck and back, particularly rapid weight gain or loss. Headaches, dizziness, nausea are also common symptoms, as are cramps or gastrointestinal disorders. But this can become complicated with the appearance of more serious diseases, particularly autoimmune. Unfortunately, in the long term, the risks of cancer are a reality, especially with a lifestyle that is neglected over entire decades: significant consumption of stimulants or antidepressants, drugs, poor quality diet, etc.

Emotionallyoverwork manifests itself through more frequent loss of control – nervous breakdowns, in particular –, permanent nervous tension, a sad mood, as well as a lack of enthusiasm.

From the point of view intellectual capacities, the degradations are undeniable : in addition to the increasing difficulties of concentration, the capacities for nuance, organization and decision-making become blunted. We start to make mistakes, mistakes – forgetfulness becomes frequent. Before falling into a truly dramatic situation (total incapacity for work or, even worse, suicidal thoughts), it is therefore important to detect the problem. There are several scientific tools, such as le Maslach Burnout Inventory, a questionnaire designed by Maslach and Jackson in 1981, but also that of Copenhagen (CBI) or that of Oldenburg (OBI).

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Am I burned out?

There are a number of questions that allow you to assess your burn-out. Here are some examples :

• “Do you take your professional problems outside of work, and even on vacation? » ;
• “Do you feel that you are less productive, despite increasing investment? » ;
• “Do you feel more and more confronted with loneliness? » ;
• “Do you consistently give up your personal needs for work? » ;
• “Do you feel like you’re always on edge, tired and even exhausted? » ;
• “Can’t concentrate anymore? » ;
• “Don’t you remember any essential things? » ;
• “Are you no longer able to motivate yourself? » ;
• “Are you having trouble getting to sleep? » ;
• “Do you get sick often? » ;
• “You no longer have a sense of humor?” » ;
• “You only have a negative judgment about yourself? »

Essential survival techniques

Firstly, it is crucial to do reduce the excessive production of cortisol, from this stress which is the “turbo” of your body. You are at zero: it is already important to get your sleep back. For this, nothing like get back to exercise : letting off steam, even a little to start with, is beneficial for your nerves. Reducing pressure, or even getting back into shape, involves two essential principles. First, find inner peace, by stopping this violence that we inflict on ourselves. Afterwards, take pleasure in an activity other than work, without any guilt. If an activity “tightens” you instead of relaxing you, it’s not the right one. Meditation, yoga, pilates, reiki, gym, running, walking, cycling, swimming… whatever. In addition to meditation and sport, it is important to be followed by a professional.

THE interpersonal therapies (TIP) or cognitive and behavioral therapies (TCC) are now fully recognized for their effectiveness. In addition, multidisciplinary structures like the aptly named site Suffering and work⁴ will be able, through psychologists, labor inspectors, doctors, lawyers, to take charge of your case and get you out of this terrible feeling of isolation which accentuates the deleterious action of burn-out. It is important here to evacuate this negativity rather than internalize it. There are many hobbies and activities that can clear your head. Keep in mind that if you reach a level where your work has become unbearable or will become unbearable, you need to concentrate your efforts, either to resolve the situation or to change jobs.

Always, in these cases, you need to ask yourself some questions like: “Which job would give me a feeling of satisfaction? “, “How can I get there? How can I train for it? », “How to combine this work or obtaining this work with a good quality of life, physical and psychological? “.

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From this point of view, you absolutely need to consider your diet differently. Above all, it is the source of what your organs need to function normally, including the most important of all: your brain. It is therefore important to have the most balanced diet possible., the richest in micronutrients: vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Omega-3 fats are also essential: they are found in fatty fish and different types of nuts. You also find a lot of phospholipids – the fats that your cells absolutely need – in fish or krill oil. You only need to have a serious deficiency for your body to seriously start failing you, but stress frequently corresponds to the consumption of stimulants in large quantities, which are also diuretics, such as coffee and tea. There is nothing like it to leach your body of vitamins and minerals. So, in case of overwork, returning to a healthy diet, or even regular supplementation becomes essential. And abandon prepared meals at all costs: they are poisons.

The strength to take a step aside

Burnout is a bad relationship with your work that worsens over time. This shows you that there is something that needs to change in your life: either find a new job, or speak with your management, or even, sometimes, change branch, even profession, or even living environment. In addition, those around you also have an essential role to play. If someone around you begins to be overwhelmed by work, it is important to be vigilant about their behavior, to show empathy and do not hesitate to talk about burnout.

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Prevent burnout by strengthening your body

My seven anti-burnout plants

In cases of burn-out, as with all cases of chronic fatigue, I always recommend the same seven plants to find a boost of energy, both physical and psychological. It is important to understand that in a case of overwork, it is not a question of finding the strength to finish the next file, the month, the quarter. The far-reaching strength that these plants give you should help you reconnect with yourself. They should give you the means to question yourself, not to put your head back on track.

1. To the maca, used by the Incas for millennia against fatigue, anemia, hormonal stress and even reduced fertility. It contains no less than seventeen amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as well as many other valuable compounds such as glucosinolates, or powerful antioxidants like phytosterols. In short, there is almost everything in maca. In addition to giving you significant support in terms of micronutrients, and therefore restoring the optimal functioning of your body as much as possible, maca is excellent for libido. However, if there is one activity that takes a back seat due to overwork, it is sex. With or without a partner, it’s an essential moment of relaxation without which we can easily feel disoriented and lost our bearings. And not to spoil anything, maca is also a natural antidepressantit considerably promotes alertness and concentration!
2. And ginsengthe key ingredient in the oldest preparations of Chinese medicine. It improves resistance to stressthis violence that we do to ourselves, but also to all external aggressions: UV, pollution… It improves learning, memory, instills a more positive mood, which also facilitates your interactions with those around you, even professional ones. Of course, its effects on the male libido are no longer in doubt.
3. Astragalus, known as Korean ginseng. This is one of the most powerful adaptogenic plants – which allow us to resist stress and difficult situations, particularly those that weigh on the body. Adaptogens, even if some doctors remain skeptical, are today very widely used in high-level sport to improve athletic performance and psychological resistance. Immunity is also strengthened.
4. The angelicor female ginseng, is excellent for the heart, which she protects. It is a powerful tonic and a boost for your immune defenses. In Chinese medicine, it is regularly associated with astragalus with which it enters into synergy, which multiplies their effects. It stimulates blood production, and therefore improves the transport of oxygen by the blood – in fact, it improves blood circulation and blood pressure. It also facilitates everything that has to do with these rules, and is therefore particularly recommended in cases where excess work disturb the hormonal rhythm.
5. L’ashwagandhaa shrub that provides one of the most renowned components of Indian medicine. It reduces stress and anxiety through its action on the limbic system and significantly improves the quality of sleep. In fact, it is also one of the most recommended adaptogens for athletes, because it has the reputation of sharpening the mind in addition to strengthening the body. It is very popular in India by the elderly to restore their tone, which improves their comfort of life.
6. The rhodiole, queen of adaptogens. It grows at very high altitudes. If there is a living illustration of the adage “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, it’s her! In fact, to fight against stress, anxiety, lack of energy, emotional overload, tension, libidinal exhaustion, she’s a champion! Not to be put in the hands of young people, unless they are competing athletes… you won’t hold them anymore!
7. The bacopa, ou brahmi, a sacred Indian plant. Its effects on the brain are unrivaled: it directly restores energy to your brain cells, the neurons, by supplying its energy plants, the mitochondria. It improves thinking with increased oxygen in the blood. Above all, eit helps in the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine), hence the clear improvement in morale and memorization. Finally, it protects neurons against neurotoxicants such as aluminum (present in deodorants and creams for the general public), and mercury, present today in fatty fish, especially tuna and salmon.

These plants will give you the boost of energy to take the side step that we have mentioned, in cases of burnout as well as chronic fatigue syndrome and postpartum depression. But they do not replace an imminent change of life, specialized psychological support on this issue and increased care for yourself or the people you are worried about.

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