Powerdown
Adrenalin is a hormone released by the body’s adrenal glands in times of stress, anger, fear and anticipation which increases heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism. Our body is not designed to be constantly fired up by adrenalin surges, also known as fight or flight response. In hunter and gatherer times, this response was effective in keeping us safe from the dangers posed by sabre tooth tigers.
The release of adrenalin is an effective energy source when used in short bursts where there is time for the body to recover. Keeping the body’s fight or flight system switched on leads to adrenal fatigue and the body is left with these symptoms:
feeling tired and unrefreshed after a good night’s sleep
fuzzy thinking and impaired memory
muscle pain
mild depression
reliant on high energy food and drink along with caffeine for energy
A high performer in the legal profession I was working with told me
“I have two phones by my bed. I end my day punching out the last emails before turning off the light and wake after a few hours to add things to my task list. I work best under pressure, it is what keeps me motivated and producing results”
Today’s work dangers are not the sabre tooth tiger, they are complex organisational structures, 24/7 connection, demanding client expectations combined with the desire to succeed and achieve. This high performer with a reputation for stepping up, pushing through and burning bright was burning out. The body, worn down by being constantly switched on to fight or flight mode, was trapped in an adrenal dependant cycle needing the surges of adrenalin to keep moving and producing.
Almost 10 years ago, adrenalin had become my go to fuel source and I had a serious dependency issue. My doctor recommended a range of diet and lifestyle measures including taking a break from rigorous exercise, but running had always been my go-to energy boost and I could not give it up. It took repeated burnout, but eventually I had to find a different approach.
Burning bright without burning out is a daily practice and I don’t always get it right, but by staying focused on simple strategies I have found a way to achieve success sustainably.
SHIFT THE TONE:
Shift the tone of your internal chatter from “do more”, “do better” to “I’ve done enough”. This isn’t about lowering standards – it is lightening the weight of self-expectation.
REPLENISH YOUR BODY:
Keep it simple, practise patience and create space for rest, sleep (they are two different things), gentle movement and wholesome foods.
PLAN FOR RELAPSE:
Relapse is a process, a series of small decisions that will have you chasing the boost of endorphins that follow a hard earned Accomplishment achieved under the pump. Take notice of the early warning signs and fine-tune your approach.