Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Insights from Cara de Lange
In an in-depth conversation with Cara de Lange, founder of Softer Success, the science of burnout is explored. De Lange, who herself experienced burnout in 2017, shares her insights and solutions for changing the way we work. By integrating research and psychology, she has created a well-being assessment test that can quickly identify the risk of burnout.
Rewiring your brain: You can create the change
Cortisol, the stress hormone, causes us to be less aware of our body’s signals and decreases functioning of the prefrontal cortex, says de Lange. Transitioning to a meditative state decreases cortisol and helps us to create space and stillness to sit with our thoughts and tune into our sensations.
Neural plasticity, or the ability of the brain to rewire its emotional processing, can be leveraged to enhance our wellbeing using mindfulness practices. With a more mindful approach to processing information, we can decrease cortisol spikes from informational input and better tune into our sensations, core values, and executive functioning skills.
But we must be consistent in our efforts. It takes more than just a week’s change; it can take 25 days or more to secure new neural pathways. Perhaps one will choose to sit in meditation five minutes each day and another to go on a relaxing walk or lean into yoga practices. What matters in creating change is that there is intention and consistency in our actions.
Changing the workplace: Strategies for the future
De Lange emphasizes the importance of fundamentally changing our way of working to prevent burnout. By implementing programs that promote well-being in the workplace, companies can create an environment where employees not only survive but also thrive.
De Lange highlights the need to address moral injury, or being subject to workplace sentiments or actions that go against one’s moral code. Moral injury, she states, is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s workplaces and contributes to burnout. The dynamics at play that lead to moral injury often go unaddressed, much to the detriment of employees and the organization.
Furthermore, factors external to the workplace contribute to burnout. Anxiety related to societal issues, especially in younger generations, often leads to stress and burnout. Family and personal matters, as well as health and wellbeing, also play into the ability to handle workplace demands.
The future of work: A sustainable path forward
The discussion also highlights the need for a new work culture where health and well-being are central. Focusing on personal development, mindfulness, and a balance between work and personal life, we can create a future where burnout is a thing of the past.
De Lange identifies several trends she sees as the future of wellbeing in the workplace:
Chief Wellbeing or Chief Regenerative Officers
Flat Organizations
Client-Focused Wellbeing and Climate Sustainability Initiatives
These measures can have tremendous impacts on organizations. Costs saved by having a sustainable culture are vast. Employee retention, client satisfaction, and many more factors can be impacted by an organizational focus on health and wellbeing.
Looking for ways to improve wellbeing for your team?
Book a free 30 minute discovery call with Miriam Sundholm to see how Aumla can support your health and wellbeing goals.
