LEVELS OF STRESS
Acute – Chronic – Burnout
In the realm of stress, let’s imagine a metaphorical traffic light to depict three levels of stress.
Level 1
The Green Light represents Acute Stress
This level of stress is normal and can serve as a motivating force to persevere. It’s a temporary state, signaling the need to stay alert and address challenges.
ACUTE STRESS
ACUTE STRESS
“Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace.” Joan Borysenko
The green light represents the initial stress phase or acute stress. Green means go and indicates it’s time to drive to your destination, but pay attention as unexpected, temporary delays may occur. Like the green light, moving throughout the day and experiencing a moderate amount of stress is normal and beneficial. The situations may be difficult, but short-term and manageable.
Level 2
The Yellow Light represents Chronic Stress: SLOW DOWN
If stress lingers for a prolonged period, it’s a warning sign to take action. Consider seeking support, implementing stress-reduction strategies, and finding ways to alleviate ongoing stressors
Chronic Stress
“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” John C. Maxwell
Next the green light changes to a yellow light, which portrays chronic stress. The yellow light serves as a warning to begin to slow down and prepare to stop, or there could be an accident. In a similar way, the warning signs from chronic stress symptoms indicate to slow down, take a step back, and find methods to mitigate stress before it intensifies.
CHRONIC STRESS
Level 3
The Red Light represents BURNOUT: STOP!
When stress reaches the burnout stage, it’s a critical signal to stop and prioritize self-care.
BURNOUT
“Burnout is a bone-tired, soul-tired, heart-tired kind of exhaustion.” J. W. Pennebaker
Finally, the traffic light transitions from yellow to red, which represents chronic stress (yellow light) shifting to burnout (red light). Just as a red light brings traffic to a complete stop, burnout brings an individual’s life to a grinding halt.
Burnout represents a state of complete exhaustion, both mentally and physically. It occurs when an individual exceeds physical, mental and emotional limits due to prolonged, unattended chronic stress. In this condition, the individual feels depleted, lacks motivation, and is incapable of functioning effectively. To overcome burnout, a substantial amount of time and effort is needed for recovery and to rebuild strength before resuming life’s journey. Ignoring this signal can have serious physical and emotional consequences, so it’s vital to seek help and make significant lifestyle changes to recover.
Stress Management Services
“Stress acts as an accelerator: it will push you either forward or backward,
but you choose which direction.” Chelsea Erieau
Unique Approach
Our services combine holistic practices with neuroscience insights which provide a comprehensive approach to stress management.
Our Coaching + Training Programs are comprised of customized STRESS Reduction Packages which include a diverse range of tools, strategies, and resources for effective stress management. Each package is customized to meet the client’s unique requirements. The power-packed STRESS Reduction Packages improve physical and mental health, enhance cognitive function, build resilience, and reduce stress levels, for individuals.
Hope-Full Coaching is excited to announce that online group coaching and online courses will soon be available, allowing us to help even more people effectively manage their stress levels.