From Burn-out to Vitality Coach

Thea Peeters

From Burn-out to Vitality Coach and the 20 Consequences of Stress

 

Stress is a common phenomenon in our fast-paced modern society. What started as a personal quest to recover from burnout evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery and a mission to help others. In this article, I share not only my personal story but also the scientifically-backed effects of stress on both our body and mind.

 

van burn-out naar vitaliteitscoach

My Personal Journey to Recovery

Twenty years ago, my life seemed perfect. Two beautiful children, a lovely home, and a caring husband. But beneath the surface, a storm was brewing. The constant demands of changing diapers, feeding, and caring took their toll. Self-fulfillment had become impossible.

I loved my husband and children dearly, but the constant responsibility drained me. Even vacations offered no relief. During a night out with my husband at a Rowwen Heze concert, I fell asleep. The reality was harsh: I was completely exhausted.

Exhausted, I searched for answers. What were my ‘go’s’ and ‘no-go’s’? Strangely, they seemed unchanged. I yearned for a challenge, for work that would energize me. Work that would inspire me to fully enjoy the moments with my family.

The Solution

Unexpectedly, an opportunity arose: training to become a vitality coach. It was a two-for-one deal: studying for a new career while investing in my own well-being. Step by step, I climbed out of the valley. Both body and mind began to heal.

I learned to set priorities and say ‘no.’ I sought professional help and delved into various studies. I became my own lifeline, and also that of others. Despite everything, I remained a caring person with a heart for helping others.

diploma's

How am I doing now?

Today, twenty years later, I carry that burnout with pride in my backpack. It was not a pleasant period, but it taught me valuable lessons. It taught me about my limits, resilience, and the power of self-care.

And now, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, I guide others on their path to vitality. I help them identify their ‘go’s’ and ‘no-go’s,’ set priorities, and maintain boundaries. I support them in investing in their own happiness and well-being.

When I look back?

That burnout from twenty years ago was not a tragedy, but a learning moment. It brought me closer to myself and gave me the strength to help others. And that is what matters.

 

It was a low point but also a turning point. Through my own experiences, I came to understand like no one else the importance of listening to your body and mind and taking timely action.

The 20 Consequences of Stress

Stress has far-reaching effects on our entire being. Below are 20 common consequences, both physical and mental:

Physical Symptoms:

  1. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of stress.
  2. Insomnia: Or trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
  3. Muscle ache and -stiffness: Tension in the muscles can lead to pain and poorer mobility.
  4. Headaches: Tension headaches are common under people under stress.
  5. Stomach issues: Stress can disrupt digestion and lead to issues like stomach aches and IBS.
  6. Weakend immune system: Chronic stress can make you more susceptible to disease.
  7. Dermatological issues: Stress can worsen skin issues like acne and eczema.
  8. Cardiovascular Diseases: Stress can lead to increased blood pressure and a higher chance of myocardial infraction and stroke.
  9. Hormonal Imbalance: Stress can disrupt your hormonal balance, which can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and other issues.
  10. Faster Ageing: Chronic stress can damage cells and accelarate the ageing process.

Mental Symptoms:

  1. Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are common under people who suffer from constant stress.
  2. Depresssion: Stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and apathy.
  3. Irritability: Small things can cause great annoyance and irritation.
  4. Concentration issues: It can be hard to maintain focus.
  5. Forgetfulness: Stress can lead to memory lapses.
  6. IBS: Stress can have a direct effect on your gut flora and can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
  7. Social isolation: People under stress are more prone to neglecting their social life.
  8. Burn-out: In severe cases, stress can lead to the complete exhaustion of both body and mind.
  9. Addiction: Some look to unwind with alcohol, nicotine, drugs, or other addictive subtances.
  10. Reduced creativity: Stress can hamper your creativity and problem-solving skills.

 

Effective Stress-management Techniques

  1. Identify your Stressors

The first step is to identify what causes your stress. Is it your job, your relationship, your finances, or something else? By understanding your stressors—i.e., the root causes of your stress—you can start working to avoid or reduce them.

  1. Develop healthy coping skills:

A coping skill is a tool you use to handle stress.

There are many different healthy coping skills you can employ to handle stress, such as:

  • Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can help you calm your mind and concentrate on the here and now.
  • Physical activity: Regular physical activity is an amazing way to reduce stress and release endorphines, which can improve your mood.
  • Breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help you relax and lower stress levels. Try not to hyperventilate, as this can increase stress.
  • Spend time in nature: Being in nature can improve your mood and reduce stress by creating peace in your mind.
  • Do creative activities: Such as paining, writing, or making music, to help you relax and process stress.
  • Spend time with loved ones: Spending time with loved ones can make you feel loved and supported, which reduces stress.
  1. Talk about your stress:

Talk with a friend, family member, therapist, or other confidant about your stress. Talking about your problems can help you process them and reduce feelings of stress.

  1. Self-care:

Take care of yourself by eating healthy and delicious meals, sleeping enough, and exercising regularly. By taking care of yourself, you give your body and mind the resources they need to handle stress. A bit of selfishness, without hurting others, can be a good thing!

  1. Learn to say no:

It is okay to say 'no' to extra work and responsibilities that cause you too much stress. Learn to set boundaries and to stand up for yourself. Do not let others step over your boundaries.

  1. Plan your time:

Effective time management can reduce stress and prevent you from feeling ovewelmed. First, make a list of tasks and set priorities. Make time for relaxing and fun activities, too. Plan it in your agenda, and set these appointments with yourself.

  1. Reduce exposure to stressors:

If possible, try to minimise your exposure to things that cause you stress. This can mean changing your work hours, spending less time with negative people, or spending less time watching the news.

  1. Seek professional help:

If you struggle to deal with stress, do not hesitate to find professional help. A therapist can help you develop healthy coping skills and reduce your stress levels.

Remember:

Stress is a normal part of life, but it is crucial to learn how to handle it in a healthy way. By following the advice I am giving you, you can recude stress en improve your well-being.

Extra tips:

  • Listen to calming music: Relaxing music can soothe you and reduce stress levels. This doesn't have to be classical music, some people listen to Metal!
  • Do yoga or Tai Chi: Yoga and Tai Chi are both relaxing exercises that can help you reduce stress,
  • Take a warm bath: A warm bath can help you de-stress by relaxing your muscles. Amazing after a thermal bath or a sauna visit.
  • Use aromatherapy: Aromatherapy with lavender or other soothing etheric oils can help you relax. Smelling lavender oil before sleeping can be very relaxing.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can increase your stress levels.

Following these tips can help reduce stress and make things more bearable.

A Personal Stress-management Plan

It is important to develop a plan to manage stress that is tailored to your specific needs. Consider the following steps:

  1. Identify your Stressors What are the most important stressors in your life?
  2. Set goals: What are you hoping to achieve with your stress management plan?
  3. Choose the right techniques: What works the best for you?
  4. Make it a habit: Integrate stress-management into your daily routine.
eerste hulp bij stress
vitaliteitscoach

Lukt het niet alleen vraag dan hulp aan een professional:

Eerste Hulp Bij Stress is een mooie methode waar je lichamelijk en mentaal inzicht krijgt over je gezondheid. Je gaat ontdekken wie je van nature bent en wat het maakt dat je op bepaalde prikkels reageert. Je krijgt inzicht in je stress sensoren en leert ermee omgaan. Lichamelijk krijgt je gezondheid een boost doordat je via de EMB Blood Test and the coaching op leefstijl inzicht krijgt in je gezondheid en hierdoor meer energie krijgt waardoor je beter kunt omgaan met stress. Met Human design en Quantum fysica leer je wat je daadwerkelijke natuurlijke kern is die je hebt meegekregen bij je geboorte en hoe deze op dit moment beïnvloed wordt waardoor je je anders voelt. Mensen die wij hebben mogen begeleiden zijn  enthousiast, weer aan het werk en in balans met  Werk en Privé.

 

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Suzanne vertelt:

Thea heeft me geweldig geholpen in een hele moeilijke periode voor mij waarin ik met een burn-out thuis zat. Mede door haar kennis en adviezen is het mij gelukt om mezelf weer terug te vinden en alles weer op de rit te krijgen. Zo goed zelfs, dat ik nu mijn eigen bedrijf aan het opstarten ben. Ik ben Thea erg dankbaar, ze verricht fantastisch werk!

Joy is weer helemaal blij, lees hieronder waarom:

De klachten begonnen bij mij bij het krijgen van Pfeiffer en een leverontsteking. De artsen zeiden dat de vermoeidheidsklachten binnen 2 maanden weg zouden zijn. Maar deze 2 maanden werden er 4, 6, 12 maanden en uiteindelijk zeiden ze me dat ik er mijn hele leven lang last van kon hebben.

De klachten werden zo erg dat ik niet meer in staat was om te sporten, werken en vaak was lopen al te vermoeiend voor me. Hier maakte ik me veel zorgen om, vooral omdat ik pas 27 was.

Regulier zeiden ze na ieder onderzoek dat ik gewoon gezond was. Dat was voor mij de reden om contact op te nemen met Thea na 10 maanden rondgelopen te hebben met deze klachten.

Thea heeft er flink wat vaart achter gezet en heeft zich ook boven verwachting voor me ingezet. Ik ging er open in, met de hoop dat ik richting kon krijgen in het genezingsproces. Ik had nooit durven dromen dat ik zo snel verbetering zou zien en na 4 maanden meer energie mag ervaren dan voordat ik ziek werd. Ik ben Thea ontzettend dankbaar voor haar warmte, beschikbaarheid en ondersteuning in dit proces!

Klik hier om naar Eerste Hulp Bij Stress te gaan

Stress is een normaal onderdeel van het leven, maar het is belangrijk om te leren hoe je ermee om kunt gaan. Door de gevolgen van stress te begrijpen en effectieve stressmanagement technieken toe te passen, kun je een gezonder en gelukkiger leven leiden. Het leven is maar zo kort dus zorg dat het zo kwalitatief mogelijk is!