Hypnosis for Stress Relief and Burnout

These days, the headlines are filled with tales of “quiet quitting” due to burnout, and how deeply stressed we all are and have been for some time. Our nation’s mental health crisis continues to grow, even as resources dwindle, so what can we do?

What self-care action steps are available to us, and WHY should we be taking chronic stress and burnout oh-so-seriously? Chronic stress can have a major impact on the body, and can contribute to a range of health problems.
Some potential health risks associated with chronic stress include:

• Cardiovascular disease: Chronic stress has the potential to increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
  
• Immune system suppression: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections and illnesses.
  
• Digestive problems: Chronic stress can cause or exacerbate digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
  
• Mental health problems: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
  
• Sleep disturbances: Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, which can exacerbate other health problems and make it harder to manage stress.
  

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​​Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. The symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person and may include:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and emotionally exhausted, leading to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm.
  
• Depersonalization: Developing a negative or cynical attitude towards work, colleagues, or clients, leading to a feeling of detachment and isolation.
  
• Reduced sense of personal accomplishment: Feeling less competent, less productive, and less successful, leading to a sense of failure and low self-esteem.
  
• Physical symptoms: Burnout also causes symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue.
  
• Changes in behavior,: Burnout can lead to changes in behavior, such as decreased socialization, increased use of drugs or alcohol, and decreased self-care.
  
• Reduced job performance: Burnout can lead to decreased job performance, including a decrease in productivity, quality of work, and job satisfaction.
  

It is important to note that burnout is not the same as stress, and not all stress leads to burnout. However, chronic stress is a major risk factor for burnout, and it is important to seek support if you are experiencing symptoms of burnout or chronic stress.

Hypnosis helps reduce stress and improve mental health, which can help manage burnout. 
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that hypnosis was associated with significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression compared to control groups or other interventions. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that hypnosis may help reduce the symptoms of specific stress-related conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic pain.

​For example, a 2018 review of 74 studies found that hypnosis was associated with significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical and psychological functioning for various chronic pain conditions. Hypnosis works, in part, by helping people achieve a state of deep relaxation, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Hypnosis can also help change negative thought patterns and increase feelings of self-efficacy, which can be beneficial for people struggling with burnout.

Hypnotherapy can be used alone, or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for stress management that may include other modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and exercise. Many hypnotists also offer coaching in stress management and can provide helpful lifestyle tips for self care and stress reduction between sessions. ​