Always busy or love overworking? You might actually be hurting your brain and reducing creativity
Oct 14, 2024, 14:36 IST
Mental health has never been more critical in our fast-paced, demanding world. There have been various tragic incidents recently that pointed out the importance of mental health at the workplace. With World Mental Health Day being marked last week on October 10, countless articles and posts flooded our feeds, offering tips and tricks to safeguard our mental wellbeing.
While such conversations are essential, simply discussing mental health is not enough. We must pay close attention to the factors that contribute to its decline, particularly the modern obsession with busyness.
We often wear our “busyness” like a badge of honour. Phrases like “I can work 24/7 without rest” or “I was so busy that I couldn’t even have lunch” are common at workplaces today. But this mindset may be doing more harm than good.
Research has increasingly shown that this relentless drive to fill our schedules can have a negative impact on our brains and hamper creativity.
Employees are feeling workplace burnout
A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology highlighted the detrimental effects of workplace burnout, underscoring that burnout is not merely a personal issue but a collective one. The study found that approximately 13% of individuals tested in Norway were at a high risk of burnout, with various factors such as work-home conflict and job dissatisfaction playing significant roles.
Psychologist Leon De Beer, a key researcher in this area, told Sciencealert, “Not addressing the risk of employee burnout in time can have long-term consequences.”
This statement resonates with the growing body of evidence suggesting that chronic stress and the pursuit of productivity can irreversibly alter our mental landscape.
The science behind burnout
Understanding the science behind burnout reveals how staying busy always affects our brains. According to a report in The Conversation, the phenomenon of burnout is closely linked to the body’s stress response, specifically the “fight or flight” mechanism.
When faced with stress, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that prepares us to react quickly. While this response can be beneficial in short bursts, constant exposure to stress can lead to prolonged high levels of cortisol. Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, ultimately impairing our ability to think clearly and concentrate.
Moreover, research published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience sheds light on the role of a tiny cluster of neurons in the brainstem known as the locus coeruleus, which regulates our alertness and stress responses.
The researchers highlight how this area functions like a gear lever, allowing our brains to switch between different modes of operation. In “Gear 1,” our brains are relaxed and creative. In “Gear 2,” we are focused but not stressed. However, when we are constantly busy, we can become stuck in “Gear 3,” where our brains are hyper-alert and in crisis mode. As a result, our cognitive functions diminish, leading to decreased analytical and creative thinking.
The impact of overworking
A BBC report highlighted how researchers systematically reviewed data on long working hours, defining them as 55 hours or more per week, and found a significant correlation between overwork and various health impacts, including increased mortality rates.
One major factor contributing to this phenomenon is the biological toll of chronic stress, which leads to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When we sacrifice sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to cram more tasks into our day, we are not just risking burnout; we are also jeopardising our overall health.
Dr. Frank Pega, a WHO technical officer and lead author of a significant study on overwork, told BBC, “Overwork is the single largest risk factor for occupational disease, accounting for roughly one-third of the burden of disease related to work.”
Dr. Pega’s findings reflect a broader trend: the relentless pursuit of productivity in the workplace has become detrimental. An increasing number of professionals are finding themselves caught in the trap of overwork, often resulting in exhaustion and emotional detachment.
How to relax at work?
Recognising the detrimental effects of overwork is the first step towards fostering a healthier work environment and lifestyle. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies individuals can implement to combat the pressures of busyness and promote mental wellbeing.
Take frequent breaks: Incorporating regular breaks into your workday is essential. Short walks, stretching, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can significantly alleviate stress and improve focus. The act of disconnecting allows your brain to reset, helping you return to your tasks with renewed energy.
Exercise: Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise is a powerful tool for stress management. As outlined in various studies, physical activity leads to a spike in cortisol followed by a healthy reduction, which can enhance mood and cognitive function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to reap the benefits.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Engaging in mindfulness practices can reduce cortisol levels, helping to mitigate the stress response.
Encourage Open Communication: Creating a culture of openness in the workplace can alleviate feelings of isolation and pressure. Regular check-ins with colleagues and supervisors can lead to a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workloads and stressors.
Set boundaries: Setting boundaries around work hours is importatnt for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Try to disconnect from work emails and notifications after hours, allowing yourself to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.
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While such conversations are essential, simply discussing mental health is not enough. We must pay close attention to the factors that contribute to its decline, particularly the modern obsession with busyness.
We often wear our “busyness” like a badge of honour. Phrases like “I can work 24/7 without rest” or “I was so busy that I couldn’t even have lunch” are common at workplaces today. But this mindset may be doing more harm than good.
Research has increasingly shown that this relentless drive to fill our schedules can have a negative impact on our brains and hamper creativity.
Employees are feeling workplace burnout
A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology highlighted the detrimental effects of workplace burnout, underscoring that burnout is not merely a personal issue but a collective one. The study found that approximately 13% of individuals tested in Norway were at a high risk of burnout, with various factors such as work-home conflict and job dissatisfaction playing significant roles.
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Psychologist Leon De Beer, a key researcher in this area, told Sciencealert, “Not addressing the risk of employee burnout in time can have long-term consequences.”
This statement resonates with the growing body of evidence suggesting that chronic stress and the pursuit of productivity can irreversibly alter our mental landscape.
The science behind burnout
Understanding the science behind burnout reveals how staying busy always affects our brains. According to a report in The Conversation, the phenomenon of burnout is closely linked to the body’s stress response, specifically the “fight or flight” mechanism.
When faced with stress, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that prepares us to react quickly. While this response can be beneficial in short bursts, constant exposure to stress can lead to prolonged high levels of cortisol. Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, ultimately impairing our ability to think clearly and concentrate.
Moreover, research published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience sheds light on the role of a tiny cluster of neurons in the brainstem known as the locus coeruleus, which regulates our alertness and stress responses.
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The researchers highlight how this area functions like a gear lever, allowing our brains to switch between different modes of operation. In “Gear 1,” our brains are relaxed and creative. In “Gear 2,” we are focused but not stressed. However, when we are constantly busy, we can become stuck in “Gear 3,” where our brains are hyper-alert and in crisis mode. As a result, our cognitive functions diminish, leading to decreased analytical and creative thinking.
The impact of overworking
A BBC report highlighted how researchers systematically reviewed data on long working hours, defining them as 55 hours or more per week, and found a significant correlation between overwork and various health impacts, including increased mortality rates.
One major factor contributing to this phenomenon is the biological toll of chronic stress, which leads to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When we sacrifice sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to cram more tasks into our day, we are not just risking burnout; we are also jeopardising our overall health.
Dr. Frank Pega, a WHO technical officer and lead author of a significant study on overwork, told BBC, “Overwork is the single largest risk factor for occupational disease, accounting for roughly one-third of the burden of disease related to work.”
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This statistic is staggering and illustrates just how critical it is to examine the link between our busyness and our mental health. Not only does overwork lead to heightened stress and anxiety, but it can also result in mental fatigue, decreased productivity, and even chronic health conditions.Dr. Pega’s findings reflect a broader trend: the relentless pursuit of productivity in the workplace has become detrimental. An increasing number of professionals are finding themselves caught in the trap of overwork, often resulting in exhaustion and emotional detachment.
How to relax at work?
Recognising the detrimental effects of overwork is the first step towards fostering a healthier work environment and lifestyle. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies individuals can implement to combat the pressures of busyness and promote mental wellbeing.
Take frequent breaks: Incorporating regular breaks into your workday is essential. Short walks, stretching, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can significantly alleviate stress and improve focus. The act of disconnecting allows your brain to reset, helping you return to your tasks with renewed energy.
Exercise: Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise is a powerful tool for stress management. As outlined in various studies, physical activity leads to a spike in cortisol followed by a healthy reduction, which can enhance mood and cognitive function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to reap the benefits.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Engaging in mindfulness practices can reduce cortisol levels, helping to mitigate the stress response.
Advertisement
Encourage Open Communication: Creating a culture of openness in the workplace can alleviate feelings of isolation and pressure. Regular check-ins with colleagues and supervisors can lead to a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workloads and stressors.
Set boundaries: Setting boundaries around work hours is importatnt for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Try to disconnect from work emails and notifications after hours, allowing yourself to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.