My research journey on burnout and resilience began with a gut feeling.
Literally.
It turns out, this is grounded in science.
🧠 Our gut microbiome (the universe of microorganisms living in our digestive tract) is connected to our brain via the vagus nerve. So, when we experience a physical “gut feeling,” it’s actually our brain talking things through with our stomach and other digestive organs. (I tend to experience it as “excitement butterflies” in my stomach, but others may experience it differently.)
But there’s more to it…
Scholar Herbert Simon discovered that what we call “gut instinct”, “intuition”, (or what I call “Spidey sense”), is actually unconscious, rapid pattern recognition, based on personal experience.
While it doesn’t take stellar pattern recognition to see that employees—and folks at large—aren’t doing so great these days…my gut has been nudging me that perhaps the coach/research nerd in me could learn more and share some insights to help.
It’s also been telling me that many of us need a better understanding of resilience — what it is, how to cultivate it in ourselves, and how to lead and support others who may be struggling in today’s climate.
So, I got curious and started asking questions:
- What is resilience? And is it different from grit or persistence?
- Why are some people more resilient than others?
- Why is it often hard to tap into resilience when we need it most?
- Is burnout the flipside of resilience?
- What’s biology’s impact on resilience and burnout?
- What roles do self-awareness, self-care and accountability play?
- What systemic issues affect our ability to adapt and bounce back?
- Why aren’t schools and organizations formally teaching resilience? (Or if they are, what hole have I been hiding under?)
Then, I dove in… books, podcasts, TED talks, academic journal articles and everything else I could get my hands on.
Over time, my desk was covered in Post-Its (see “research nerd” above!) and I needed an Excel sheet to manage my host of new questions.
I’ll continue to share what I’m learning here…What fascinates or puzzles me, some cool dots I’m connecting, and what might help us all in the broader context of work and life.
And I’d love folks to join the conversation, but please be kind. I’m no expert (yet!) and I’m rapidly learning in real time. But I’m committed to showing up and using my skills—communication and creating safe forums for learning and insight—to help us all find a little peace in a crazy world.
So, let’s sift through the science, and digest (pun intended!) what the experts are saying about resilience and burnout…
…And if these topics resonate with you, listen to your gut…
Your body is likely telling you something. 💡
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or resilience expert… I’m a voracious reader, leader, formally trained coach, and communications pro who is intensely curious about resilience and burnout and how it’s playing out in our workplaces and lives today. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please seek out a qualified professional.
