Dr. Michael Spitzbart - Food for the Nerves

EVERYONE CAN STAY FIT AND PRODUCTIVE PERMANENTLY. Health expert Dr. Michael Spitzbart is convinced of this. In the interview, he explains how burnout develops and how to protect oneself.

According to you, burnout is not a state, but rather a process that develops over months. Why don't those affected apply the "emergency brake" early on? Precisely because this process takes place over months, the changes are so minimal that those affected hardly notice them - or only notice them too late. Fatigue, lack of drive, irritability, and a low mood over an extended period are definitely signs indicating burnout. Those affected often feel as if they are driving a car with the handbrake on. They no longer feel like meeting friends, going for a walk in the park, or jogging after work, avoid social contacts, are often cynical, and frequently suffer from infections, as stress also suppresses the immune system. These signs, however, do not appear overnight but rather gradually. How can one effectively protect oneself from burning out? The pressure to perform in our society is continuously increasing. As a result, the number of people suffering from burnout is growing. However, there are certainly things one can do to protect oneself. Natural remedies against stress are sunlight, warmth, and exercise. Even a brisk walk helps to reduce stress hormones. Meditation also helps to relax. Additionally, consciously indulging in beautiful memories and successes and trying to think positively trains the positive emotional center. Over time, the brain absorbs these thoughts into the subconscious, making one happier and more content. Techniques like attention training can help stop the inner dialogue. An optimistic "why not" promotes more serenity and success. How important is the right nutrition? Extremely important. Prolonged stress causes the mood hormones serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to decrease. The former is responsible for a good mood, the latter for drive. When these are produced less, the perceived workload increases. This leads to an increase in the long-term stress hormone cortisol in the blood - the vicious cycle begins. Such a stress metabolism is a real emergency situation for the body. It pulls out all the stops and looks for new sources of energy: not only carbohydrates and fats but also proteins are converted into sugar. Valuable proteins are now lacking for hormone production. However, if an affected person consumes enough protein, they can stimulate their own serotonin production. This makes them more resilient and better able to handle stressful situations. What does the ideal anti-stress diet look like? People should eat more protein - contrary to the widespread belief that over half of the calories should come from carbohydrates. Low-fat dairy products like whey, cottage cheese, or yogurt are excellent choices. But there is also plenty of protein in lean poultry and fish. Are there people who are particularly vulnerable? Burnout can affect anyone in general. However, a person's character traits play a significant role. Perfectionists and people who sacrifice themselves for their job often suffer from burnout. Self-employed individuals are also more frequently affected than employees, and women are more vulnerable than men. This is because women usually have more difficulty shaking off problems. Keyword: overthinking. Men, on the other hand, usually have a thicker skin and can switch off better after work. What about driving instructors specifically? Long periods of sitting, lack of movement, sensory overload in traffic, and the need to remain highly concentrated at all times are naturally stress and risk factors. What can be done to keep one's own employees healthy? As a boss, one should lead by example. Smile a lot, spread positive vibes, and ensure a good working atmosphere. Flexible working hours and sufficient breaks are advisable. But also, adequate payment and thus recognition of work are essential components. Tip: Recognize burnout earlier: The concentration of the stress hormone cortisol can be measured in saliva. Since it is only detectable when a person has been under too much stress for an extended period, cortisol is considered a reliable indicator of the burnout syndrome. Interested individuals can request a test kit via info@spitzbart.com. The hormone saliva test costs approximately 40 euros per hormone, including interpretation. Interview: Tanja Strauss, Mercedes-Benz - Driving School News For more about Dr. Michael Spitzbart:https://www.speakers-excellence.de/redner/michael-spitzbart-sanfte-medizin.html