Interview with Cait Donovan on Handling Burnout and the Power of Resentment

Understanding Boundaries:

  • Boundaries are discussed as a continuum, ranging from integration to segmentation.
  • Integration poses more challenges with setting boundaries compared to segmentation.
  •  Findings balance between integration and protection is key.
  • Setting boundaries based on interfering with feelings of generosity and avoiding martyrdom.

Exploring Burnout:

  • Burnout does not have clear markers and is often confused with depression.
  • Burnout can affect various aspects of a person’s life, not just limited to work.
  • It exacerbates existing weaknesses in physical and mental health, intensifying symptoms.
  • Burnout impacts the ability to experience positive moments.

Core 3 symptoms of Burn-out 

All three of them have to be present for somebody to say that it is burnout

  1. Physical and emotional exhaustion
  2. cynicism and detachment
  3. Lack of productivity/ Feeling like what you do is useless

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection:

  • The concept of locus of control is discussed, referring to stress and its relationship with control over situations.
  • Chronic stress leads to the shrinking of the prefrontal cortex, resulting in a decline in brain volume and functioning.
  • Overactive amygdala and lack of communication with the prefrontal cortex cause difficulty managing emotions and treating others poorly.

The Power of Resentment:

  • Resentment can be used as a tool to identify boundaries being crossed or overstepped for people-pleasing.

Addressing Burnout and Resentment:

  • The impact of adverse childhood experiences on brain development and susceptibility to burnout is discussed.
  • The role of mindset shift in overcoming burnout is highlighted, with acknowledgment of potential challenges.
  • The use of a resentment journal and the “Questions IF” technique is suggested to identify patterns and sources of resentment.
  • Setting boundaries, aligning with personal values, and addressing anxious attachment and codependency are crucial for recovery.

BRAT Framework

  • Beliefs 
  • Resources 
  • Abilities
  • Trust

Interesting facts about Cait Donovan:

Favorite movie?

“My Girl” 

Favorite author?

Brene Brown 

Favorite book?

  “What the Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk.

Favorite painter or photographer?

Georgia O’Keeffe is her favorite painter.

Favorite philosopher?

Gabor Mate, although he’s not typically known as a philosopher.

Favorite TV series?

“Ted Lasso.”

Superpower preference

Flight

Time travel preference: 

Back in time to talk to grandmother

Preferred living location other than current

Mendoza, Argentina

Alternative career choice: 

Standup comedy

One piece of advice for the world: 

“Burnout is not your fault; give yourself some grace.” 

                                                                  – Cait Donovan

 

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