Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
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Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 8,242 ratings

New York Times Best Seller

“This book is a gift! I’ve been practicing their strategies, and it’s a total game-changer.” (Brené Brown, PhD, author of the number one New York Times best seller Dare to Lead)

This groundbreaking book explains why women experience burnout differently than men - and provides a simple, science-based plan to help women minimize stress, manage emotions, and live a more joyful life.

Burnout. Many women in America have experienced it. What’s expected of women and what it’s really like to be a woman in today’s world are two very different things - and women exhaust themselves trying to close the gap between them. How can you “love your body” when every magazine cover has 10 diet tips for becoming “your best self”? How do you “lean in” at work when you’re already operating at 110 percent and aren’t recognized for it? How can you live happily and healthily in a sexist world that is constantly telling you you’re too fat, too needy, too noisy, and too selfish?

Sisters Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are here to help end the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of asking us to ignore the very real obstacles and societal pressures that stand between women and well-being, they explain with compassion and optimism what we’re up against - and show us how to fight back.

In this audiobook, you’ll learn:

  • What you can do to complete the biological stress cycle - and return your body to a state of relaxation
  • How to manage the “monitor” in your brain that regulates the emotion of frustration
  • How the Bikini Industrial Complex makes it difficult for women to love their bodies - and how to defend yourself against it
  • Why rest, human connection, and befriending your inner critic are keys to recovering and preventing burnout

With the help of eye-opening science, prescriptive advice, and helpful exercises, all women will find something transformative in this audiobook - and will be empowered to create positive change. Emily and Amelia aren’t here to preach the broad platitudes of expensive self-care or insist that we strive for the impossible goal of “having it all”. Instead, they tell us that we are enough, just as we are - and that wellness, true wellness, is within our reach.

Named One of the Best Books of the Year by Book Riot

"Burnout is the gold standard of self-help books, delivering cutting-edge science with energy, empathy, and wit. The authors know exactly what’s going on inside your frazzled brain and body, and exactly what you can do to fix it. Truly life-changing." (Sarah Knight, New York Times best-selling author of Calm the F--k Down)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 1 minute
Author Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski
Narrator Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date March 26, 2019
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07M8DLR1L
Best Sellers Rank #1,520 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#4 in General Gender Studies
#6 in Gender Studies (Audible Books & Originals)
#14 in Stress Management (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
8,242 global ratings
Good writing, bad page qualities
3 Stars
Good writing, bad page qualities
The little I've read so far is great, but the pages falling out are distracting
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
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 Ordered this book used, was a little worried about the condition it would be in, but it came 5 days early, and in excellent condition aside from a few scratches on the front. If you’ve been reluctant to shop used, be assured that the quality is checked before sale. I only started reading it today, but so far it’s very informational. Skimmed through it a bit and saw there were many diagrams, which helps my brain understand a little better rather than just words on a paper. So far it’s an excellent purchase
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
As a young adult I kept saying I’m tired and I’m so glad I order this book because I’m no longer saying I’m tired. The message of this book is so impactful and uplifting for any woman of any age to read.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
I recommend this book to nearly everyone I know, especially if they work in a stress-inducing profession.

This was one of those reads that's uncomfortable because it's so relatable -- I mean this in a good way, but self-awareness and the process of recognition can sting.

I revisit this book every time I'm feeling bogged down or unduly stressed, and it serves as an excellent reminder of self-care and self-love.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
The audiobook for this is not great, but the book itself is well researched and written. I will say that it's a little dumbed-down for my taste, but I like more direct communication. The book was written to be accessible to everyone, and it accomplished that.
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK to anyone who experiences stress (everyone 😉)
I learned ✨so much✨ about stress, which we all experience on a daily basis and how to deal with it. I have learned a lot about dealing with stressORS (like changing your relationship with your inner critic)… & this book teaches you how to deal with the actual stress in your body. You may even already do that most of the time without knowing the full scoop about it, but I think understanding our bodies is some of the most fascinating and empowering stuff… especially if you want to build some self compassion and self appreciation. ANYWHO once you deal with the stress in your body, you’re so much more empowered to tackle what’s stressing you out in the first place so you have less stress to deal with.
I was feeling burnt out when I read this book for the first time (but I really think this is for anyone, regardless of burnout status), and I made simple lifestyle tweaks to deal with stress on a daily basis. They’re things I wanted to do more of anyways but was putting off until a time where I was ready to commit, and when my reason incorporated NOT feeling burnt out anymore/again… highly motivating. Became ready to commit. So easy to execute on the plan.
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
The word burnout crept up in my everyday use since 2019 – and then the pandemic hit. No travel. No casual shopping. No conferences. None of the usual ways to break up the days. Burnout, especially at work, snuck up on me. Much like my own burnout, Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, snuck up on me too.

"First coined as a technical term by Herbert Freudenberger in 1975, "burnout" was defined by three components:

1. emotional exhaustion—the fatigue that comes from caring too much, for too long;

2. depersonalization—the depletion of empathy, caring, and compassion;

3. decreased sense of accomplishment—an unconquerable sense of futility: feeling that nothing you do makes any difference.

Written with women in mind, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle talks about the big and little stressors we experience daily – from the patriarchy (ugh) to the "second shift" most women have after work at home (house chores, caregiving). Compared to what it's like to be a woman, what's expected of women creates burnout without even realizing it. The authors discuss the Bikini Industrial Complex and the microaggressions women regularly experience for not looking, acting, or speaking in a certain way.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle goes on to discuss how to complete the stress cycle. When we experience fight, flight, or freeze responses, our bodies react to those chemicals even though we are rarely in actual life-or-death experiences. The problems arise when we experience those reactions and don't get the fulfillment of knowing we are no longer in a life-or-death situation.

Too many women, especially women of color, grow up with unconscious biases about how we should behave, which is only exacerbated by others around us with unconscious biases. Before you know it, we're working ourselves too much, developing physical symptoms from a life of microaggressions and minor stressors, and we reach a breaking point. A part of this book encourages you to be aware of times in your life when you need to move on from whatever is causing you stress.

I appreciate a great deal about this book, but I loved how the authors didn't promise your burnout will magically go away if you take luxurious baths every night or try and "lean in" at work more. The premise of Burnout empowers us to accept ourselves exactly as we are and know that we are enough.

Buy Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle because we all need to work on unconscious biases around women at home, work, and in the world.
27 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
I worship at the alter of Nagoski. She’s brilliant. Her style of writing is relatable and the way she explains theories is perfect. I cannot say enough great things about this book. It has changed and bettered my life. I’ve gifted it to others. If you are a woman dealing with overwhelm or burnout… or if you’re just a woman in the US… get this. Please.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
I wanted to love this book, I expected it based on reviews to be so helpful for myself and my clients. There is quite a slant to it that turned me off. It just wasn’t necessary and adds nothing meaningful to the topic. I just don’t think a book about stress needs to push any agenda- just keep it scientific and neutral. Everything now is so divided and partisan- a huge cause of stress so I didn’t expect it here. Decent book, skimmed what felt like a talking point, and tried to pull out the useful.
16 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Alejandra
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I’ve ever read
Reviewed in Mexico on December 3, 2021
It helps me a lot to understand my self and my current mood. I can put my feeling in real context and accept my self with compassion and love. Thanks for writing this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Skeeterdani
5.0 out of 5 stars very helpful book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2023
I started reading this book after a period of sick leave from work due to stress. I found it really useful to re-calibrate and have practical ideas to help me in the future. I also really appreciated the way the authors rooted all
The advice in the realities of (white) patriarchal hegemony and capitalism.
4 people found this helpful
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Jackie
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in France on June 14, 2022
This book spoke directly to me. Recommended reading for women especially, at anytime in one's life-- not only when feeling tired and burntout.
Laura
1.0 out of 5 stars No lo recomiendo
Reviewed in Spain on June 3, 2022
Debería haber leído las reseñas antes de comprarlo. Este libro no es maravilloso, ni va a cambiarte la vida, por mucho que insistan en ponerlo en las reseñas de la portada y en repetirlo a lo largo del libro. "Le dije a X que hiciera esto y me dijo que le cambió la vida", y solo porque está escrito este testimonio tengo que creérmelo. Y los consejos.....empieza hablando de verte atrapado en un atasco y continúa diciendo que todas las situaciones difíciles son provechosas, entonces pasa a ejemplos cómo "hacer ejercicio es dificil pero te da músculos", nunca jamás te explican cómo volver la situación del atasco provechosa. Más tarde, hablando del "Monitor" básicamente te dice que bajes tus expectativas, si algo no te va bien, baja tus expectativas. ¿en serio? Claro obviamente si bajo mis expectativas para que lo que tengo sea suficiente, pues tendré cero problemas. Es tan sencillo como ir conformándose por la vida... en fin. Y para rematarla intenta demostrarte que esto es eficaz, simplemente diciendo que una cantante que trabajaba con la autora le dijo "Eso del Monitor, eso de controlar las expectativas, ha cambiado mi vida, por completo!"
Y solo llevo 39 páginas...
Había que desconfiar de un libro que tiene las portadas llenas de comentarios de gente que de lo exagerados que son me queda claro que son puro marketing, como que una tal Peggy Orenstein se echó a llorar de agradecimiento al leer el libro... Yo voy a llorar pero de lo poco útil que me resulta...
Decepcionada :(
3 people found this helpful
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FP
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2020
Easy reading, evidence based and well presented, humorous even! Looking at burnout through a feminist lens. Lots of practical tips and strategies for preventing and recovering from burnout.

Three comments
1) little info on burnout as a clinical entity. What is the exact definition? What causes it in the professional context (different references have talked about high responsibility, but little control and flexibility, long hours, hostile work environment)? Can antidepressants help? How long does it last?
2) Would have been nice to see a chapter dedicated to motherhood, as I feel this is a definite contributor for many women. Working moms and SAHM can burn out.
3) The chapter on the bikini industrial complex. Yes, healthcare and society have huge issues with fat shaming that need to be resolved. However, obesity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, and coronary artery disease. A body that loses weight easily without effort may have cancer, cirrhosis, malabsorption, etc (the differential is literally pages long), so it isn't surprising that low body weight is associated with mortality. A body that gains weight easily is almost always healthy (some exceptions like Cushing's, hypothyroidism, medications, etc exist), especially in our sedentary, food abundant modern developed world. However, staying at a high weight with a high percentage of visceral body fat is associated with the chronic health conditions listed above. In very severe cases when bariatric surgery is used, we see major improvement in diabetes (some patients no longer need any medication afterwards, liver disease improves, etc. I'm sure the authors know this, but the chapter doesn't tell the full story, which hurts its credibility imo.
20 people found this helpful
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