Patient Leader Certification: Balance and Burnout
What's one strategy for managing balance and burnout that you can use right away? Why did you choose it?
Stay off of health social media for a few days, or keep scrolling through the algorithm until I hit dog videos! Health social media can be so depressing sometimes and really hurt you, especially if you have been following someone's story for a long time, and cannot help them.
I avoid burnout several different ways. Usually small steps daily. I start by stepping outside and looking up when needed. Taking deep breaths and going for walks. Music always makes situations better. And I take longer breaks as needed, stepping away for a day or two.
One strategy I can use right away is scheduling time away from everything and everybody so I can be alone to think or rest. It will help me refresh so I can resume my day with a fresh mind and increased energy.
, that's a great way to take care of your physical and emotional needs! Do you schedule time each day? - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
One strategy I can use right away is being more intentional about saying yes.
Before committing to a new opportunity, I'll pause and ask myself whether I have the time, energy, and capacity to give it the attention it deserves. If the answer is no, I'll give myself permission to decline or postpone it.
I chose this strategy because I've realized that burnout isn't usually caused by one big decision. For me, it happens when I continue saying yes to meaningful opportunities without considering the cumulative impact on my health, my energy, and my existing commitments.
Living with an incurable cancer has taught me that my energy is a limited resource. I want to use it wisely so I can continue serving others in a way that is sustainable, rather than reaching the point where I have nothing left to give.
It's definitely a learning process. Sometimes - depending on the thing I'm saying yes or no to - it's easier than others. One of the things I'm learning is to slow myself down when I get a great idea or hear about an amazing opportunity. I've learned that I can't do all the things, so I want to be sure that I'm directing my energy to the things that are right for me. , I feel you. I have an incredibly hard time saying no. It is difficult to listen to the voice of "self-preservation"I'll definitely think about our conversation the next time that voice is leading me to say something I'm not up to <3 - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
