Patient Leader Certification: Balance and Burnout

Living with multiple chronic conditions has taught me that our energy is limited. To manage this, I organize my days using planners and prioritize non-negotiable health tasks—such as treatments, medical appointments, and tests—while finding the right moments to carry out my activities as a Patient Advocate efficiently. Incorporating rest and considering its impact on my health is essential; therefore, I’ve learned to carefully select activities that truly add value, while setting boundaries and saying "no" when necessary. To effectively support others, we must first care for ourselves. Ultimately, it’s about protecting our peace and emotional stability by spending quality time with those we love and fully enjoying the present moment without the weight of pending tasks.

In order to avoid burnout, I listen to my body as much as possible. I try to get out in nature and take a walk every single day, unless the weather is absolutely unacceptable. Being outside in the fresh air helps my mind and body reset. I especially like it if I can be surrounded by nature. I don't watch intense shows very often, as they just get me too keyed up. And I also make time to unplug and step away from all media (even my beloved NPR) each and every day. My brain needs quiet time!

A strategy I use to prevent burnout is to actually rest. No forcing of myself to create content or engage, no extra meetings or phone calls. If I spend a full day in the community talking to people, the next day I have already scheduled it as a relax and refresh day. It helps me to stay centered and grounded. When dealing with others in the chronic disease community, it can come with a lot of heavy, relatable conversations and I have to take those moments afterwards.

A strategy I use is to pretend I'm five and set myself a bedtime. This gives me permission to wind down from too much activity and stress and get the rest I need.