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?
My dad, God bless him, always told me if you have to drive or commute to work, be sure to get a car that you enjoy driving. I enjoy my ride. I make my commute a little oasis between casework and home life.
I usually give myself way too many projects to tackle at once. A few years ago, I started using a daily planner. I block out time for activities, including breaks. Even though I may not always get things done in the exact times, visualizing my day helps me.
Focusing immediately on my own self-care, by getting enough sleep, eating healthier, and exercising, I can start better balancing my life priorities and keep burnout in check. But, at the same time, create distance from stressors by taking breaks, setting firm boundaries, which includes saying "no" more often to not stretch myself thin and delegating tasks when possible. I choose these methods because I’ve learned to practice them and they work.
That's a huge question! Over the course of my Lupus journey, I've developed different strategies to sustain myself while supporting/lifting others. This can be so challenging. I try to use detachment methods to reduce the stressful times with advocacy commitments. I get over stimulated and the physical and mental health issues can become severe. Taking moments to just stop along the way with prayer, family and great therapist, keep me encouraged.
