Patient Leader Certification: Balance and Burnout

I re-prioritize my to do list to work on things that are needed to be done or can wait. I find that I consistently and unnecessarily add “have to be done” tasks to my list, which consistently requires a rebalancing of the list. I normally know when it’s time to do that when I feel overwhelmed or when I wake up early thinking about the tasks for the day rather than enjoying my gym time, reflecting time, and a cup of strong coffee. There are also times that I force myself to say “no” no matter how much I may want to say yes.

I use the morning hours for me. So from 7am-11am it's all about me. I hit the gym, meditate and journal It's made a significant difference in my life. Before doing this I always came last.

Some ways that I have started to preemptively avoid burnout is setting energy guardrails around every day. I know some days will be less balanced than others in terms of projects or commitments, but I make sure to insert some downtime each day regardless. I have also started rescheduling calls/plans/appointments that I used to feel guilty for previously.

I like to prioritize the things I need to do and figure out what can wait and what I can even say no to or save for later. I also love to escape. Into a TV show or a book. Someone else's story that is different from my own. Sometimes the break from my life and disease and advocacy is enough to reset me.