How Ya Feeling? #doctoralpursuit

picture credit dreamtime.com

It’s time for a temperature check. This time of year educators often experiencing burnout. How do you know if you are experiencing this? Well, I read an article in Psychology Today written by Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D. In the article, Carter states that burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment (2013). These feelings are valid and should not be ignored. Life is busy and sometimes hectic but; guess what? It doesn’t stop cause we are tired and the kids (our commodities) still show up. They always show up!!! So, how are you? I have had to stop and think about my answer to this question. I will admit I am tired. This is the main reason for this blog post. I have issues with work, life, school, balance at times (most times) and it is coming to a head on the verge of burnout. My work load and home responsibilities seem to go into overdrive. Fortunately, I recognize the warning signs and make the necessary adjustments to keep it from getting out of control. I have to quietly remind myself to remember my balance. Your co-workers may also be experiencing these feelings. What can we do to help with this? We can be each other’s advocates. You can check-in with your teammates and other co-workers to see how they are doing. I am an instructional specialist and as I recognize the signs of burnout with my teachers, I become a listening ear, to hear their frustrations and validate their feelings. Any placing where I can be support to them, I step in and provide that support. As a doc student, I try to share my feelings with other doc students just to see if my frustrations and issues are valid and to see what others do to combat these issues. You can also take the time to relax, relate, and release to rejuvenate yourselves to make sure you are your best self for your most precious commodities — the children you are responsible for. Please remember that we have to be our best selves for the children. It's all about the children.

Thank you for reading...