A client recently asked me, "how are you protecting yourself from burnout?"
And I'll tell you what...
Their innocent question left me feeling CALLED OUT by the universe.
But I do appreciate the question. I think it's important for all of us to consider (especially those of us who work in the helping professions).
Here's what I told them:
"Honestly, I'm still figuring that out. I'm still learning what works for me and as I experience different seasons, my needs for burnout prevent change too. But here's a few things I currently do:
I set really good boundaries. For example, I refuse to talk on the phone past 7pm and I straight up ignore texts and messages that are drama related. I do not engage in drama, and I do not therapize people in my personal life.
I exercise or move my body daily. This is a non-negotiable for me. Sometimes its and intense workout, other times its just frolicking and having fun looking for mushrooms and bugs in the forest.
I prioritize sleep and hydration, and nutrition as best as I can (if I'm not properly fueled, I am not my best.
I work with my own therapist, coach, mentors, healers, etc.
I use CBD oil to help mitigate my anxiety.
I'm mindful of what media I consume. Including music. I love sad-girl-music as much as the best of em but sometimes it's counter productive to the frequency I'm trying to live at. I also don't watch tv (my tv is literally unplugged and behind my couch lol) but if I do watch something I am mindful that it isn't violent or trauma triggering.
I take BREAKS from all the self-help inspirational David Goggins kind of stuff. There's such a thing as too much self-help.
I do as much weekly prep as I can so that I have less to think about/do during the busy week.
I schedule time for solitude, loneliness, and boredom.
I'm honest with myself and honest with other. Hardest, but most important thing to do.
I'm not perfect that burnout prevention by any means, but I recognize the importance here.
I'm curious- which of these resonated with you? What do you do to prevent burnout? Send me a DM on Instagram @kelseekeitel and let me know how you're preventing burnout!