Giving Yourself Love, Kindness and Compassion

Six months post Hurricane Katrina, I went to St. Bernard Parish of New Orleans to volunteer. I spent a period of time living in a tent city, helping to cook over 1,000 meals a day and organized items donated to those in need. This was one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had. Seeing such destruction to the homes and neighborhoods, the number of people living on the streets and the heartache so many people were living made my heart ache. Although I was there for a short period of time, the memories are lasting. One of those memories was seeing the impact all of this had on the volunteers and the burnout that was setting in through exhaustion.

Burnout is a common occurrence that sets in after traumatic events, especially after natural disasters, the loss of a loved one, exposure to chronic stress and especially a global pandemic. Many of us shoulder the burden of trying to control, fix or save situations. Right now parents are navigating how to work from home while managing their children’s remote learning. Healthcare workers are operating in ways they never have before while sacrificing themselves for others. As a society, we are learning new ways to live our own life while also making sure the safety of others considered.

Characteristics and signs of burnout include overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. Prevention to burnout is key and unique to each person. Some tools that have been identified to be helpful include: exercise, eating a balanced diet, practicing good sleep habits, positive self-talk.

Sisters, Emily and Amelia Nagoski wrote a book titled Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. This book explains how women experience burnout differently then men and provides a science-based plan to help minimize stress, manage emotions and live a more joyful life. Their TED Talk and podcast interview with Brené Brown are both great resources that accompany their book.

I encourage you to find the tools that will help prevent burnout and give yourself love, compassion and kindness.

be well-