Burnout Prevention: Identifying Unconscious Blocks to Self Care

Burnout Prevention, Self Care and Time
You may think that you don’t have time to care for yourself while caring for others. The reality is we don’t have time not to since a lack of self care will always lead to a depletion of inner resources.

Identify Patterns to Prevent Burnout
A typical pattern when care giving is to go, go, go  until we become depleted, crash and then are forced to recharge in order to begin again.  We may even be aware of this pattern and feel that it’s okay.  Sometimes when we are down and out, care finally comes to us,  flowing in from a variety of sources.  Finally, people may realize that we need attention too.

Another scenario is that we may be left alone thus creating the time needed to rebuild inner reserves and to re balance ourselves.  The problem with this approach is (1) we have already entered a state that plays havoc with our health; (2) there is a tendency with this pattern to recharge and then once again begin the roller coaster ride so it is honestly not a solution.

Our lives do not have to be a roller coaster of ups and downs.  We can create a fairly smooth path through life with a few simple tools and skills. It is possible to build an inner core of energy that can serve as our wellspring. ..a new calmer, less stressful center to live from.

Development of this core strength provides resilience and enables us to be more easily present to life and to others. 

Being centered within this core allows us to maintain a healthier balance in all areas of life. As a result, we will be able to move forward with stamina and purpose, but also quietly retreat to nourish our mind, body and spirit when necessary.

Here is a brief ( 7 minutes) guided meditation that can serve as a stress reliever and first step on a new focus on self care and burnout prevention.