Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #11) Avoiding Burnout

@Heather225

And it seems that my answer was never posted :0 But here are my responses once again:

Tell us what you learned:

There was not something in particular that I learned, but I was reminded of the importance of self care, and the several signs of burnouts. The slides was also very comprehensive about burnouts in terms of leadership roles as well :)

What you will do to stay healthy and avoid burnout

Usually, to avoid burnouts, I would take a two week break every 3 months or so. On a daily basis, I always try to spend not too much time on here, and really take a lot of time to reflect on everything, especially with roles. I would write many paragraphs about my journey so far here on 7 cups, the roles and responsibilities I have right now, how to balance everything, and any challenges I am facing. It really is a good time to reflect and understand when I might start burning out, and to take the next steps if I see signs in myself of burning out. Something I found very useful was talking to another peer listener that might experienced through something similar, and brainstorm with them on the next steps I should take.

1: That sometimes I have to say no and step away so I don't burn out that much so that am there for people when they need me. This especially important well having a partner as well.

2: Taking time for myself and talking to causally without giving support to them.

@Heather225

I have learned burnouts can happen to the best of us, burnouts can also just happen out of know where because your not noticing it because your side tracked. To avoid burnouts can you try some self care and do things you enjoy and take some of that pressure of from you

It's better to do less more efficiently and effectively than do more and slack off or be struggling to keep up with what's required. There's a limit and boundaries to what each person is capable of and all of it is okay. Knowing those limits is so important as well as knowing when you need a break

@Heather225

I learned that burnout comes from chronic stress that can make you feel really negative about yourself.

Practise self care, be kind to myself, listen to myself and recognise the signs of burnout.

@Heather225

Through our journey on 7cups, we might experience some challenges. Sometimes we want to help but we shouldn't forget to take care of ourselves too. If we don't, we will start feeling unpleasant and as a result, this will reflect on our work that will feel harder every day. When we feel that we're close to burnout it's important to set our boundaries and take a break. We need to remember that our work here is important and the fact that we feel exhausted is normal. It matters that we don't give up. Taking a break is necessary sometimes and after coming back we will be able to respond to our duty better. In order to avoid burnout I have learned to recognize my boundaries and take a break when I feel the need to, while staying positive.

@Heather225

Through our journey on 7cups, we might experience some challenges. Sometimes we want to help but we shouldn't forget to take care of ourselves too. If we don't, we will start feeling unpleasant and as a result, this will reflect on our work that will feel harder every day. When we feel that we're close to burnout it's important to set our boundaries and take a break. We need to remember that our work here is important and the fact that we feel exhausted is normal. It matters that we don't give up. Taking a break is necessary sometimes and after coming back we will be able to respond to our duty better. In order to avoid burnout I have learned to recognize my boundaries and take a break when I feel the need to, reduce the time spent but stay on track and consistent while keep feeling and thinking positive.

@Heather225

Activity: Please read it through and in the replies, tell us what you learned, and what you will do to stay healthy and avoid burnout!

I learned how burn-out can happen - giving too much of yourself, not looking after you. It's amazing how much of a physical affect it can have on us, carrying so much stress and pushing ourselves too much.

To stay healthy, I'll be consistent in my self-care, taking breaks when I need to. And when things get too heavy, I"ll talk to chat or peer support, or a mentor. And getting offline completely.

Awesome slideshow!! I didnt know the symptoms of burn out, and the ones that surprised me the most were insomnia and nausea! I had no idea those could be linked to burnout! To avoid burnout I am going to limit my time on cups, and my screentimg in general! This was awesome Heather, thank you!

Activity: Please read it through and in the replies, tell us what you learned, and what you will do to stay healthy and avoid burnout!

I need to remember why I volunteer at 7cups and keep myself from feeling a lack of purpose. I need to remember the traits of a good leader. When I see myself acting as a bad leader, I need to stop and take a break and do self care. I need to help others self care as well so the community is a more positive place to be.