January 2022: Burnout
Welcome To Our Blog
As a recent addition to the many useful tools we offer at Bright Minds Training, we will now publish a monthly blog! Here, we will feature what is new in the Early Childhood Education world, along with information about our newest and upcoming courses, and free monthly curriculum!
WHAT IS BURNOUT?
When what led me to quit my job and become a SAHM is brought up in a conversation, my “why” was for two reasons. I had just found out that I was pregnant with my 3rd and final baby. While that is not exactly an uncommon reason for people to quit their job, it ultimately came down to being SO BURNED OUT. I needed a break. There were too many days when my alarm went off in the morning to get up for work, where all I could do was think of ways to get out of it. I was constantly brainstorming reasons to leave early and before I even clocked out, I was thinking of what reasons I could give my boss for why I wouldn’t be able to make it in the next day.
Psychology Today describes burnout as “a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion,
cynicism, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.” Burnout is feeling extremely stressed out, with no end in sight with no way to control it. Other symptoms can include insomnia, lack of focus, mild forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
One of our very first and best-selling courses at Bright Minds Training is titled “WHAT ABOUT ME: A Guide to Avoiding or Overcoming Burnout.” This course speaks to teachers and staff of all age groups and at all levels of experience. Whether you have been working in ECE for one year or 25 years, burnout can affect anyone and might lead to some leaving their career for reasons that could have been avoided.
“True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake. It is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.” – Brianna West
HOW DO I OVERCOME BURNOUT?
One of the most simple ways to help get out of the funk of teacher burnout is to surround yourself with positive people. This is something that you would think is common sense, but sometimes you need little reminders. When you and the people that you are around most spend so much time complaining about work and life, it becomes who you are.
Overcoming teacher burnout is a lot easier than overcoming being an overall negative person. It is important to catch it before it completely consumes you. Another trick to beating the burnout is to take your whole lunch break for YOU. That means don’t spend it sitting in the office making copies for when you return from your break. Don’t spend it redecorating your bulletin board in the hallway for the next holiday.
It means, go to the break room, your car, or if you are allowed, go for a drive around the block. If the weather allows, sit outside and get some fresh air or go for a quick walk. “Escaping” your workspace at least 3 times a week for just 20-30 minutes can do wonderful things for your mind, body and soul.
To find out more about teacher burnout, how to overcome it, avoid it and how to even help fellow co-workers with the funk of burnout, take our course all about it; “What About Me? A Guide to Avoiding or Overcoming Burnout”. You will earn 2 training credit hours for just $10. The best part, use the code: WHATABOUTME to get 10% off just for reading our blog!
’Til next time, friends!
-Kasey
Like what you just read? Access more of our blog posts here.
*DISCOUNT CODE EXPIRES 2/28/22
