The Reality of Burnout at EGF
Recently at the Elizabeth Gaye Foundation (EGF), we took an entire month off. Yup, that was one month of no emails, chats, discussions of anything EGF related. I wish I could say that was because we were being innovative, or listening to our body needs, or the plethora of research on burnout. But that would be a lie. Truth be told, our leadership was burned out. We were at our breaking point—overworked, stressed, etc. And we. just. Couldn’t. Anymore. So we called a mandatory time out. The only thing we did for the entire month of June was post on social media, which was already planned and scheduled to post :) . This break allowed our team time to enjoy life.
Director of Operations: Celebrated the completion of her Doctoral Degree, marking a significant personal and professional milestone.
President: Traveled, prioritized her gym routine, spent quality time with friends, and focused on mental health practices.
Director of Strategy: Our Director of Strategy conquered her fear of not being in control and marked something huge off her bucket list by going zip lining over lake travis. Okay, saying that she “conquered her fear of not being in control” might be a stretch, but progress was definitely made there.
Our President and Director of Strategy even managed to get lost, found and ultimately explore the austin botanical garden.
The point is that although we were forced by our bodies to take a break, it might have been the best decision we’ve made both individually and as an organization. This experience has prompted us to take a closer look at burnout and the importance of sabbaticals—two powerful concepts often overlooked in our hustle & no days off culture.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed. It is a psychological condition induced by chronic stress that is not managed well. This can stem from feelings of being overwhelmed and a lack of control over the situation. Burnout manifests in various ways, including physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness.
Burnout in Children
As the new school year begins, it's essential for parents to be vigilant for signs of burnout in their children. While burnout is often discussed in the context of adults, children and teenagers can experience it too. According to Dr. Amanda Lloyd from Rochester Regional Health's Bay Creek Pediatrics, burnout in younger children can appear as:
Increased clinginess to parents or caregivers
Changes in sleep habits and worsening nightmares
Regression to earlier behaviors like thumb-sucking or bathroom accidents
Teenagers might show signs of burnout through:
Disconnection and isolation from friends and activities
Disrupted sleep patterns
Lack of interest in usual activities
Changes in appetite
High-Functioning Kids and Burnout
High-functioning kids, who often excel academically and participate in numerous extracurricular activities, are not immune to burnout. These children might mask their stress through their achievements, making it harder to recognize the signs. They might push through exhaustion and stress to meet high expectations, which can eventually lead to severe burnout.
Recognizing burnout in high-functioning kids requires close attention to changes in behavior, mood, and performance. It's essential to create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking help when needed.
Helping Kids Through Burnout
Parents and caregivers can help their children manage and prevent burnout by:
Establishing open communication: Regularly check in with your children about how they feel and what’s going on in their lives.
Creating routines: Consistent routines, especially around bedtime and morning activities, can provide a sense of normalcy and stability.
Encouraging downtime: Ensure that children have time to relax and engage in activities they enjoy without pressure.
Modeling healthy behavior: Show your children how you manage stress and prioritize self-care.
As the school year ramps up, being proactive about recognizing and addressing burnout can help ensure your children have a healthy and balanced year. If you notice signs of burnout in your child, don't hesitate to reach out to teachers, school counselors, or healthcare professionals for support.
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