This week’s video continues our discussion of compassion fatigue. Instead of addressing burnout only when it reaches critical mass, here are a few tips to help ward off emotional exhaustion before it begins:
- Schedule renewal before you burn out.
- Examine your daily and weekly outpour v.s. intake.
- Make self-care appointments.
- Get accountable, and not just to yourself.
- Immerse yourself in supportive people at least twice per week. More often if you’re on the front lines.
- Laugh every day.
- Share a minimum of five smiles with others each day.
- Hug often.
- Pour in at least three times as much inspiration as you pour out in compassionate sorrow.
- Pay attention to your daily hydration, rest, and nutrition.
- Monitor your red flags each week (irritability, fatigue, apathy, e.g. – see last week’s signs) to catch it early.
- Pray without ceasing.
- Read something uplifting and/or growth-oriented at least four times each week.
- Know your negative media tolerance level and stick within it.
- Pour your worries and others’ out in prayer until you’ve let go of them.
- Add margin and quiet space, even if it means delegating responsibilities to others. Maybe ESPECIALLY if it means delegation.
- Consider getting a mentor or coach to help you remain refreshed and unburdened. You could meet once every 4-6 weeks.
