Best Decision I've Made (How to Prevent Burnout)
I’ve been feeling the stress of summer reading planning for a little while now, we’re starting to use new software which will allow patrons to register and record their summer reading online, we’re installing a brand new self check out stations and we’re missing a few of our staple employees this summer so there’s been a lot of decisions and changes happening along with the usual program planning, school visits, and day-to-day work that has to happen to keep the library going.
There’s a number of great reads out there discussing burnout and workplace stress which tends to bleed into other parts of your life affecting you and the people around you, like these – Running on Empty, Making Choices and On Burnout. Librarians are no stranger to stress and even burnout and I was feeling stressed for a lot longer than I liked.
So for the holiday weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to take off Friday and Tuesday on either side of the weekend which was truly one of the best decisions I’ve made recently. My boyfriend and I purposely didn’t make too many plans, we didn’t travel to see my family (which equates to about 11 hours in the car) and we had such a great time. We were able to work on some projects around the house, run some errands and still had plenty of time rest and relax. Having those extra two days with the holiday weekend gave me time do the things I needed to do and the things I wanted to do – planted vegetables in the garden, mowed the lawn, read 2 books, went hiking with the pup and made some delicious drinks and dinners.
So as summer reading is coming – make sure you take time for yourself – in whatever way that looks like – drinks with friends, daily prayers, exercise – whatever it looks like to you. Take time for yourself, in order to help yourself and help others.
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Jen Robinson
I think that taking time for yourself is great advice. Glad you were able to recharge over the LONG weekend. As for me, instead of going on a camping trip with my husband and daughter and many of our friends, I stayed home and read solidly for 3 days. It was just what I needed.
literacious
And I bet your daughter and husband had an awesome time as well! Alone time makes me a better person for myself and my family!
Dawn Poses Guest
This couldn’t have come at a better time! I have become so accustomed to running like a chicken without a head at work that I carry that to our home. This weekend, I vegged out and watched Netflix like crazy and did absolutely nothing but cook healthy meals and enjoy time with my husband. Isn’t it crazy how when we actually SLOW DOWN, there is often that hint of guilt for not being super busy! Ok…
literacious
I feel that way too! Especially when there’s housework that needs to be done, errands that need to be run, but honestly I needed all that time this weekend to just get back to a good place in my head and now I feel like I’m ready to take on summer reading!
Lilyn G. (Sci-Fi & Scary)
I just recently made the decision to ratchet back the posting on my site. It was either that, or say screw it and shut Sci-Fi & Scary down. We all definitely need to take steps to avoid burn out. This is a good reminder post.
literacious
Posting can be so much work, especially when you set up goals in your head about how much you want to be posting. Thankfully, right now, I’m really enjoying this experience, but I never want to feel obligated to post, so I think it’s smart to be aware of when you need to pull back and focus your time on something else.
Lilyn G. (Sci-Fi & Scary)
I did 2 posts a day, minimum from August of last year until…today. Today is my first 1 post day.
literacious
WOW! I’m so impressed with you and in awe! I try for one post a day Monday – Saturday and I usually take Sunday off.
Lilyn G. (Sci-Fi & Scary)
Needless to say, I feel more relaxed already. More time to devote to promoting the site and just relaxing and reading.