I really enjoyed the information on perspective, evaluating our beliefs about adversity, and focusing on having an internal locus of cotrol. In regards to taking control of one's own health to reduce stress, the simple changes that could be implemented in each of the 4 areas, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and meditation, might best be tackled one, 21-day challenge at a time, so that you don't feel like you have to improve or change everything all at once. I've really been focusing on this over the past several months since the Covid-19 pandemic created so much added stress to all of our lives, and especially those like myself who work in healthcare. I started just by simply trying to go for a walk for 15 to 20 minutes each day for 21 days. The next month, I continued with walking and tried to reduce the amount of sugar in my diet for 21 days, and so on and so forth, until I found that I was able to develop healthy habits in many areas over a period of time. When we try to tackle all areas at once, it becomes overwhelming, and then we are much more likely to give up before we can sufficiently develop the habit.
I have honestly learned more about myself and have been personally reflecting throughout the course so far. I feel as if I am on the verge of burnout. That's not something I would like for myself. I am going to really work on recharging and renewing myself. I need to work on fixing my sleep, exercising more, and just taking better care of myself. I didn't realize that I was on the verge until I started this course. I realize how much I just ignore and what I can already do in order to do better for myself.
I like the idea that the energy people bring to their work in their lives is far more important in terms of the value of their work than the number of hours they work by managing energy more skillfully.
I learned that different factors plays a part in your stress levels, but you have to identify them and take measures to reduce them.
I plan to continue building healthy relationships inside and outside of work and learn meditation techniques.
Diaphragatic breathing
Meditation
Sleep
90 minutes break
All the above can help to reduce burnout
Self-care is important. Knowing limit and boundaries are important as well. As a leader, it is important to recognize this in my employees and ensure they feel supported and not overwhelmed.
I already know about my burnout, I'm a HVAC contractor in the day and a HVAC instructor at night, no breaks. I like to have PTO from my instructor job, but we do not have the facalty, So I burn throught the burnouts and go forth.
It is essential to maintain balance between work, liesure, health and mental aspects. Health can be affected by an imbalance of those factors.
Working in community nursing was deeply rewarding while simoltaneously inflicting a load of vicarious trauma
I will defninitely try to focus more on positive things in my life that I can control instead of tending to get stuck thinking about negative things that I cannot control. I am willing to try a few of the 21 day exercises for stress relief and renewal.
Lately I've been suplementing my diet with fiber, and I am impressed with the results. It was a quick change that was easily adopted, but as I kept up with this addition, it has eveolved from drinking a flavorless beverage to adding more natural sources of fiber to my diet.
I believe any change toward a healthier lifestyle has the opportunity to evolve into something you'd never expect.
I look forward to incorporating more...epecially sleep!
Yes, taking time to excercise is very important. It almost feels like an addiction if I miss a run. Even better, it's good to haave a partner who helps you keep motivated. My boy Miller keep us motivated, and he's a food nut, so I think I'll become more open to trying healthier food options. I usually stick to the same food routine, but opening my pallet to different, healthier foods is a welcome change.
I believe sleep is extremely important to productivity. I try to get at least 7 hrs nightly and it truely helps.
I believe meditation has a lot to do with coping with stress. Not only is it a great way to decompress and relax, meditation helps excercise the ability to focus on the task at hand and ignore outside influences in the environment that cause distraction.
Lacking concentration then stressing over work that wasn't done becomes a feedback loop that spins out of control to burnout.
Through this PD I learned how to recognize burnout and I am going to do one of the 21 day activities. I had already read about the breathing techniques during COVID and I do find that they do help to relax and focus.
Stress is not always bad however, it's our perception of the situation that can determine the outcome. We need to be able to balance everything out and not get so caught up in the tasks/obligations, etc. The 21 day challenge will help to incorporate a new healthy habit which is definitely useful. And it is ok to rest from it all
I am going to try to focus on the positive things I can control, instead of always focusing on the negative that I can't control.
Putting myself first and performing a self assessment is vital to my overall health and the health of my family.
Pay attention to sleep, nutrition and exercise.
