Burnout Is All Too Real

Our campus overlooks the beautiful and scenic Hudson River in Westchester County, New York. I value teaching and mentoring future school psychologists. Yet, when I feel stressed and need to unglue from my laptop, I stroll around the campus, sit for a bit, and take in the river’s expansive elegance, savoring the moment’s serenity. An occasional deer will stroll by, unfazed by this human. So calming!

—Jeffery J. Cohen, Mercy University

I prioritize self-care because those I serve deserve me at my best. I do these things daily to maintain my work-life balance:

• I practice gratitude by writing three things I’m thankful for each morning in my journal. This shifts my mind from “I have to do X” to “I get to do X.”
• I complete short bursts of rigorous exercise—usually five minutes every hour. This quickly changes my mental state.
• I keep a “motivational folder” nearby where I collect things that spark joy for me, such as thank you notes from my students. I dip into the folder when I’m having a rough day. Looking through it helps me remember my priorities and values.

—Briana Houlihan, University of Phoenix

I am a history buff, so I often make time for short but frequent trips with my family to nearby historical sties. These trips help me take a break from worrying about pending work and grading. I get the change to recharge my batteries and come back rejuvenated. These day trips are not expensive, and the change of scene is valuable for my whole family.

—Visty P. Dalal, Southern New Hampshire University

Facilitating classroom instruction and designing learning opportunities are my favorite tasks. I don’t burn out, because I regularly learn new teaching tools to integrate into my courses. For example, last fall, I redesigned one course in alignment with the principles and practices of expeditionary learning, an approach to education that integrates academic content with real-world experiences. This spring, I learned how to use my university’s Learning Management System (Canvas) to strengthen in-class student engagement in my two hundred–student introduction to communications studies course. My students and I also derive a sense of accomplishment from supporting local mission-driven organizations.

—David E. Weber, University of North Carolina Wilmington

This past academic year, the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Education (CSSME) developed and launched the CREATE program for CSSME faculty, students, and staff. It offers monthly workshops aimed at fostering connection and creativity. Each workshop encourages participants to engage in out-of-the-box activities, from learning origami to decorating graduation caps. By providing a space for expression and relaxation, CREATE helps combat burnout and promote mental well-being and a sense of community. This program not only enhances personal growth but also strengthens campus bonds and helps ensure that everyone feels rejuvenated and inspired.

—Kathryn A. Branch, University of Tampa

I combat burnout by practicing self-care, prioritizing my family, learning new skills, limiting my workday to specific hours, and keeping work correspondence out of my smartphone. I am a lifelong learner; this summer my granddaughters and I are participating in the 2024 Firefly Watch! I stay energized by learning new things and experimenting with novel ideas in my courses. I recently added nonfiction texts by multicultural authors to the curriculum of my composition class. My self-care includes crocheting, reading, traveling (day trips count), and shopping with friends. My colleagues and students are like family to me, but I also value spending private time with my family.

—Donna Brewer, Motlow State Community College

Lead photo: Mercy University