Thursday, April 8, 2010

reBlog from Debra: Footprints in the Butter

I found this fascinating quote today:


Girdin, Everly, & Duskek defined burnout as "a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress."  I'd say that anyone doing anything (paid or unpaid) can certainly experience excessive stress.  What do the experts advise for burn-out?  Here's some I found, with my comments.Debra, Footprints in the Butter, Apr 2010
Please read Debra's article and let me know your thoughts.
I have been experiencing this feeling of burnout in the past few weeks. The TOS Crew has put up some of their ideas to fight this malady that visits us each spring. The idea of starting subjects at different times in the school year appeals to me. Perhaps instituting more Home Ec classes a.k.a. Me supervising them cleaning could put some wind in my sails. Or going back to the napping years and assign nap time for all of us from 1 to 3.

I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

1 comment:

groovyoldlady said...

I hit a BIG burnout when my older 2 children hit 5th and 7th grades (more or less). What I needed (and got - thanks to a very understanding husband) was a 24 retreat to reevaluate my goals and schedule. I couldn't afford anything fancy, so I just packed up our little 2 man tent and headed for a nearby, inexpensive campground. I spent time hiking and praying and reading and, finally, doing some reevaluating. What I noted in my case was that I was trying to just lump school on top of everything else and then getting fristrated when my kids "needed" me for help or clarification. Taking time off helped me to focus and see that I wasn't allowing homeschool TIME. That realization allowed me to make some changes that greatly relieved my stress levels.

You may not be "messing up" in the same way I was, but a little time off - even an undistracted afternoon - to write it all down and think and pray can REALLY help.