Recently I attended a panel discussion by some experienced youth leaders at the Pittsburgh Youth Workers Conference* on how to avoid burnout. This is a very important topic since youth leaders have a high burn out rate.
Here are some tips to prevent burn out:
- Surround yourself with mentors, people who will support you, and provide accountability.
- Have a non-negotiable day off, and stick to it. Don’t answer the phone or texts.
- Have an family adventure plan. Have a list of things that you want to do as a family.
- Know yourself, know your needs.
- Know when your slow season is, and slow down. i.e. November is usually slow.
- Diversify whom you will spend time.
- Sabbath. This doesn’t mean a day. This means “Chill”. Read an inspiring book, listen to audio books, go on hike, visit a museum, sleep, feed your soul.
If you have other tips you can offer on how you avoid burn out, please let us know. We are here to help each other.
*The Pittsburgh Youth Workers Conference panel on avoiding burn out included Dave Barr, Scott Wakeley, Alex Ruzanc and Joe Williams
