Friday, May 10, 2019

Burnout Indicator Lights


During the recent Fellowship of Christian Athletes Collegiate Ministries Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas (USA), the 100+ attendees received a presentation from Licensed Professional Counselor, Kim DeRamus Lareau, related to burnout. At whatever level of sport we serve, this is certainly a possibility for sports chaplains and character coaches. Our service can be quite consuming, involve many hours, and a good deal of stress. Kim offered the points below as dashboard indicator lights. My outline of notes taken are below. Thank you, Kim.

As you are driving along in your service of sportspeople, teams, and clubs, please keep watch for these warning lights. If they’re flashing at you, please take appropriate action. We need you to be at your best to serve well.

Burnout Indicator Lights-
o   Emotional reactions don't fit the related issue. (Greater or lesser)
o   Stress related physical symptoms. (Headaches, nausea, etc.)
o   Anxiety.
o   Depression. (despair & hopelessness)
o   Cynicism. (more often in men)
o   Difficulty in letting go of perfection.
o   Decreased ability to rest or recharge.
o   Impacts upon relationships. (Self, friends, God)
o   Difficulty setting boundaries.
o   Addictive behaviors.
o   Secondary trauma. (Second hand)
o   Compassion fatigue. (Out of empathy)

Suggestions-

• Ask someone for accountability. 
• Make time for deep friendships. 
• Be mindful of fitness. 
• Practice faith disciplines.
• Recharge your passion.
• Recognize we have limited capacity. 
• Seek counseling.
• Make time for a hobby or creativity. 

Books:

Boundaries - When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Healthy Emotional Spirituality: Unleashing the Power of Authentic Life in Christ by Peter Scazzero

Soul Rest by Curtis Zackery

Didn't See It Coming by Carey Nieuwhof

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