Why Yoga Can't Cure Burnout

 

September 11, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Recap: Why Yoga Can't Cure Burnout Dear Empowered Reader, As we transition into Fall, it's a great time to consider turning over a new leaf and developing a fresh perspective on well-being.  Are you struggling to overcome burnout despite focusing on your well-being?  In this special edition of the Empower Possible newsletter, we explore the  article titled "Why Yoga Won't Cure Burnout“ by Kathleen Schulz. I practice yoga on a daily basis and believe individual well-being practices are an essential part of life (I am more than a little biased) AND individual well-being practices are not enough to overcome systemic issues. This newsletter looks to explore this topic utilizing yoga to represent individual responses to burnout recognizing yoga for one person might be meditation for another or spending time in nature. While these are all part of well-being  these practices along ”can’t cure burnout”. Let's review the article's key takeaways. Understanding Burnout: Looking Beyond the Surface The article begins by addressing the common misconception that yoga is a cure-all for burnout. While yoga undoubtedly offers several physical and mental benefits, burnout is a complex issue that requires more than one practice to address. Burnout is not just about exhaustion; it involves emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a sense of inefficacy. The Limitations of a Single Solution Yoga has gained immense popularity as a mind-body practice that can alleviate stress and promote relaxation. However, this article highlights that relying solely on yoga to address burnout oversimplifies the complexity of the condition. Burnout stems from various factors, including workplace culture, societal pressures, and personal expectations. Therefore, a holistic approach to well-being involves a combination of strategies, including self-care, therapy, organizational changes, and more. The Role of Mindfulness and Intentionality Mindfulness, often integrated with yoga, can indeed contribute to well-being. The article emphasizes that practicing mindfulness and intentionality can empower individuals to navigate burnout more effectively. Being present, cultivating self-awareness, and making conscious choices about one's priorities can all play a significant role in preventing and managing burnout. It's not just about practicing yoga; it's about incorporating mindfulness into every aspect of life. Building a Resilient Foundation Resilience is a crucial component of addressing burnout. The article suggests that focusing on building resilience is more effective than seeking a single solution like yoga. Resilience involves developing the ability to adapt to stressors, maintain a sense of purpose, and bounce back from challenges. This can be achieved through a combination of practices, including mindfulness, cognitive reframing, seeking support, and maintaining healthy boundaries. Creating Lasting Change The article concludes by emphasizing that addressing burnout requires systemic change. While individual practices like yoga and mindfulness are valuable tools, they are most effective when accompanied by changes in workplace culture, societal expectations, and personal boundaries. It's a collective effort that involves individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. For more about lasting change check out a previous newsletter about reclaiming your power. Click HERE. Moving Forward Together As we reflect on the insights from "Why Yoga Won't Cure Burnout“,  let's remember that well-being requires a multifaceted approach. Yoga and mindfulness certainly have their place in promoting wellness, but they are just one aspect of the puzzle. By embracing mindfulness, building resilience, and advocating for broader changes, we can create an environment where burnout is less likely to occur. This is not to say you are to discontinue your well-being practices please DO NOT do this but instead if your well-being practices are not improving your well-being it might be time to think about the systems in place that may be impacting your well-being. Reflection Questions 1. How might our expectations about yoga's (or other well-being practices) effectiveness in curing burnout influence our overall approach to managing our well-being? 2. What are some potential limitations of relying solely on a single solution to address burnout, and how might a more holistic approach better address the complex factors contributing to burnout? 3.  What is one step you can take today to nurture your own well-being? ( It may be practicing yoga for 30 minutes) To read the full article, please visit https://on24static.akamaized.net/event/38/77/70/8/rt/1/documents/resourceList1662480977755/yogawontcureburnout1662480976622.pdf.  What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts about the article, well-being, or anything else on your mind! Please email me, info@empowerpossible.com Thank you for your readership and for being a part of the EMPOWER Possible community. Let's continue to learn, grow, and support each other on our holistic well-being journey.  Together we can regenerate our world, Julie Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the anniversary of September 11th, 2001. Today, let's take a moment to remember the tragic events of that day.  On this day of reflection, we honor the lives lost and the heroes who emerged amidst adversity.  Let us stand united in fostering a world where compassion and understanding prevail, ensuring that such acts of violence never define us. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. You Need Help But Not From Us': A Poem on Burnout by Rita Agarwal, MD  Teacher of the year, again Research publications, galore. Honors, accolades, committees Leadership positions, ad nauseum Excellence in clinical care Best Lecture, best lecturer, best doctor, best teacher. “Hey, I know you’re not on call, but can you…? ”“Hey, I know you’re off but could you ……?” “Hey, I know you’re in clinic but …..? ”Can you? Will you? Could you, help me? Three marathons lead to a bad hip. Successful surgery complicated by a fall. More surgery, then pus from the wound MRSA (of course)Aseptic meningitis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, superior venous thrombosis, Surgery again, again, and again “Hey, I know you’re sick but can you….?” “I know you don’t feel good but will you….?” “I know you’re recovering, but I need…….” Can you? Will you? Could you, help me? 80 hours a week for residents, Faculty just have to work harder. “Step up to plate, man. What is wrong with you?” “Hey, we’re short, everyone is working hard” “Try harder, work harder, what is wrong with you?" "100, 120, 140 hours a week….“ We paged you for hours, where were you?” “You were falling asleep writing notes” “Your EBL was way off” “One more mistake and you’re out”. “You need help…but not from us”. Depressed, defeated, desperate, humiliated, disgusted, drinking, “Do something. See someone." “Get help” “You were late, you left early, you’re not trying” “You were rude, your documentation is terrible, why aren’t you trying?” “You’re OUT” You Are OUT BURNED OUT

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. This week I am going to throw back to the Empowered Heart to Heart Podcast as it is relevant to this topic I hTh I chatted with Rhonda Simmons about personal mission statements, listening to your true voice, and claiming your power. To listen HERE  Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events    1) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 2) September 30th, Mindfulness Moment. Dream Up! Conference. 3) September/October: Better Together Series. Integrative Health and Well-being for Practitioners Series hosted in partnership with the University of Minnesota. 3) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 4) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission

Making Space For Growth

 

August 28, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Making Space for Growth Dear Empowered Reader, I was sitting on my deck one recent morning, enjoying my breakfast, when I looked over at my potted plants and realized that they were not blooming as much as I thought they would. The leaves were turning reddish-brown, but they hadn't fallen. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but something felt off.  So last week I decided to prune the plants, carefully removing all the non-green leaves and removing the old blooms. The next day I came outside and there were new blooms. See the photo above. This whole time I was waiting for the blooms to increase on my plants, I was wondering what more it needed — more sunlight, more fertilizer, or perhaps more water.  Turns out, the only thing holding it back from growing was its past self. It made me wonder — how much of our growth relies on first trimming what no longer serves us? What do we need to release so that we can flourish in the next season of our lives? What if we were to gently prune all the old stories we tell ourselves about who we are? What if we trim away all of the regrets of the past and the anxieties about the future? Gently pull away from all the outside influences telling us who we should be. What new season of life and what new story can we step into after we make space for our own growth? Share your thoughts on today's by emailing me at info@empowerpossible.com One way to start a new season is to celebrate your uniqueness by attending a workshop!  Please forward this to a friend and join me for a Building Your Strengths Workshop hosted by the ALA, The virtual interactive workshop begins with the completion of a strength identification exercise and a reflection period. This workshop also includes the opportunity to go into small groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of personal strengths and team strengths.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, info@empowerpossible.com Sign up here: Core Classroom: Building Our Strengths Together (ala.org)  Together we can regenerate our world, Julie (This reflection was inspired by the Holstee newsletter published in Summer of 2023) Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. FURNACE by Gary Boelhower Where the wound goes deep you must follow it all the way down to the center where the molten metal flares and seethes.   This is the fire that keeps you alive where all that is unformed and unimagined waits for an opening some fine fissure for the rise of a new word.   Do not fear the heat or flame where it touches you there your resolve deepens your bones grow strong tested in the furnace.   There at the deep center where the crimson sirens wail with grief let go of everything that doesn’t shine or sing. Let all the rest be burned.   Take that one small step toward the story of your essential longing that neither fire nor fear can cancel. Keep only what is true to your name.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media, I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently, I was a guest on Monday Positivitea with Parul. We chatted about, Freedom From The Clock: Balancing Self-Discipline, Soul Purpose, and Self-Love for True Freedom Check out the episode linked HERE to learn tips about finding work-life harmony, setting boundaries, and gaining freedom from the clock! Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events 1) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   own text Join me! Build Your Strengths    2) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 3) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 4) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission

Discover Your Special Powers

 

August 14, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Discover Your Special Powers Dear Empowered Reader, Earlier this year, at a workshop I attended the icebreaker question was,  "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"  Intriguing, right? If you're interested in knowing what I chose, just send me an email, and I'll gladly reveal my special power choice! 😊 This fun exercise got me thinking about a post I read several months ago by Chris Guillebeau (chris@sidehustleschool.com) about special abilities.  The blog post shared a few messages that resonated with me and now seems like a good time to send a summary of the post and a reminder that we all possess an array of gifts, talents, and values – our very own special powers! Let's explore a few of these extraordinary special powers together: Special Power #1: Fearless Independent Thinking Ah, the power to question, to ponder, and to delve deeper! Sometimes my elementary teachers did not enjoy the commentary from students who embraced this superpower at an early age however I am sure it has served them well later in life. Embracing this special power means you have the courage to think for yourself, even if it makes others uneasy. Throughout life, you might encounter people who prefer you to follow without question, but remember, you have the incredible ability to challenge the status quo and make your own decisions. It's okay to be a curious soul; it sets you apart in the most wonderful way! Special Power #2: Embracing the Art of Changing Your Mind Flexibility and growth are the essence of this fantastic power! 💡 Admitting you were wrong or outgrowing old beliefs takes true strength and maturity. You possess the openness to embrace new information and insights, and you willingly adapt your perspective accordingly. Cherish this power, for it enables you to evolve and become an even more amazing version of yourself! Special Power #3: Forging Your Own Path Your ability to see beyond the predetermined choices and craft your own unique journey is simply inspiring. Life might present you with apparent alternatives, but you have the wisdom to recognize that they aren't your only options. Instead, you bravely step into uncharted territory, creating a path that aligns perfectly with your dreams and aspirations. These special powers are within your reach, waiting to be harnessed and celebrated!  While they are accessible to everyone, not everyone embraces them as you now have the power to do. Your determination to think independently, adapt gracefully, and forge your own path can set you apart in the most fantastic way. As you go about your day, don't forget to tap into these abilities and embrace any other unique powers that make you who you are. By embracing your power you begin to shine, and the world is a brighter place because of it! As always I have a few reflection questions for you to ponder.  Take a few minutes to think about… What superpower would you choose for yourself, and how does it reflect your values and aspirations in life? In what ways have you embraced the special power of independent thinking in your life?  Can you recall a specific situation where your willingness to question led to positive outcomes? Reflect on a time when you had to change your mind about a deeply held belief or perspective. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth, and what lessons did you learn from it? If you have other special powers you'd like to share or any exciting experiences to discuss, feel free to send me a message, info@empowerpossible.com.  I'm always here to listen and celebrate your uniqueness!   One way to develop your superpowers and celebrate your uniqueness is to attend a workshop! Please forward this to a friend and join me for a Building Your Strengths Workshop hosted by the ALA, Click HERE to sign up. The virtual interactive workshop begins with the completion of a strength identification exercise and a reflection period. This workshop also includes the opportunity to go into small groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of personal strengths and team strengths.   This 3-week virtual workshop consists of weekly live virtual group discussions. Participants should complete the assigned readings and the media prior to the live chat session and should also come prepared with questions, both about the content and about any workplace challenges they may have encountered, to help drive the discussion.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, info@empowerpossible.com Together we can regenerate our world, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me  by  Maya Angelou Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn't frighten me at all Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts in a cloud Life doesn't frighten me at all Mean old Mother Goose Lions on the loose They don't frighten me at all Dragons breathing flame On my counterpane That doesn't frighten me at all. I go boo Make them shoo I make fun Way they run I won't cry So they fly I just smile They go wild Life doesn't frighten me at all. Tough guys fight All alone at night Life doesn't frighten me at all. Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don't frighten me at all. That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair (Kissy little girls With their hair in curls) They don't frighten me at all. Don't show me frogs and snakes And listen for my scream, If I'm afraid at all It's only in my dreams. I've got a magic charm That I keep up my sleeve I can walk the ocean floor And never have to breathe. Life doesn't frighten me at all Not at all Not at all. Life doesn't frighten me at all.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently I was a guest on She Sparks Tech I had an insightful chat with the amazing Casey Bertelsman about workplacewell-being and how to conquer burnout while achievingyour wellness goals! ❤️‍🩹 In today's fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves is more important than ever. Join us as we dive into practical tips, strategies, and personal experiences that can help you stay on track with your wellness journey. Click HERE to listen Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events 1) August 18th and 19th, Dear Future Me: Women's Empowerment Summit Engage in transformative workshops that empower you to overcome trauma, execute your vision, implement self-care, & have financial wellness. own text Join Me! Engage and Transform! 2) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   own text Join me! Build Your Strengths    3) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 4) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 5) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

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