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A Balanced Candle Won't Burn Out
Contributed by The Blue Dove Foundation

A Balanced Candle Won't Burn Out

Hanukkah, the holiday of lights, is one of the warmest times of the year, meant to be spent immersed in the love of friends and family. But for many caregivers, preparation for this holiday and all of its material expectations can become overwhelming and stressful. Whether they’re parents, teachers or healthcare providers, they can feel overextended to a dangerous degree. This feeling is only exacerbated by the fact that so many of us are culturally inclined to not see our own well-being and ability to function as a priority. Rather, the modern individual is pressured to “achieve” and “hustle,” leaving very little room for rest. This perspective is disastrous to our mental health and inevitably leads to burnout.

The concept of burnout isn’t new; it has been a major part of workplace culture for years. But burnout doesn't only occur in the workplace; it can happen to anyone going through periods of constant stress. Yet like so many other aspects of mental health, burnout carries its own level of stigma, leading to less public education about its symptoms, risks and treatments, and leaving many people in the dark. Without a complete understanding of what they are going through, people experiencing burnout may simply feel they are inadequate and keep their struggles to themselves. This stigma can also lead to judgment and a lack of understanding from friends, family and co-workers. So it is important to find a balance between accomplishing everything that needs to be done and taking care of ourselves, especially during the busy season of giving. That means recognizing and honoring our limits. If we fail to achieve that balance, we run the risk of our own candles going out. Download the full resource here.
Service Section: Chanukah 
Source: www.thebluedovefoundation.org/hanukkah

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