Take a Break

Interrupt, relax, become less tense. Stressors at work and home generate burnout and poor coping skills which creates barriers in compassionate care (Taylor et al., 2019). Planning days off of work can reduce overload, stress and burnout (Westman & Eden, 1997). Why not take breaks to relieve stressors? Add short interactive activities to your day. This may include self-care, motivation, celebration, acknowledgment of values, and/or volunteerism. Go out to lunch with a friend. Plan a mental health day. Take that vacation.

  • Taylor, B., LeBlanc, L. A., Nosik, M. (2019). Compassionate Care in Behavior Analytic Treatment: Can Outcomes be Enhanced by Attending to Relationships with Caregivers? Behavior Analysis in Practice. 12: 654-666.

  • Westman, M., Eden, D. (1997) Effects of a respite from work on burnout: Vacation relief and fade-out. Journal of Applied Psychology. 82:4.

Kristina Gunia