I’ve had many conversations with leaders across sectors this new year. Regardless of industry, they consistently cite workload challenges as a significant hurdle to their long-term well-being, and the research backs this sentiment up. This article will discuss aspects of workload leaders can discern, change and control for a more sustainable workload.
Bonita Eby
Bonita Eby
Bonita Eby attends and is a former pastor at WMB Church in Waterloo, Ontario. She is a Burnout Prevention Strategist, executive coach, and owner of Breakthrough Personal & Professional Development Inc., specializing in burnout prevention and wellness for organizations and individuals.
Normally when we think of rest, we think of physical rest. Or we think of zoning out in front of Netflix with a yummy snack. But what if the rest we seek is not the rest we need? Finding appropriate rest will help you implement sustainable practices for greater resilience. Today we’ll explore two types of rest.
If we intentionally choose to act differently, we feel more relaxed. For instance, when our breathing becomes fast, shallow and misplaced in our chest, try slowing your breath. Breathe in from your diaphragm, relax your shoulders and slowly breathe out.
Some of the greatest gifts we can offer a hurting world come from our own suffering. Walking the hard road, making tough decisions, and choosing the best path forward amid challenges polishes our hard edges.
This is the fourth and final article in the Leading through the trauma of COVID series. Today’s article will look at five factors that created stress during the pandemic and…
- inspirationalLife & FaithMB Herald
Leading through the trauma of covid: Part three in a four-part series
by Bonita EbyNow is a time for rest. As leaders, many of us want to jump right back into the vision we hold so dearly. The time for marching will come. But now is a time for rest.
Leaders are not therapists and shouldn’t try to be. However, we as leaders can model healthy coping skills to our hurting and grieving communities. Whether you lead a church, a company, or manage a group of people, modelling healthy behaviours will also encourage others to do the same.
What we’ve experienced in the past creates a grid of reality in which we perceive the world. Our experiences dictate how we understand the present.
When our plates are full and we feel the pressure of looming deadlines, it can be tempting to push through. However, taking a break can be the most productive decision we make.
We are created for relationships, but overstimulation from scrolling social media feeds is a poor substitute for meaningful connection.
Most pastors and ministry leaders are passionate about their mission. While this is a good thing, in the presence of persistent pressures and a never-ending to-do list, care for oneself often falls to the wayside. You have the same human limitations as everyone else. Make eating well, exercising and connecting with those you love a priority.
Six factors contribute to burnout: autonomy, connection, reward, equity, workload, and values. Here are prayers for each of the six areas to remain or become healthy as leaders.
For leaders, Christmas brings a medley of excitement and challenges. While numerous opportunities arise for connections with our congregations and workplaces, community and neighbours, we often experience heightened levels of stress, obligations, and weariness. Let’s talk about how we, as leaders, can care for ourselves during this season.
The pandemic has changed how we as leaders connect, innovate, and lead. Mental health and well-being now top the chart for leaders’ concerns in terms of longevity. Several factors play into creating a spiritually, mentally and emotionally healthy environment in which leaders can thrive. Here are five essentials for resilient leadership.