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Angela Hooks, PhD's avatar

It’s me again, I was thinking about the books you listed, Dr. Chanequa. And wasn’t sure if this book was on the list “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity” by Dr. Sandra Dalton Smith. She offers 7 types of rest. 📚

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

I haven’t read that one but I think I heard about it a few months ago. I’ll have to take a look. Thank you!

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Jackie McNair's avatar

Thanks for confirming that there is such a thing as burnout. A few years ago, I scheduled a session on the topic for parents of children with special needs. The discussion was about ways in which we might cope with limited sleep, lack of support and needing a break from the day-to-day challenges of raising children with a plethora of needs. I received so much pushback from my then supervisor, telling me that there was no such thing and that it would send a negative message. Many parents attended the session and educators expressed their need for such. We all need strategies to cope with the many responsibilities we take on.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

It’s amazing to me that people still think this way. We have at least 2 decades of behavioral health research documenting the impact of caregiver stress. I suspect that because the research focuses on women, it tends to get ignored.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

I needed this post. 😭. And I am overextended. I know it. Also I read that book!

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Robin Apparicio's avatar

Dr. Walker-Barnes, thank you for the article. I love the idea of breaking the cycle of over doing and over stimulation. This is where I am transitioning from full speed ahead to rest. It has not been easy but I’m determined to rest and replenish. Thank you for your modeling and you look great in that photo, fresh, alive and aware. Blessings Robin

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Beverly Wallace's avatar

Thank you for this. I was wondering what was going on with me and this spoke volumes. I so appreciate you.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Thank you!

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rose j. percy's avatar

Oh no, you have the fibro flares too!? 😣

I am usually okay with most of my pain managed if I stay consistent with my medications…I hate when life throws me out of balance. I’m so glad you are on your reset journey 🙏🏾

As for books this is my fav on burnout. I’m still trying to digest this two years later Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cyclehttps://a.co/d/bTbmylK

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Mollie I.'s avatar

I second this book recommendation! It gave me some understanding of what I’d been doing to myself for so long and why I was suffering from full burnout. I refer back to it whenever I start to slip into old (bad) habits again. Highly recommended!

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Also, that book has been on my shelf for a while. I’m planning to read it after finishing Stephanie Foo’s “What My Bones Know.”

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Yep. I’m mostly able to manage it with exercise, sleep, and diet, but I’ve had more flares over the past few months.

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Phanta's avatar

Thank you for writing this. Burnout is so prevalent now more than ever. A new rhythm is what I look to create for myself. I am intentional to set a sustainable and life-giving pace.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Same here. We shouldn’t have to wait until retirement to live in sustainable and healthy ways!

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Phanta's avatar

Amen to that!!

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Carolyn Harrison's avatar

Thank you for modeling radical resistance to striving, and reminding me of the ever available invitation to rest like my life depends on it; and it does🙏🏽🔥🔥🔥

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

It really does.

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Ellie Yang Camp's avatar

Wow was this timely for me! Thank you for the modeling and encouragement.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Thank you!

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Desiree Middleton's avatar

This was so timely for me. I am burned out from teaching and being a college student and writer. I was planning on teaching this summer but I’m going to pray about it, because I’m at the point of not even wanting to go to work these last two weeks of the school year.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

I think we underestimate the stresses of the academic year - both for teachers and students. And you’ve been both at the same time! I’ve started to really value summer as time for recovery.

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Tiffany Stubbs's avatar

Thank you for sharing! This resonates so much with you! You continue to model self-care with such transparency and duality. It's so appreciated, Dr.C! ‼️💖

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting!

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Tiffany Stubbs's avatar

I actually meant, this resonates so much with me, LOL!! Yes, it was a great read and so on time for me!

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LaShanna Moore's avatar

I’m not sure if my comment posted, but this was a great read. Truly identifiable and necessary. Your shares are always so relatable and draw us to “deeper” in life. Thank you.

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Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes's avatar

Thank you!

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