Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to lead a room full of administrators in a deep exploration of the complexities of burnout. As we engaged in this vital discussion, I observed lightbulbs going off when I emphasized that burnout isn’t something we can simply “cure” or “reverse,” as many popular stress-busting tools and programs suggest. The truth is that burnout is deeply rooted in dominant systems and cultural norms that prioritize productivity and constant availability. While we certainly have strategies to help heal from burnout, it’s essential to understand that simply adopting practices to build stress resilience is not enough. Burnout is a challenge that extends far beyond what any individual can tackle alone.

Burnout manifests as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, often resulting from prolonged stress. This perfect storm can feel particularly overwhelming as we approach the pivotal election next week, which can exacerbate feelings of burnout and emotional exhaustion. The constant barrage of information and the weight of civic responsibility can add to our sense of overwhelm.

Life is full of ebbs and flows, and right now, I find myself in a stage where everything seems to converge—juggling the demands of a young child, caring for aging parents, navigating my professional life, and striving to stay meaningfully engaged in local and national politics at a time when civic participation feel more crucial than ever. All of this can often feel like a recipe for burnout, especially within societal structures that reinforce individualism and the idea that we should do it all ourselves.

Take, for example, my son’s new school, which only offers aftercare until 4:30 PM. Since he was 18 months old, we’ve relied on aftercare until 6 PM. This seemingly small shift has had a profound impact on our family dynamics. In this new environment, it feels like many families have one parent who isn’t working or has significant flexibility, but this is not our daily reality right now so this change has added stress to our lives.

I used to feel frustration with the school for this, but deep down, I know we chose this path because we crave more time with our son, Kailash. It’s a reminder that while we strive for balance and fulfillment, the systems around us can make that balance difficult to achieve. Acknowledging this struggle is essential. When we bring this lens into our exploration of burnout, we recognize how important it is to examine the systemic pressures that shape our daily choices—and to remember that while individual coping strategies matter, we also need collective solutions.  As we hold space for both our struggles and our strength, below are some thoughts on the complexities of burnout and some strategies I've found especially healing and helpful.

I'm happy to share that in this moment we've come up with a creative solution to early after care pick up. Now, after picking him up, we bring Kailash to visit his 88-year-old grandpa and his friends at their senior living facility a few times a week. It's become a beautiful bridge between generations, where Kailash can connect with elders, while I find a couple of extra hours to catch up on work at a nearby coffee shop. This arrangement has been a powerful reminder of the value of community and intergenerational support, both of which are essential.

As we journey through the complexities of our lives, I invite you this month to take a moment to reflect on the healing process of burnout—both for yourself and for those you may know who are feeling its weight. Together, we can create spaces that nurture well-being, resilience, and connection. Let’s hold each other in compassion as we navigate this path toward individual and collective healing.

With warmth and care,

P.S. for educators: Want to reboot your teaching? I'm still offering a huge discount on the SEL Every Day Courses. You also have the option to earn 3-6 graduate credits.