From the May 2010 issue of PT in Motion magazine [See bottom of the clipping for my response to the question on how to avoid burnout].

What went on the edit floor was the resource I linked to saying:

Just completed a two year study with exciting results when people learn very basic awareness skills. http://matthewjtaylorinstitute.com/researchprojects.php#courage

We found that over a 2-yr period we created an environment that reduced with statistical significance all of burnout parameters we measure pre, post and 12 months post in a major rehab setting during the Great Recession of 2009 and the implementation of an awkward EMR system!

It was fascinating to watch as the rehab professionals returned to sensing and feeling their fatigue and burnout, they actually began to feel better and most importantly, act differently.

They changed their self-care routines, re-organized their time commitments, and approached management about changing processes they identified as contributing to their stress. Job satisfaction soared, considering leaving the organization or profession plummeted. Patients also stopped canceling afternoon BID sessions, so revenue increased.

All from a little posture, breath awareness, movement and attention to present sensations/thoughts and emotions.

So just like our patients, our way "home" to comfort is through feeling, NOT fleeing to one more job or numbing ourselves to get through to the weekend.

Go lay down with a pillow running length wise up your spine, spread your arms, palms up and legs comfortably apart. Watch the breathing take place (leave it alone) and pay attention to what you can feel for 15 minutes. You'll have more battery bars when you roll over and stand up…I promise….we have proof. 

How do you avoid burnout?