Some days when the burn out isn't as bad as other days just a little trim of the hair and a lunch date is enough for me. I have others that can run the childcare in my absence. Other times when I am maxed out I take a week off and do something with my sister while my dh and helpers run the childcare in my absence. It is fantastic but I know that I am lucky to have people I can trust fill in when I am gone.
For light "burn out" days, I read this list :-). Truely, it's been great therapy for me. I feel as if I am not alone
in a sea of children, LOL!
For really bad days, I have a nice big drink (adult drink), turn on some tunes, and cook to my heart's content WITHOUT family interruptions. Then I usually have a nice long bath with candles and read something I enjoy that is NOT childcare related :-).
When I feel burn out coming on I will try to take a day off and just do nothing. Sometimes I will get a manicure and a pedicure if money is tight then I will do it myself on Friday night get into a comfy pair of jammies put on a good movie and pamper myself. Other times when I feel it starting I will just let the dcks have a week of play with no theme plan except what I put on the parent board and I call it Brain Fade week and all the dcps know that we have no plans for that week and that
I am tired and need a break from our normal routine.
I know that I have scheduled adequate Holidays and Vacations but providers need to take care of themselves also. To prevent burn out I make sure that I take 1 hour to myself daily. I either go for a walk, sit and read an "escape" novel, sit in the hot tub (It is in our basement and we purchased it 9 years ago. It is great all year round. Best after a day of skiing tho'.), or even take a nap. Some days I take advantage of doing more than one! All of these relaxing things are usually done after I have run the daily errands to the PO and the grocery store. Even doing those things allows a change of scenery!
I have certainly have had my ups and downs over the last twelve years. I have to say that the last three years have been much better with this group to turn to. I believe that all of us spend our days and much of the nights caring for everyone else. We never sit back and care for ourselves and see what we need. I think we all have to spend more time caring for ourselves before we care care for other people. I have found that over
the years when I am involved in a weekly treat I am always more happy. I have done things like go to local auctions, join ceramics, go for coffee with a friend, get a manicure or my hair done and now I joined Curves and I workout every morning before daycare. I know when I feel better about myself everything else follows.
When I start the downhill slide towards burnout, I turn on some music. I also have been known to pick up one magazine from my stash of luxury building plan magazines and just dream.... . In other words, I totally zone out from my surroundings.... .
I spend lots of time on my computer during the day when the kids are playing and these lists have helped me so much! I feel like I have over 200 new friends that work with me! Not only has it been a great resource but also a place to have adult chat and get advice from people who know what's it's like being a provider!
MY IDEAS FOR RELAXING AFTER BURN OUT HAPPEN IS TAKE A NICE BATH WITH BUBBLES OR GO SHOPPING AND GET MY HAIR DONE AND SPEND A QUIET TIME READING MY BIBLE
