Thread by @karenraycosta

So we know that unmitigated chronic stress is detrimental to teaching and learning, but we can’t think our way out of it. At some point #HigherEd will have to acknowledge that we have bodies.

#BurnoutBook

I've been thinking about this all morning in the context of some anxiety I've been having about transitioning into downtime over winter break...

A lot of us love our work, derive a sense of purpose from it, and yes, use it as a coping mechanism (sometimes in a healthy way, sometimes not). I have a planned 13 day break, like REAL break coming up, and that brings mixed emotions.

I know I'm not alone in this, so I thought I'd share a few things I've been thinking and feeling about downtime challenges.

Maybe I'll start by saying that I see a lot of people who don't struggle with downtime telling people that do to "relax." This is actually not relaxing. Not helpful at all really. Just listening is a great alternative.

As much of a hellscape as this term was, in many ways, navigating the intensity of #HigherEd has probably distracted a lot of us from uncomfortable feelings born of living through global pandemic. So it's normal to feel a sense of loss when that distraction is gone.

A sense of purpose and meaning is an incredible protective factor against stress and trauma. Many of us get that from our work. Again, when we enter downtime and feel detached from our purpose, that can feel icky.

So here's my plan: I'm going to be mostly off, but I'm going to have some light, work-related tasks planned (reading journal articles I've been putting off).

I also like to build structure around the fun stuff. My family and I are trying to make our way through the Marvel movies, so that gives me a different sense of purpose, along with the stack of gorgeous novels next to my bed.

Anyway, if downtime feels like a scary void, I thought I'd just share that you aren't alone in that.