Beating Burnout: What We Learned from Executive Coach Chelsea Frost
“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” (World Health Organization, 2019)
“LEGO” of Burnout.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.”
At the beginning of August, we heard from the exceptionally talented Chelsea Frost, an executive coach dedicated to preventing and combating burnout. Chelsea's passion for this topic stems from her personal experience with overwhelming stress and burnout in her 20s. Through her journey of healing and prevention, she has developed a profound commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges.
In our August 6 Back-to-School Bootcamp “Beating Burnout” webinar session, Chelsea shared invaluable insights specifically tailored to educators facing the demands of the new school year. Be sure to watch the webinar to delve into these critical areas:
- What burnout is.
- How you can develop burnout.
- How to prevent and reduce burnout.
Back to School Bootcamp: Session 1 Keynote Beating Burnout with Chelsea Frost, Executive Coach
Once you’ve watched the video, click this link to fill out a survey and receive your professional development certificate.
What is Burnout?
According to Chelsea, the World Health Organization classifies burnout as a workplace phenomenon: “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” (World Health Organization, 2019)
This phenomenon is defined by three characteristics in a person:
- Energy depletion or exhaustion.
- Increased mental distance from or feelings of cynicism towards one’s job.
- A loss of confidence in one’s ability to perform in one’s job.
“If you are feeling burnt out or have felt burnt out, you are having a normal human reaction to adverse situations,” Chelsea says.
How Can You Prevent Burnout?
Chelsea explains the burnout prevention equation as Reduce Stressors + Reduce Stress Response + Recover Better from Stress = Burnout-proof, and breaks the formula down in an easy to understand and implement way.
Remember, as Chelsea puts it, “You are the only one who’s 100% responsible for you . . . You have to prioritize you . . . Understand that your needs matter, just as much as your students, just as much as your colleagues. Your needs matter just as much as everybody else’s because you are of equal worth as they are.”
Burnout is a challenge many educators face, but it's not an insurmountable one. Chelsea’s insights remind us that recognizing and addressing burnout isn't just possible—it's essential. By taking proactive steps to manage stress and prioritize self-care, we can create a healthier, more balanced life both in and out of the classroom.
The strategies and wisdom Chelsea shared are tools you and anyone looking to combat burnout can use to not just survive in a workplace, but thrive in it. And remember to put just as much dedication into your own well-being as you do in educating your students.
As we move forward into this school year, let’s commit to making our well-being a priority. Let's "LEGO" of burnout and build a foundation of support, understanding, and self-care. We encourage you to watch this webinar on beating burnout to learn what she has to say about protective skills and true solutions to this burnout phenomenon.
If you're interested in more resources from Chelsea or feel that her services could benefit your school, check out her website.
Source: Chelsea Frost, Executive Coach