Member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and NSA - Minnesota Author, Teachers in Transition: Growing Forward Through Retirement (Rowman Education), Teachers Today: A Guide to Surviving Creatively (Corwin Press) Author with Bev Johns, The Teacher’s Reflective Calendar and Planning Journal (Corwin Press) Coauthor with Bev Johns and Sarup Mathur, Surviving Internal Politics within the School: Practical Strategies for Teachers (Rowman Education) Ethical Dilemmas in Education: Standing Up for Honesty and Integrity (Rowman Education), Reaching Students With Diverse Disabilities: Cross Categorical Ideas and Activities (Rowman Education), The Many Faces of Special Educators: Their Unique Talents in Working with Students with Special Needs and in LIfe (Rowman Education) Member of Toastmasters International Graduate of University of Minnesota studies in educational psychology, administration and communication 31 years of teaching experience

Eleven years ago February, I officially declared burnout from my job working with emotionally/behaviorally disordered youth. How did I make this "declaration?" It was with little "bounce" and a great deal of defeat that I took a leave of absence. With that I was then faced with the monumental task of completing doctoral orals on my own dissertation entitled, "Job Stress and Burnout Among Teachers of the Emotionally/Behaviorally Disordered!" The ironies of life!

Parallel to and beyond that challenge I had to enter into the process of recovering from the crash of job burnout. During this recovery time, a period of seven months, I sought components for my life that would contribute to the "bounce" I needed to work again. The following are some of the means I used to recover from burnout.

Exercise - A class in aqua aerobics fit the bill for me. This activity, gentle on the joints as well as the soul, also provided a social network. Whatever you choose for exercise, keep it a regular part of your routine. It's energizing and stress relieving benefits are many!

Massage - My over stressed body was a prime candidate for this relaxing and pleasant dimension of recovery. As muscles let go one also benefits from the accompanying release of negative thoughts and worry.

Childhood Activities -With a mind incapable of much intellectual activity, I returned to reading the "tried and true" from my youth - Nancy Drew books! These simple and reassuring plots somehow soothed my mind and accessed my imagination. Pause to consider what you once enjoyed. Is there some restorative component to the activities you loved as a kid? Fishing, softball, collecting dolls? How could they enrich you at your current stage in life?

Hobbies -Watching birds at our feeder and reading a bird field guide were simple pastimes that engaged me mentally and brought joy and interest to an average day. Many people enjoy the stimulation of a regular hobby and the companionship provided by others who share their same interest.

Getting Away for A while - A change of scene from a classroom to sunny Florida was not only a chance to take a trip, but also enjoy my hobby of birding. A change of pace offers the opportunity to regroup and gain new perspectives on life. This can be in the form of escaping work for a 10 minute breath of fresh air or an extended vacation.

Support - In order to recover from the impact of ongoing, intense stress I needed to process my situation with understanding and encouraging people. So much is available in the area of support. Personal relationships, pastoral ministry and counseling are there for reframing and redirecting one's life and thoughts. A further dimension can be accessed in workshops, twelve step groups and classes focused on wellness and personal development. Sometimes a motivational tape or book can be the voice of nurture and support needed to reinforce an individual experiencing a time of vulnerability.

Spirituality - My journal was a steady supplier of insight and growth to me on many occasions. Quiet time, meditation and worship also provided sustenance to my torn spirit. Whether it be prayer or listening to inspirational music, a personal spirituality brings healing and peace to many.

Medical Help -One's body does not escape the ravages of burnout. Whether it be a regimen of vitamins and supplements suggested by a chiropractor or a fitting medication from a medical doctor, one is wise to address the needs of an over-worn body and frayed nerves when recovering from burnout.

Volunteer work - Job burnout can leave a void in any professional. When I was ready for a routine, outside activity I volunteered my services at a nature center and did some tutoring for my school district. Having a feeling of making a contribution, no matter how small, not only helps others but also provides a sense of purpose and dignity sometimes lost along with a regular career job.

Getting "Back on the Horse" -When my leave was over, I returned to a teaching job that was related but was not as intense. Some who burn out may decide to leave behind their previous work places and careers. Others choose consistent and effective self-care in order to retain and thrive in their chosen profession. Having a self-care plan in place can protect against job stress and insure career longevity and fulfillment. Prevention of burnout through self-care can bring not only good health of mind, body and spirit but also a "bounce" to the many activities of one's personal and professional life.

Mary Z. McGrath, author of Teachers Today: A Guide to Surviving Creatively, offers presentations and seminars on the topics of self-care, support and personal development to educators, parent groups and working professionals.

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