Dear Rose # 46 - Preventing the Burnout: Why I’m Learning To Rest Before I'm Exhausted

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

At the end of my yoga class tonight, I briefly felt guilty for all the wrong reasons.

I‘d just reminded my students that it was the end of the four-week block and that we would resume classes after a two-week break. And I felt guilty because I was taking a break without feeling exhausted first.

I quickly talked myself out of it.

I used to teach seven-week blocks. But when my other job became more demanding, and my knee and hip injuries started causing chronic pain, I realised that by week five I was feeling tired—and sometimes even resentful about teaching.

So this year, I decided on four-week blocks, and tonight I finally experienced my goal: to teach without exhaustion or resentment. To rest before I’m worn out. To enjoy the time off rather than needing it to recover.  Preventing the burn rather than trying to sweep up the ashes.

So yes, I know some of my students would like me to keep teaching, and I do feel a little tiny bit guilty for letting people down. But setting this boundary means I’ll be a better teacher for the long haul.

Love, Em xx