You are a yogi or a yogini that does not really matter, as burnout is a reality. When people start out on this journey, most believe that the practice is in itself therapeutic, so there will be few downsides. However, you cannot be further away from reality. When you as a yoga teacher take classes’ back to back, continuously, dealing with different levels of students, you definitely feel tired at the end. Yoga is about finding peace and happiness, but yoga teachers can be stressed, too. So, if you are one and want to save yourself from burnout, then you need to identify the symptoms first.
Signs And Symptoms Of Burnout For Yoga Teachers
- When you find yourself or any other teacher snapping back at the students, it is one of the first warning signs. Irritability is one of the first symptoms. The attitude will become very negative.
- The yoga teacher gives little hands-on adjustment cues to the students. If you spot this attitude, you need to go on red alert.
- Most yoga teachers who are facing burnout will abstain from yoga practice themselves. This also leads to injuries in the yoga classes, as such teachers are unfit.
- Some of the yoga teachers, facing a burnout will also avoid their classes. Absenteeism will be high. They will find some excuse or the other to stay away from pre-decided classes.
- Yoga teachers affected by burnout will not have a proper lesson plan in mind. They will be lost inside the class, not knowing what to teach a class full of enthusiastic learners.
It is very important for anyone practicing yoga, to be aware of these symptoms. If you can reign them in at the very beginning, things will get easier. Moreover, these signs will come with their own sets of causes. So, let us find out more about them.
Causes Of Yoga Teacher Burnout
Burnout is present in every occupation, and that of a yoga teacher isn’t any different. It is an occupational hazard. Moreover, burnout is not just physical, it is also mental and emotional. Many yoga teachers love to practice yoga themselves, so they have taken up the career. This can be a wrong decision at times, as your career goals may be different.
Some of the common causes of yoga teacher burnout are:
- Scheduling too many classes, which may take a toll on your health. You may be teaching more students than you comfortably can. This can lead to both physical and mental stress.
- You may not be having good sleep, due to other reasons. So, every morning, when most of your classes are scheduled, you may be groggy.
- Not practicing yoga yourself, due to other pursuits can also hamper your chances at keeping fit. Which will result in sickness. So, you may want to miss classes.
- If your schedule is choc-a-bloc, then you are probably not keeping any free time for yourself. So, that can also make you irritated. Leisure time is extremely essential for one and all.
- Teachers may also feel burnout setting in, if they teach at yoga centres or studios, where working conditions are not good. Moreover, they may not be getting a handsome payment.
These are just a few of the reasons why you may be feeling a burnout. But, there may be plenty of others as well.
Tips To Reduce Burnout
- Reduce The Number of Classes – This is the first step towards, avoiding or omitting burnout. Sometimes, when you are bogged down with bills, there is no other way. However, try for some supplemental income to ease your burden.
- Keep Practicing Yourself – Your self-practice is extremely necessary, when you are a yoga teacher. You cannot allow a setback in that part. Reducing the number of classes which you take, will automatically leave you more time for self-practice. If you want to become a role model for your students, you cannot afford to lose your practice.
- Go For Refresher Training – Even after you become a yoga teacher, you need to keep on learning. Every other day, something new if coming. And, you need to stay abreast of the same, to stay ahead in the competition. Moreover, you should invest your time and energy in learning yoga styles from different teachers. It gives you different perspectives. Attend retreats if you have less time in hand.
- Get A Mentor – Having a mentor is like having a guide in your professional journey. Everyone who teaches and guides others may have faced the same sort of burnout in their journey. So, such people will be able to understand your problems first They also have ready solutions for you to incorporate.
- Have A Stress Management Tool Handy – You should know how to de-stress yourself, with something other than yoga. Journaling can be a great option, as it helps you to identify your patterns, and some to a positive outcome. Talk to a counsellor, who can help you to come out of the situation.
- Schedule Some Me-Time – This is absolutely important when you are a busy person. You should take a rest once in a while. A digital detox may also be a necessity. So, stay away from phones and laptops for some time.
- Set Clear Boundaries – You should maintain proper boundaries around yourself, with respect to your bosses, colleagues, and students. Also learn to say ‘No’. This can ease your situation.
Lastly, you should be aware of your own energy levels. It will help you understand when to stop.
Long-Term Sustainability In Yoga
You must ensure to focus on quality, rather than quantity. Additionally, you must engage in other practices and hobbies, apart from yoga, when it happens to be your career. Seek help from others when needed, without being ashamed. Cultivating stillness around you is extremely crucial, to have a successful yoga teaching career as well, so don’t rush.
Finally…
Stop questioning your abilities and keep going, till you reach where you want to. Every person may not have the same dreams and aspirations. Shree Hari Yoga School is one of the best schools where you can start your journey and also refresh it. So, you should try a short course, to get started.