October 23, 2019

In their recently published book HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT, Achieving Life-Giving Work and Ministry, by ACTA Publications, American Province Leader Carroll Juliano, SHCJ, and Loughlan Sofield, ST, address why so many of us lack energy, joy, zeal, and hope in our work and ministries. They explore why we often feel physically and emotionally exhausted, as well as offer guidance on how to prevent becoming overwhelmed and burned out.

USA Today reported over a decade ago that 39 percent of those in the workplace or ministry  were too busy to take the time to properly care for themselves. That number continues to rise at an alarming rate, with a 2018 Gallup study finding that almost 45 percent of workers feeling burned out and exhausted.

In How to Avoid Burnout, we learn that working hard does not cause burnout. Burnout results from the unrealistic expectations we adopt throughout the course of our lives, which typically stem from our families, religious communities, and culture. We develop a drive to fulfill unattainable expectations, even if they result in a lack of psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual self-care.

Burnout is characterized by an excessive or exclusive commitment to work or ministry, accompanied by a collection of internal, unhealthy habits that lead individuals to counter-productive behavior. This is especially true when impractical expectations of success or performance are tied to a sense of personal worth or self-esteem. Individuals are so consumed with “doing” that they neglect to take time to relax, read a book, attend the theater, socialize with friends, enjoy the beauty of nature, etc.

Sister Carroll and Brother Sofield wrote How to Avoid Burnout to help those who are burned out or work with individuals who are burned out. As recognized experts, Sister Carroll and Brother Sofield have authored several leading books and presented at more than 300 workshops—separately and together—on six continents.

To purchase How to Avoid Burnout, visit http://actapublications.com/how-to-avoid-burnout/.

About the Authors:

Carroll Juliano, SHCJ, is currently the American Province Leader of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. She has served as a facilitator, consultant, and presenter for numerous church groups and organizations, both nationally and internationally.

Loughlan Sofield, ST, is a Missionary Servant of the Most Holy Trinity. He was Senior Editor of Human Development magazine for more than 30 years and served on the Advisory Board of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Family, Women, and Youth.