About this Talk
This presentation, titled "Including Yourself in The Kindness You Extend to Others," by Jayne Morris, explores the powerful connection between kindness and burnout, with a focus on including self-kindness as a key component of sustainable wellbeing. Jayne, a co-founder of Balanceology, experienced coach, and author of Burnout to Brilliance, introduces the concept of burnout, defining it as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress. She discusses how acts of kindness, both toward others and oneself, can play a pivotal role in preventing and managing burnout.
The presentation highlights the science behind kindness, noting that engaging in kind acts releases "feel-good" chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which reduce stress, foster connection, and increase resilience. Jayne emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid overextending oneself, which can lead to compassion fatigue or "over-caring."
Key takeaways include the necessity of self-kindness practices—like taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care—as essential to replenishing energy and maintaining the capacity to support others. Jayne encourages attendees to consider self-care as seriously as they would a medical appointment, ensuring it is honoured and sustained. By including oneself in kindness, individuals can prevent burnout and foster a lasting ability to connect meaningfully with others.