I sat down with Evan Whitehead, an education leader with over 27 years of experience in private, public, and state level education. Evan brought forward the idea that being "selfish" isn't necessarily a negative trait; rather, it's an essential practice for maintaining our wellbeing and effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.
We discuss the blueprint for cultivating a healthier work-life balance, particularly in high-stress, human service-oriented professions. Evan's journey from a paraprofessional to an assistant superintendent gave him a unique perspective on the systemic issues that contribute to burnout and mental health challenges. His three B's are not just concepts—they are lifelines.

• Balance: Redefining investment of time, energy, and effort
• Boundaries: Learning and practicing the word "No"
• Breaks: Importance of taking pauses (and vacations)

This conversation with Evan also gave me a powerful personal reminder: the importance of decentralizing our work-persona to make room for self-care. As we discussed, advocating for oneself isn’t just about voicing needs but also about making mindful, intentional choices every day to prioritize our health and happiness.
Let's continue this important conversation on burnout mitigation and mental health promotion. As we always say, working minds work well together. Here's to a healthier, happier workplace for us all! For more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep46/evan-whitehead-discusses-balance-boundaries-and-breaks-for-professional-well-being