Sensory Smarts for Education Advocates: Tools to Beat Burnout
Let’s be honest, education advocacy can be tough.
You care deeply. You show up every day. You see the data, the gaps, the barriers. You carry stories home. And some days, it just feels like too much.
That’s why we hosted a special Lunch & Learn session, “Sensory Smarts: Self-Care for Education Advocates”, with Read by 4th partner and Director of Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Education at Lakeside Global Institute, Suzanne O’Connor. We wanted to create space for advocates like you to pause, reflect, and pick up some tools for feeling a little more grounded in the work.
Here’s what stood out and what you can take with you.
Your Body Knows First
One of the big takeaways: your nervous system is smart. When you’re stretched too thin, your body often knows before your brain catches up.
You might feel jumpy or numb. Distracted or heavy. Little things start to feel big. That’s not weakness, it’s information. So take note.
Suzanne reminded us that self-care starts with noticing. What throws you off? What helps bring you back?
Use Your Senses to De-Stress
We’re not talking about splurging on bath bombs and massages (unless that’s your thing). We’re talking everyday, doable stuff that helps regulate your nervous system.
Try this: A sensory self-check. What soothes you? What overstimulates you? What brings ease?
Here are some strategies we heard during the session:
Sight: Adjust the lighting in your space. Step outside. Bring sunglasses to outdoor activities.
Sound: Listen to music, a calming podcast, or white noise. Or find a moment of silence.
Smell: Brew some tea. Light a favorite candle or incense. Get some fresh flowers.
Touch: Wrap up in a soft sweater. Sit with a weighted blanket. Stretch your hands. Play with a fidget toy or puzzle.
Movement: Take a short walk. Shake out your arms. Move your body between meetings.
These small shifts can interrupt stress spirals and help you stay in the work without burning out. It’s not about being extra or fussy, but knowing what works for you and being conscious of others' needs and sensitivities.
Boundaries Are a Strategy
Let’s be clear: setting boundaries isn’t selfish. It’s an important skill.
As advocates, we often feel pressure to say yes to everything. But constantly pushing through stress and overwhelm isn’t sustainable. It’s how movements fizzle and people burn out.
Remember to:
✓ Give yourself and others permission to take breaks.
✓ Say no when you need to.
✓ Protect your energy. Because it matters.
You’re Not Alone
Sometimes, just being in a space with people who get it is powerful. One of the most healing parts of this session was simply connecting with other advocates who carry similar weights.
If you're feeling isolated, reach out. Talk to a colleague. Text a friend. Email a fellow Read by 4th partner. Find your circle. Because this work is hard and not meant to be done alone.
Keep Showing Up (For Yourself, Too)
We’re not going to solve the early literacy crisis overnight. But if we want to stay in the fight for the long haul, we’ve got to care for the people doing the work, including ourselves.
Resources to Explore
Want to go deeper? Here are a few of the tools and resources Suzanne shared during the session:
Recommended Website: Therapy in a Nutshell
Recommended Book: StrengthsFinder by Tom Rath
Couldn’t make it live? Watch the Lunch & Learn Recording
We recorded the session so you can watch it on your own time. Hit play, and take what you need.
