14 Advancing Women Conference REFILL YOUR CUP AND LEAD WITH PURPOSE PRACTICAL STRATEGIES TO COMBAT BURNOUT AND BOOST WELL-BEING Deanna Ciaccia A core theme of the Advancing Women in Ag East Conference was the importance of self-care, resilience, and overcoming burnout—issues many women in agriculture face as they balance demanding careers and personal responsibilities. A central figure in the conversation on mental health and well-being was Beverly Beuermann-King, Workplace Culture and Resiliency Expert, R ‘n’ B Consulting Corp., whose two engaging workshops offered practical tools to manage stress and build resilience. Her workshop, “7 Ways to Beat Burnout: Without Quitting Your Job,” addressed the overwhelming pressures many women in agriculture face, where personal, family, and professional responsibilities often collide. Beverly’s key message was clear: burnout is a real threat, but it’s possible to prevent and recover from it without stepping away from your career. She reminded attendees that “it’s okay to not always perform at 100% in all areas of life.” This simple statement empowered many to focus on self-care without guilt, acknowledging that leadership starts with self-awareness and personal well-being. By taking care of oneself, women can show up fully for others. In her plenary presentation, “Harness Your Energy: Build Your Resilience,” Beverly offered strategies for managing energy and staying engaged even during stressful times. Women in agriculture, juggling multiple roles, found these strategies essential for fostering long-term resilience. Beverly emphasized small, everyday practices that make a big impact, including time management, stress reduction techniques, and prioritizing personal care. She encouraged attendees to manage their time effectively by using tools like pie charts to allocate hours for work, rest, hobbies, family, and self-care, highlighting that we all have only 168 hours in a week. Throughout both workshops, Beverly stressed the importance of “putting your own oxygen mask on first”—a powerful metaphor for the need to care for yourself before you can care for others. She also introduced the concept of the “monkey mind,” describing the overwhelming thoughts and stress that many women experience in high-pressure environments. Practical tools like deep breathing exercises, such as box breathing, were shared to help calm the mind and restore mental clarity. The final takeaway from Beverly’s plenary presentation was her emphasis on “living with purpose.” She explained that resilience isn’t just about optimism, but about intentional actions toward self-care and mindfulness. The sessions inspired participants to adopt a self-compassion mindset, to set healthy boundaries, and to focus on what they can control (versus recognizing what they cannot control). By focusing on self-care, resilience, and mental health, attendees left Beverly’s presentations with a renewed sense of direction and purpose. As one attendee reflected, “This conference made me realize how important it is to take breaks, set boundaries, and focus on self-care so I can be more effective in all aspects of my life.” Ultimately, the conference reinforced that self-care and mental health are crucial to both personal and professional success. For women in agriculture, where the pressures can be intense, prioritizing one’s health is not just a luxury, but a necessity. The tools shared at the conference empower attendees to navigate the challenges of their careers while maintaining balance and well-being. When women care for themselves, they can show up as their best selves—not just for their families and teams, but for the communities they serve. The Advancing Women in Ag East Conference reminded everyone who attended that by filling our own cups, we can better support those around us and lead with purpose and resilience. “By filling our own cups, we can better support those around us and lead with purpose and resilience.”
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