Preston Cherouny, former Chief Operating Officer at St. John's Church, is highlighting how rising stress, constant distraction, and lack of reflection are affecting individuals and organizations across the Washington, D.C. area. Based on his experience in operations and community leadership, Cherouny emphasizes that the issue is not abstract but manifests daily at the local level, with tangible consequences for workforce stability and social cohesion.
Cherouny notes that most people struggle not from lack of care, but because the pace of life prevents them from slowing down to think. In the greater Washington, D.C. region, the effects are becoming increasingly evident. Recent regional workforce surveys indicate more than 60% of D.C.-area workers report feeling mentally exhausted at the end of the workday. The DMV region consistently ranks among the top five U.S. metro areas for work-related stress, attributed to long commutes and high cost of living.
The impact extends beyond the workplace. Nonprofit and community organizations in D.C. report volunteer retention rates nearly 15% lower than pre-2020 levels. Local employers cite increased turnover in operations and administrative roles, positions that depend on focus and continuity. Community groups observe fewer people attending in-person meetings despite increased digital communication. Cherouny stresses these statistics translate into missed conversations, rushed decisions, and quiet burnout.
Drawing from years managing complex operations while supporting a large community, Cherouny believes solutions begin with individual action. He advocates for clarity and consistency over speed, emphasizing that people value being heard. Reflection, he argues, is a practical tool for better decision-making. To facilitate local engagement, Cherouny encourages residents to visit established local institutions such as community libraries and community centers, which often serve as hubs for connection.
Cherouny has compiled a local action list of ten steps residents can take within a week. These include taking a 10-minute walk without a phone, writing down three weekly priorities by hand, having one unhurried face-to-face conversation, and attending a local community, school, or faith-based event. He also suggests checking in with a colleague or neighbor, setting a clear boundary around work hours, supporting a local nonprofit with time rather than just money, spending an evening without screens after dinner, reflecting on a recent mistake, and choosing patience when frustration arises.
These small, consistent habits can alter how individuals feel and how communities function. Cherouny recommends seeking groups that prioritize in-person connection, transparency, and listening, often found through word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors. He urges residents not to wait for larger solutions but to take one local step to rebuild confidence and connection. The implications of inaction are significant, potentially eroding volunteer networks, increasing organizational turnover, and diminishing the quality of local decision-making. By addressing burnout and disconnection at the individual level, communities can foster greater resilience and engagement, benefiting both personal well-being and collective efficacy.
