On Avoiding Burnout and Resting in God
“Burnout.” It's a word we’ve all heard before. When it comes to the workplace, burnout is something we have either experienced before or are trying to avoid. As stress levels rise due to the ongoing pandemic, it is more important than ever that we be aware of burnout and make sure we are finding time to find rest.
Psychology Today defines burnout as “a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.” Burnout can result from several things, such as working long hours, feeling like there’s too much for you to do, or working without support. Everyone experiences the consequences of burnout differently. Some people feel moody or unmotivated, while others might have physical symptoms like lethargy or headaches.
It is important to differentiate between burnout and stress. Stress is temporary and is usually connected to specific tasks or goals. Burnout is perpetual, overwhelming, and can leave you feeling empty or angry. It can lead to bad moods or a severe lack of motivation.
You might be wondering if there is anything you can do to avoid burnout, or if it will inevitably affect you one day. Thankfully, there are practical things we can do to avoid reaching the point of burnout:
1. Set aside a day for true Sabbath.
It seems like so many people today, including believers, have a misunderstanding of what it means to Sabbath. This doesn't mean taking a day off from all responsibilities completely and watching Netflix on the couch all day. Taking a day off from the world is a day to intentionally spend time with the Lord. Whether you go on a walk and pray or attend a Bible study with friends, it is vital to make sure your day of rest includes being focused on God. This time spent in His presence will allow your soul to find repose. We often forget that the only thing that can restore us is Christ. While it can be nice to spend an afternoon on the couch, this will only provide temporary relief from the burnout you’re experiencing.
Psalm 46:10 says to, “Be still and know that I am God.” Jesus tells us in the Gospels that all who come to Him that are weary or burdened will find rest. He will restore you better than any TV show marathon can or will.
2. Take care of yourself.
It's important to make sure we are getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutritious foods. This can seem daunting in our already busy lives, especially while quarantining, but incorporating these things into your everyday life can be easy and fun. Consider going on a bike ride with a friend to get some fresh air or taking just a 10-minute walk around the block during your lunch break. If cooking takes a lot of time and energy for you, try signing up for a meal preparation delivery service. Think about what areas you might be lacking in and find something that works for you to start small and build a healthy routine. Good physical health is important and will also help lead to good spiritual health.
3. Take charge of your limits before they take charge of you.
Everyone has a breaking point, and we should do everything we can to not hit that moment in time. Sometimes, this means we don’t volunteer at that next event or ask our co-workers if they can help lighten our load for a few days. We should always aim to be people of our word, but if there are times you are already feeling weary, it's okay to pass on one opportunity or ask for help with a responsibility in order to get some downtime.
If you have already hit the point of burnout, take heart in knowing Christ has overcome both death and this world. Always remember, those who wait on and trust in the Lord will have their strength renewed, and He will lift them up on wings like eagles. It is an act of glorifying obedience when we choose to rest in Him.