Burnout: When Body, Soul, and Spirit Need a Break

Most people think that burnout is only applicable to those who work a 9-5 or do shift work but what if I told you that burnout can happen to anyone: parents, business professionals, students, caregivers, religious leaders and congregants alike? The truth is without moments of rest and an understanding of the season you are in, exhaustion and burnout is likely. So if you feel you may be on the verge of burnout, this blog is for you- keep reading to gain more insight and tips on how to overcome and prevent it.

What Is Burnout?

The World Health Organization (2019) defines burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,” although it's now widely understood to apply to other life areas too. Burnout is characterized by:

• Feeling drained or emotionally depleted

• Becoming cynical or emotionally distanced

• Feeling unproductive or ineffective

Signs of Burnout

These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Constant fatigue even after rest periods and the inability to properly rest at all

• Feeling disconnected from others (friends, family, loved ones, community and so on)

• Reduced or lack of motivation and joy in what once fulfilled you

• Disturbed sleep and tension throughout the body

• Irritability, moodswings or unexplained sadness

• Feeling spiritually distant or dry

  
  

When someone is in a state of burnout, their relationships, faith practices, physical health, and ability to manage stress and challenges suffer. A good example of the latter signs can actually be seen in Moses (from the bible). As the sole leader of Israel at the time, Moses experienced immense burnout as he tried to manage the issues and concerns that arose. I personally do not know why Moses did not ask for help sooner (maybe he thought it was part of his job) but in a lot of ways we do the same thing. When we are having a hard time accomplishing certain tasks or getting things done we may feel like we can't ask for help but oftentimes this sort of mentality leads to burnout. Thankfully, Moses received good counsel from his father in law that enabled him to get some support. When the bible says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ( Matthew 11:28 ) it signals to us that He cares about our spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being and that rest is important.

Moving Away from Burnout

After the Lord created everything, on the 7th day he rested not because he needed to but I believe it was to model to us the importance of rest. God is God but we are humans, in a body that gets tired and worn-down so if we don't take care we may become burntout. If you find that you are perpetually getting drained or getting close to burning out (or are constantly burning out), then the following steps may help:

Step 1: Retreat, Rest, and Refuel

Burnout often stems from doing too much for too long without rest. As mentioned earlier, God rested on the 7th day from work but remember the 'sabbath rest' was for us not God (Mark 2:27) and was meant to help us learn how to rest in Him. In fact Jesus often retreated to rest throughout His time in ministry. Note that resting from work does not mean resting from God. As believers, true holistic rest should involve us resting our body, soul ( mind, will,emotion), and spirit while still communing with God by resting in Him. Your whole being needs rest and this is encouraged all throughout scripture (Psalm 23:2-3; Isaiah 30:15; Mark 6:31-32,45 ;Matthew 11: 28-30). So what does this look like? It may look like taking a day or two off from work so you can have some personal time with the Lord or even delegating certain tasks and activities under your stewardship to others and finding time to rest and fill your cup- truly the options are endless so take a moment to think about what this could like for you.

Step 2: Assess & Reconnect With What Truly Matters

Remember that when your body, soul, and spirit is rested, it is strengthened and rejuvenated making it easier to think clearly and do what you need to. At this point it is essential to take inventory of everything that you do (and really I do mean EVERYTHING); from work, to house chores, to volunteer, to extra curricular activities, and even church- in all areas take the time to write out everything that you do and also note what is important right now.

If it is family, self-care, personal prayer time, a business venture no matter what it is, write it down. Next, look at your life critically and reflect on whether all the things you are doing actually aligns with what truly matters and is purposeful; for anything that does not fit you either need to shift it, delegate tasks to others or delete it all together.

Remember doing too much leads to burnout and that often pulls us away from joy, purpose, and connection. Life works in seasons and there are times where what worked for you previously may not work for you now so take time to reflect on questions like these: What am I supposed to be doing in this season? Am I doing what is required of me at this time? How can I walk in my purpose/calling more effectively? By taking the time to reflect, you will be able to know what needs to be prioritized in your life right now.

Step 3: Set Boundaries

This is often the step that determines whether you will actually be able to maintain the change or not. We often get burnt-out because we take on more than we are called to do and this happens because we don't know how to set boundaries and say no to people and opportunities. Let me ask you this, when you say 'yes' to certain opportunities and people, what is the reason? For some, it's to please people, other times it's to feel accepted and sometimes we genuinely want to help, however we can't help everyone and we see this over and over again even in Jesus' ministry (Mark 1:29-44; Luke 5:12-16). The passage in Mark 1 highlights something very important:

"Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, and they found Him and said, 'Everybody is looking for You!' He replied, 'Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].'" — Mark 1:36-38 (AMP)

Although everyone at their current city was looking for Him He referred back to the fact that He came from the Father to Earth to preach .

Not only that but he often was moved to do certain things out of compassion for people (Mark 1:41;Luke 7:33; Mark 6:34) which also highlights the fact that motives also matter. So ask yourself this:

• What motivates me to do what I do?

• When was the last time I assessed the motive and intention behind why I do something?

• Is there anything I am doing out of fear of offending or desire to please someone?

  
  

Take some time to think on these questions and begin to set boundaries for yourself. Remember you cannot please everyone so learn how to say no and set clear and firm boundaries.

Step 4: Get Support

Proverbs 15:22 (AMP) states,"Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed". To protect yourself from burnout and maintain boundaries, having a support system is essential. This is because a support system can help highlight things you may not see and offer advice when needed. If you are not sure who to ask for help from, start with those who align with your values and beliefs, are aware of your 'season', are truthful, wise, know & like you, and are full of integrity because chances are people with these qualities will be candid with you (respectfully) no matter how it may make you feel. So whether you go to a mentor, a friend, your pastor, a licensed counsellor, or all of the above having people to talk to can help ensure you stay on track and get you back when you are going off-course.

Conclusion

Constant burnout should not be a standard or perpetual season in your life so if you want some counselling or psychotherapy to work through what is at the root or even just want support in exploring the meaning of your life, I would be happy to help. Click here to schedule your free consultation (Or call us directly at 905 904 1403) and take the first step toward clarity, healing, and wholeness.

References:

World Health Organization. (2019, May 28). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an- occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases

Life.Church. (n.d.). YouVersion Bible App + Audio [Mobile app]. Google Play.