3 signs burnoutWhat woman hasn’t teetered on burnout?

Burnout is negative, demoralizing stress marked by such things as:

  • lack of purpose
  • no energy
  • avoidance of responsibility
  • physical problems such as frequent headaches or constipation

Years ago someone I know pushed and pushed herself to succeed in a new job. She was always “on,” making cold calls to prospective business customers during the day, handling paperwork in the late afternoon, and writing reports in the evening, day after day.

No vacations. No sick days. Just go-go-go. She teetered on burnout. Does this sound like you or someone you know?

Rest Is Good and Godly

Almost all of us can handle crazy-busy stress for a short time.

Remember the sleeplessness of new motherhood? Or the irritability that accompanied consecutive late nights finishing an important project?

Sure you do. But then your child slept through the night or you completed the project.

And you rested. Rest is good. God said so.

And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Genesis 2:2, ESV

Have you skipped needed rest? Whether at work or home, desiring to achieve–or keep up–may trigger burnout, and the energy drain and bad mood that go with it.

Here are 3 signs you’re nearing burnout — and 3 practical self-care solutions.

1. You Have Difficulty Relaxing

When you’re always on, it may be hard to flip the off switch. You can tell you have difficulty relaxing when you continually think about what you need to do next. You may worry. Your concentration may lapse. Even reading the Bible or praying seems next to impossible.

Taking time for a walk or watching TV may produce guilty feelings.

Practical solutions:

Schedule an hour a day (in one lump or divided in half) to slow down and turn off your mind. A few ideas: Do easy exercise or stretching. Lie down and breathe slowly. Listen to calming music.

A Bible verse to repeat often:

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a, ESV)

2. You Experience Physical Ailments

Carrying negative stress brings on physical ailments. Which of these do you experience often?

  • Headaches
  • Lower back pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Indigestion
  • General tiredness
  • Insomnia

It’s wise to check with a health practitioner for underlying physical causes of your ailments. May I suggest other practical solutions to sidestep burnout?

Practical solutions:

Schedule one full day off each week. Make a plan to head to bed an hour early every night. Turn off all screens at least two hours before bedtime. Eat regular, healthy meals. Drink at least 6 full glasses of water daily.

A Bible verse to repeat often:

A heart at peace gives life to the body. (Proverbs 14:30, NIV)

3. Your Emotions Turn Negative

When you’re nearing burnout, you’ll probably have negative emotions, particularly anxiety and irritability. Anxiety is a general feeling of nervousness.

While not as intense as fear, anxiety siphons away energy and keeps you up at night. You feel on edge most of the day, but you don’t have to. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Irritability is low-level anger that simmers under the surface and may reveal itself in snarky words, silence, sarcasm, or a scowl.

Practical solutions:

Negative emotions have their root cause in a wrong belief. To identify a wrong belief, ask yourself these questions:

  • What am I trying to control to gain what I want?
  • What am I trying to control to keep what I want?

Write down your answers. Do they seem to center on security, significance, or approval? Isn’t it wonderful that God promises to meet your needs?

A Bible verse to repeat often:

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

May I Pray for You?

Heavenly Father,

All of us feel worn out sometimes. Some of us are on the brink of burnout. Help us to turn to you for your wisdom in finding peace and contentment. Show us which changes we need to make because we trust you. Amen.

If you need someone to talk to, please send me a message. We can set up a time to talk on the phone or by Skype.

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