Let’s overcome burnout. At least once a year, you or I will most likely encounter symptoms of feeling burnt out. The continuous demand of schedules, work duties, commitments can pile up and make us feel… well, if we really admitted it, stressed. Other words we cover up stress with is ‘very busy’, ‘overloaded’, ‘working overtime’, ‘exhausted’, ’emotionally numb’, ‘angry’, or ‘anxious’. These are all slow, brewing signs that it’s time to emotionally recharge and adopt a slower pace to life.
To adopt a slower pace life, we must refuse and negate all that is fast paced and overburdening us in life. A lot of people adopt ‘therapy’ approaches, head to the psychologist for answers and simply try to grind through it in hopes that it will one day stop. The overburdening is a result of taking on too many tasks or commitments necessary.
First, write a list of things that recharge and refresh you. Next to that list, write a list of your commitments and all your daily duties. Finally, write a list of things you do that are draining you, or that aren’t 100% necessary, and yet you have chosen to commit to them. Begin re-aligning your commitments. Your heart may even feel ‘lighter’ as you cross items off the list, choosing to say no to things you otherwise would have committed to. It can take time for the slower pace to settle in, because you’ll have to resist the urge to rush and continue life at your previous pace. Ask a trusted friend or family member for accountability. Share that you’re feeling burnt out. Consider a mini vacation for space to pray deeply, journal and re-assess your life. Pause and refresh your soul.
Let’s Overcome Burnout
Let go of the ‘Fast’ life = more commitments & compromising on quality for quantity of commitments.
Embrace the ‘slow’ life = less commitments & quality commitments.
Here are some slow living inspired ideas on how to overcome burnout:
Spend 10-15 minutes outside in the morning
Fresh air, sunshine and barefoot on grass invites joy into your body first thing in the morning. It also helps regulate our circadian rhythm and sleep better!
Direct your life with purposeful choices, not with speed and efficiency.
The best musician is the one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who find fishes first. Linus Mundy in Slow Down Therapy.
Say no where possible
Check your diary. Where are you over committing yourself? Do you need to prioritise that appointment or catch up… or can it wait? Set your intentions for the month ahead. What are three areas you want to focus on? For example, family, relaxation and saving money. Then ask yourself where are you not prioritising those things and how can you make them a weekly or even daily focus?
Order groceries to your home or online
Overcome burnout by making the daily, simple tasks more effective and efficient. I love in-person shopping but with a toddler shopping isn’t exactly peaceful. Yes it’s a slow but not the right kind of slow… the kind of slow that feels opposite to efficient and relaxing… and my toddler’s shopping limitations will make an appearance in grunts and complaints approximately 15-20 minutes of arriving, which doesn’t give me much time! All that to say, on Mondays, I’ve been ordering groceries online and my husband will pick them up after work. It’s saved me a lot of time, and nice to have neatly packed groceries hand-selected. Fresh produce is harder. I found a local fruit and vegetable store that does deliveries for a very low cost – bonus!
Go for a walk each day
Where possible, walking is good for the mind, body and soul… studies show that walking improves longevity, too. It is calming and helps us regulate our emotions as we ponder on our lives and soak in the surroundings.
Read your Bible and PRAY – ask God for His peace, strength and joy.
If I had ONE point to make for regulating your emotions and embracing a slower life, this would be it: Pray, read your Bible and Seek God First. If you’re not sure where to begin, join a local gospel-centred church and ask the pastor or the prayer team for some guidance and wisdom.
Notice things that bring joy – fresh flowers, smiling at a neighbour, giving a gift to someone in need.
I’m reminded of this beautiful quote: It’s giving until the giving feels like receiving. You have a life- just imagine that! And I have become the child of the clouds, and of hope. Mary Oliver And just like that – Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3. Overcome burnout by opening the Word of God and letting Him fill you with His Holy Spirit.
Book in a catch up and spend time with a friend
Need I say more? What is better than a long, deep chat and brunch over delicious food and steaming coffee? Overcome burnout with deep and meaningful chats. Share how you’re really doing and ask to keep one another accountable.
Watch the sunrise or sunset
The light from sunsets helps regulate our sleep, and even improves our skin texture. Plus, it’s God’s artwork on display! There’s something so calming and realising about sitting in front of a sunrise or sunset.
Try to cap your phone screen time to 2 hours a day at most
Notice that the less screen time you have, the more you feel collected and calm in your thoughts. Your emotions are better regulated when you are not filling your mind with endless scrolling and dopamine hits throughout the day.
Take nothing for granted
Watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves mow and your neighbour mow – Linus Mundy in Slow Down Therapy
Becoming more emotionally regulated takes time; but each day, as we choose to sow thoughts of beauty, hope and peace – and above all, seek Jesus in all we do – our emotions will simmer down. Watch what you fill your mind with – what thoughts are you choosing to hold onto? Are you taking the beauty around you for granted? Let’s overcome burnout as a community, too. We are made for connection. It is far too easy to take family and friendships for granted. A deep conversation, an honest word and a genuine hug go a long way.
You may also enjoy:
5 Ways to Flourish in Your Season of Waiting
Leave a Reply