Burnout is real, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! It’s not something you want to experience, and if you’re currently in this season, I hope you’re seeking help and not trying to go it alone. Unsure who to ask? Counselors, pastors, and coaches can be great connections. Feel free to reach out to me at dennis@storyboardcoaching.com

I’ve spent the last few years in various stages of burnout. I fell deep into what felt like a pitch-black cave with no exit, but I did find my way out. One of the most important things to understand about burnout is that it often stems from a lack of self-care. Self-care is crucial; neglecting yourself leads to neglecting everything else around you, from work to family and friends. One day, you wake up and don’t recognize yourself—you look exhausted, have no drive to do anything, and are barely existing.

Here are five areas to be aware of to help you keep yourself in check and hopefully avoid burnout, or at least recognize the warning signs:

1. Find rest: Take time for yourself—rest, hobbies, and activities that rejuvenate you. Care for your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Remember Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

• Guard Your Purity: Confess your sins. There’s never a time to hold onto them in secret. God already knows all we do. Confessing your sins frees your mind and allows it to function as it should.
• Celebrate Victories and Grieve Losses: A victory could be something small, like waking up every day for a week without hitting snooze, or something big, like landing a major contract. Whatever it is, acknowledge it, celebrate it, and thank God for it. We all have losses too, from losing a loved one to a client leaving your portfolio. Grieve your losses, because if you don’t, they add clutter to your mind and cause exhaustion.
• Learn to Say No: Even when you could easily say yes, sometimes say no. Your personal time is valuable, and you are worth it! You can’t always be everywhere for everyone; this will lead to compassion fatigue and bitterness. Build time into your calendar for yourself.
• Obey the Promptings You Are Experiencing: Notice I didn’t say “might be experiencing” but “are experiencing.” God whispers to His people; it’s not always a big booming voice. It can be a gentle breeze, the chirping of a bird, or the sound of a wave. Remember, if you are obeying, you are building His kingdom. But if you are obeying yourself, you are building your kingdom. Which would you rather build?

Staying refreshed reflects balance. Find what works best for you and maintain that balance. If you need help finding this balance, reach out to me at dennis@storyboardcoaching.com

Thanks for stopping by the fire,
Coach Dennis