Dealing with Burn-out

Isaiah 40:29-31 . . . He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

 

1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

What is Burn-out?

A chaotic, beyond exhaustion and helpless feeling that result from over burden, overused effect that goes beyond every day stress of work and other responsibilities, becoming exhausted or unwell through too much hard work, stress, or reckless living. It is characterized by strong feeling of Frustration and powerlessness.

Patients tend to withdraw emotionally, loose motivation and become less productive. It is linked to numerous physical and mental health problems.

Cause:

Increased work load – wanting to increase income, hence increased workload.

Job insecurity

Feeling unappreciated or unfair treatment

Unclear priority – pursuing unrealistic goals and target

• It is usually self inflicted but may also stem from interaction with others especially with superiors. Burn out often occurs with young mothers. New employees, fresh student etc.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM EXPERIENCING BURNOUT?

1. If we become weak and exhausted in the middle of doing our work, we may be experiencing burnout.

1 Kings 19:14 . . . I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.

2 Samuel 21:15 . . . When David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.

Psalm 38:8 . . . I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.

 

1. We may be experiencing burnout if we despair because our work seems fruitless.

• Psalm 69:1-2 . . . The floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold to stand on.
• Matthew 11:11…Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

 

1. It may be burnout if we feel overwhelmed by everything that is going on in our lives.

Jeremiah 45:3 . . . You have said, “I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more!”

1. When doubt sets in and you begin to lose confidence in what God can do

James 1:6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

 

1. When we become burned out, we may feel bitter toward God.

 

How do one overcome or recover from burnout?

1. Evaluate your priorities: Determine what is important to you and what is important to your environment and make decisions based on it. Choice of basic necessities, cars, education social influence etc. Beware of pressure to adopt the priorities of others.

 

2. Simplify your life – Reduce stress and gain time for what you value by working less hours, though you may likely need to adjust your financial situation. Note happiness is not dependent on income. Discuss and seek the support of your family members.

 

3. Learn to say NO reassure people of your commitment to your responsibilities by offering solution that meets both your need. Remain firm within agreed limits.

 

4. Renew you self, cultivate healthy habits, explore your hubby, create room for recreation, make new friends, avoid defining yourself by your work.

 

. Exodus 23:12 . . . Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. . . . It will . . . allow the people of your household . . . to be refreshed.

Regular, consistent, weekly rest is an important part of avoiding and recovering from burnout.

 

5. Sometimes we might be able to delegate some of our workload.

Exodus 18:21-23 . . . Find some capable, honest men. . . . They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, . . . then you will be able to endure the pressures

 

6. Getting solid meals and good sleep will help us overcome burnout.

 

2 Samuel 17:28-29 . . . They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very tired and hungry and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.”

1 Kings 19:5-8 . . . As he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” . . . So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you.” So he got up and ate and drank.

 

7. Sometimes we can’t stop working, even though we feel exhausted, but we can encourage each other and pray to God for strength to keep going until we reach a stopping place.

7. Nehemiah 6:9 . . . I prayed for strength to continue the work.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 . . . May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father . . . comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say.

7. Isaiah 30:15 . . . Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

• Matthew 11:28-29 . . . Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest . . . and you will find rest for your souls.
• We should renew our fellowship with God and be restored by spending time with him.