Burnout

Madison Drake, APC

What is burnout? If you are reading this, you or someone you know may have a problem with saying “yes” too often. Burnout can be defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that is caused by prolonged stress. Feeling drained or being unable to focus on the task at hand because of the mile long list of all that you have to complete today can be a sign of burnout. Being intentional and slowing down are simple things to say, but they will truly help the weariness that comes with each new task on the list. With being intentional, the “list of things that must get done” will begin to shorten, leaving more time to rest and restore. In the fast-paced world we live in, it is almost expected to experience burnout. We work everyday, we drive everywhere, we are expected to live up to this expectation of “human” that society has given us; but what we miss out on is the in between, the things that truly matter.

With prolonged stress comes an unhealthy lifestyle. Our bodies can survive with a healthy amount of stress, but when this quickness becomes the everyday speed, it can do more harm than good. The immune system begins to weaken, blood pressure spikes, anxiety is constant, or there is a lack of physical rest. Stress creates excessive amounts of cortisol which can lead to mood disorders, weight gain and even a stroke. This is not written to scare you, it is written to get your attention.

There was a time where I, like you, have experienced burnout. It was not a one time thing, but it was bad enough to get my attention to where I am now able to catch it before it gets bad. I had a conversation with a friend and compared my life to a thanksgiving plate. I piled up the work hours, my serving at church, the time spent in the car and the filler, everyday tasks like cleaning and taking care of my body. There were so many places I agreed to be at one time, the hypothetical plate got so full that I began to notice there was not enough room for me in my own life.
Thankfully, I learned the word “no”.

In the book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, (which you will see in our posts this month!) there is an invitation to take the call of Jesus in Matthew 11 seriously. To follow Him, find rest, and take up the “easy yoke”. The writer gives examples of what burnout looked like in his own life, and how he, with the help of scripture and good community, was able to slow down and experience life as it was intended to be lived. By practicing a Sabbath and living in simplicity, Comer shows the way that we can pick up the “easy yoke” offered to us by Jesus, and live a life that is full.
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Burnout is not the enemy, and it can be avoided. The way we approach life is how we can begin to notice if burnout exists. Feeling exhausted from work or life in general can steal our joy, ultimately leaving us worn out and unable to do good work. Let this be your reminder that your worth is not found in a completed to-do list. If you are ever questioning your worth or how to live a life that is full, reach out to one of our counselors and let us help you create the balance you have been searching for.