Burnout can be defined as “physical, emotional or mental exhaustion, accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance and negative attitudes towards oneself and others.”
Burnout can occur when the balance between our work and home life gets thrown off. This has become even more challenging as technological advances have made it possible to be contacted or spend time working anywhere at any time.
Covid also hasn’t helped any when it comes to burnout - especially among preachers.
So what are some things we can do to help us as preachers in our battle against burnout? Here are a few suggestions I got from the Cleveland Clinic’s website, and I crafted them specifically for preachers.
Pray.
An entirely secular approach to burnout will leave prayer out - but why would we, as Christians, leave prayer off this list?
God has told us to throw all of our cares on Him because He continues to care for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Whenever we face any challenge in our lives - whether it’s burnout or anything else - don’t forget to pour out those cares before the throne of the Almighty.
Be willing to talk about what you’re experiencing.
I think most of us have the mindset that we will push through whatever we’re experiencing. The problem is that it can magnify the problem of burnout.
When you feel burned out, you are feeling drained and empty. So what’s going to happen if you keep pushing?
Be willing to talk with someone about feeling burned out - maybe it’s a therapist or a fellow preacher who has also experienced burnout. Talk about what you’re experiencing, and get help to feel recharged.
Take breaks.
Step away from the computer, or put down your phone for an hour and take a brief break.
Whatever it is that’s draining you, take a brief break from it. Build that break into your daily routine.
Get some exercise.
This one goes hand-in-hand with the point to take breaks. Close the computer, and go for a 30-minute walk.
Exercise has numerous health benefits, and one of the benefits is helping us cope with burnout.
Stick to a routine as much as possible.
A daily routine helps establish boundaries in your life that help guard against burnout.
Try to do the same things around the same time every day. Of course, sometimes emergencies happen.
Creating a daily to-do list can help you build a routine and stick to that routine.
Build and enforce work-life boundaries.
If you’re like me, you have a family. You’re wife and children need you - and you have a responsibility to them as a husband and father.
If you’re constantly “bringing work home,” you are increasing the stress of burnout on yourself and could damage your relationship with your wife and children.
Make time for a hobby.
Your hobby could be as simple as working in the yard.
You need a different direction to channel your mind. By spending some time on a hobby - whatever it is - you’re giving your mind and body a break and a chance to exercise differently.
I’m no medical expert or therapist when it comes to burnout. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Putting these seven things into practice in our lives will help us tremendously as preachers in our fight against burnout.
Love you guys - keep up the excellent work for the Lord!
Great article!