In our frenzied, helter-skelter, hurried and harried world,
it is easy to experience burn-out, which leads to feelings of confusion,
anxiety, or even depression. Therefore, it is vitally important for
everyone (including people of faith) to
understand the need for regular recreation,
in the literal sense of that word. According to Dictionary.com, recreation is “the act of creating
anew.” Even though we are renewed spiritually via our new birth and
ongoing communion with Christ, it is incumbent upon each of us to plan ample time
for relaxation and much needed breaks from the daily grind. My friend, please
don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good! Vacations are very
important. If they are presently unaffordable for you, stay-cations are a practical and
enjoyable alternative.
Dr. Martin Russell suggests three strategies to reduce depression and
burn-out:
(1) Set goals with pre-determined end-points. Life and work should not become an endless marathon. Certainly, we need sprints (as well as rest periods) with measurable finish lines (objectives) along the way. Otherwise the only rest we might get is when we collapse from exhaustion!
Whether you label it a milestone, or a step in the journey, or an exit strategy, you need to acknowledge the ebb and flow of your motivation and interest. Then work with it, rather than against it. Even a seemingly powerful motivator such as increasing financial security, can result in burn-out when more and more is never enough, i.e. when you haven’t defined its purpose and what it will bring you and others.
(2) Have a bigger purpose in mind. Life is not just about filling your days with whatever random events happen to gain your attention. With a clearly defined purpose you can select what is truly important.
It doesn’t have to be an overly grand purpose, like solving world poverty. It does, however, need to be something that brings out the passion in you – to motivate you through the day-to-day bumps and obstacles along the way.
(3) Create results that last beyond today. This is the most important consideration. You need to build some cumulative benefits into the work that you do each day. Otherwise every day feels like you are starting from scratch yet again, like you are never getting anywhere.
Sometimes it is merely about paying attention to the long-term benefit of what you are already creating. More commonly, you need to adjust your attitude and change some of the things you are doing.
(1) Set goals with pre-determined end-points. Life and work should not become an endless marathon. Certainly, we need sprints (as well as rest periods) with measurable finish lines (objectives) along the way. Otherwise the only rest we might get is when we collapse from exhaustion!
Whether you label it a milestone, or a step in the journey, or an exit strategy, you need to acknowledge the ebb and flow of your motivation and interest. Then work with it, rather than against it. Even a seemingly powerful motivator such as increasing financial security, can result in burn-out when more and more is never enough, i.e. when you haven’t defined its purpose and what it will bring you and others.
(2) Have a bigger purpose in mind. Life is not just about filling your days with whatever random events happen to gain your attention. With a clearly defined purpose you can select what is truly important.
It doesn’t have to be an overly grand purpose, like solving world poverty. It does, however, need to be something that brings out the passion in you – to motivate you through the day-to-day bumps and obstacles along the way.
(3) Create results that last beyond today. This is the most important consideration. You need to build some cumulative benefits into the work that you do each day. Otherwise every day feels like you are starting from scratch yet again, like you are never getting anywhere.
Sometimes it is merely about paying attention to the long-term benefit of what you are already creating. More commonly, you need to adjust your attitude and change some of the things you are doing.
It is necessary to address each of these three aspects to maximize your emotional, physical and spiritual health. Missing even one of them will give you much more stress than you need. So, start today!
I fully agree with Dr. Russell. People of God, while we are busy taking care of others, we must make sure that we are employing sufficient wisdom in taking care of ourselves. That way, we will be around much longer, and we will be much more available (spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially) to lend a helping hand to those who truly need and depend upon us.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please
(above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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