Are You Burnt Out?

Are You Burnt Out?

The modern world with all its distractions can often leave us feeling that we are on auto-pilot, running from one task to the next. Even when we aren’t working, we have distractions from our phones, television, radio, work, family, friends, appointments and plenty more.

Many can suffer from burnout which is when we are at our lowest phyiscally, spiritually and mentally. Monotony can also lead us to burnout when everything remains the same and keeps us in a rut or cycle that can be harmful to us, like being a hamster on a wheel unable to stop ourselves.

Rest is something we all need and yet rest sometimes can be fleeting in this world today. Sleep can be interupted by thoughts that refuse to be silent and we suffer the next day, unable to concentrate or focus and we are left grouchy, angry and irritated. This state is not only bad for us but it affects those around us, whether they be loved ones or others. People who would normally love to work with us or socialise with us may soon begin to avoid us as a result of our social disengagement.

We cannot ignore the mental health dangers associated with burnout. So what are the symptoms of burnout? The list is numerous but typically includes anxiety, lack of sleep, general fatigue, lack of creativity and purpose, emotional numbness, and a cynical outlook. Causes of burnout can also be caused by lack of adequate support, taking on more than one can handle, poor relations with family and friends, and poor self-care.

God calls on us to help where we can and to call on him when we are the edge. He knows our limits as finite, mortal beings, and while he expects us to serve others he does not want us to fall into ill health either.

According to a survey carried out in 2020 with 1,000 adults, 22% said they had suffered burnout. A higher number of men, as opposed to women, showed higher ratios of burnout.

It seems even Jesus himself became exhausted by the constant demands on him. Those demands could be from his family, friends, diciples, strangers and those who opposed him. This is why Jesus took time out to rest, meditate, and spend time with his Father. This should be a reference point for us to take time out where and if possible, so we can fully recharge.

If you recognise the symptoms or even trigger causes of a potential burnout, please seek help. Speak to your GP, social worker, counsellor, etc, and you will find them only too willing to help. On social media, you will find plenty of support groups that can help you. Your friends at church and your Pastor will be able to advise you with practical help as well as spiritual help. We are also told in scripture to make petitions to the Lord himself, as he, more than anyone else, understands our weaknesses and trials.

Here is a helpful scripture:

Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of angels. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not fail”.

God bless you.

Nick x.

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