Burnout. It’s a word we hear a lot these days, but what does it actually mean? Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, often caused by stress. It can lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. If you’re experiencing burnout, you may feel like you’re constantly running on empty and that your tank is just about dry. You might also begin to withdraw from social activities and lose interest in things that used to make you happy.
Here are eight common symptoms of burnout:
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly stressed
- Feeling like you’re never doing enough
- Losing interest in things that used to make you happy
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Feeling exhausted all the time, even after a good night’s sleep
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Making mistakes at work or forgetting important details
- Feeling pessimism or cynicism about your job or life in general
Anyone who has ever pushed themselves too hard for too long can relate to the feeling of burnout. Whether it’s from work, school, or caring for a family, burnout is the result of taking on more than we can handle. And while it might seem like the only solution is to keep going until we reach our breaking point, that’s not always the best option. In fact, burnout can have serious consequences for our health and well-being. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of burnout and how to prevent it.
What Does the Bible Say about Burnout?
The Bible offers prevention for burnout. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus invites us to come to Him if we are weary and burdened, because He will give us rest. And in Psalm 46:10, we are urged to “be still and know that I am God.” These verses remind us that we don’t have to do everything on our own—we can lean on God for strength when we’re feeling overwhelmed. If you’d like a human touch with real-life experiences, we have a new release. Keep reading. We’d like to tell you more. We can help!
We Can Help!
If you’re feeling burned out, we can help. One of our 2022 publications is Better after Burnout by Jathan Maricelli. Better after Burnout serves as a reminder to anybody burning the candle at both ends that at some point, we need to take time to rest. When we do so, we might discover that better lies on the other side of burnout. This is a story of one leader who experienced burnout, picked up the pieces, and got back up again. But it isn’t just a story of burnout. It’s a story of hope. It’s a story where God steps in and reminds us He is for us.
Resources
Browse Better after Burnout here. To see a recent blog post and to read an excerpt, click here. While reading this book, you can reflect on the importance of taking a step back and assessing your situation. Are you taking on too much? Do you need to set some boundaries? Are you getting the support you need? Allow Jathan Maricelli’s book to speak into your life and help you answer important questions.