How to Overcome Burnout in Busy Seasons

Have you ever felt burnt out and unsure of how to find peace? It is especially hard to find rest and peace during this busy time of year. I’ve been struggling with burnout over the past few weeks and it has left me feeling exhausted and weary.

How do we overcome burnout and find peace? Today I want to share some practical things that you can do to overcome that burnt out feeling and find rest.

So what is burn out and how do we know if we are burnt out or just need to keep pushing through?

There are definitely times where we grow tired and weary and yet we are called to perservere. But on the other hand, there are times that we need to step back and find rest.

THe biggest factor in determining the difference is looking at whether or not you are still able to do the very things that God has called you to do. Can you still find time with the Lord to grow in intimacy with Him? Can you still love others well?

If you find yourself struggling to do anything well, you may be spread too thin. So if you’re feeling this way, there are a few things you can do to find rest.

Consider Giving Your Word

It’s so hard to say no to things we are asked to do. And especially during this time of year, we tend to stack up our schedules until they are so full we feel burnt out.

And yet, we keep saying yes to things! This leads us to either go back on our word or to not do the things we’ve committed to well.

I’ve noticed myself doing both and realized that I just have way too much on my plate. Because of this, it is so important to consider giving your word.

If you are asked to do something, take time to pray about it and think about it.

If you are able to, ask the person if you can have time to consider your answer. 

I’ve realized I even need to do this with the things that I enjoy, because even those stack up and leave me busy every single night and therefore exhausted.

If you’re getting to the point where you’re losing the desire to do any of the things you previously enjoyed, it may be time to cut back on your commitments.

Set Guidelines for Your Time

As you approach a busy season or if you are already in the midst of one, it will be extremely helpful to set guidelines for your time.

What will guide how you spend your time? If you don’t set intentional guidelines here, your time will be pulled away from you in ways that you might not be comfortable with. 

A great example of this is committing to spending every Sunday afternoon at home. Then if someone asks if you can do something, you already know that you’re going to say no. 

It helps you to be intentional about taking the time that you need.

I would encourage you to pray about these guidelines. Ask the Lord to direct you as you set them. Because our goal is not having plenty of time to “veg out” and watch Netflix, but to be fueled and rested for our calling.

Which leads me to my next point…

Remember Your Calling

We are called to love God and to love others. This is our calling. We aren’t called to do only the things that bring us joy. We aren’t called to avoid any and all suffering. 

Our priorities need to be based around this.

As we consider saying yes or no to something and as we consider setting guidelines for our time, we have to remember our purpose here.

It is essential to have time with the Lord in order to fuel you for this service. And it is essential to love others and to serve God. If you are missing either of these, your heart will feel out of balance.

So ask God to show you how you can live more fully in the call that He has set out for you. And ask Him to show you how you can be intentional about your time so that you can live more fully for Him and overcome that burnt out feeling.

Finding rest in God is essential. But it is essential as we prepare to set out and answer His calling for our lives.

What has helped you to overcome burnout and find rest in the Lord? I’d love for you to share with me in the comments below!

Watch the Video for More Encouragement:

Read Next: