Burnout Starts Small

How many times have we seen someone experiencing burnout? They are exhausted and irritable; perhaps they’re not sleeping well. We can see it in ‘them’. But what happens when we turn the mirror on ourselves? 

According to a study by Asana, 70% of knowledge workers experienced burnout at least once in 2020, and just under half of those felt their overwork contributed to burnout. Those of us in the 30% have all kinds of remedies for ‘those’ in the 70%. I would imagine many within the 70% have several remedies because they’re missing the signs in themselves.

I saw on social media (so it must be true) that burnout is often exhibited in sleeplessness, irritability, exhaustion, or even feeling tired all the time. As I write this, I am preparing to attend the Pure Desire Summit in Gresham, where we will talk about the secrets we keep in dealing with stress and, eventually, burnout. How would you describe burnout? How does it present itself in your experience?  

As the OMN family, we want you to know you are not alone, and we want you to take care of yourself, your family, and the ministry. We want to strengthen you against the small compromises and the erosion of your sustainability. Several members of the CARE Team are prepared to offer you a break by stepping in for you by providing pulpit fill, staff retreats, or even by mitigating conversations as an objective third party. We also know folks who offer respite stays for ministers and their families.  If you don’t know where to turn, feel free to call me. We can talk over coffee and figure out what will work for you.