Most of us live very busy lives. We work long days and sometimes we work 6 or 7 days a week. Then on top of that, we have to run our kids to activities, we have PAC meetings and we volunteer our time in the community and/or in the church. As a result of all this, many people are feeling run down and worn out.
Can anyone relate to this? I sure can!
I am a doer. Unfortunately, at times, I struggle with finding my identity through what I do. I am slowly learning to overcome that. In May of 2007 I had to take a “forced” sabbatical (i.e. medical leave) because I was run down and worn out. Since then I have learned that I need to be finding rest regularly in my life.
3 ways to find rest when you really need it:
1. STOP!
I know that this is obvious but many of us don’t do it! We just keep going and going. We think we are the energizer bunny but we’re not! God did not create us with the ability to work 7 days a week. He created us to take at least one day off a week. We need to stop and allow our bodies to refresh and rest.
I choose to do this on Fridays. I use that day to rest, relax and to recharge my batteries. I don’t plan to do anything. If it is nice out, I will go for a walk. I will spend extended time with my wife. I just crash. I need to do that. Also, I am learning to plan my holidays so that I am getting an extended rest spread throughout the year.
2. Let others help you.
If you are a doer like me, it is very difficult to let others help you but we need to. We don’t have to do everything on our own. We need to let others help us and we need to ask people for help (which is also very difficult to do). Don’t try to be the martyr. If you are feeling like you are drowning, reach out to those around you, ask them for help and allow them to help you.
3. Delegate.
This goes hand in hand with point 2. The big difference is that delegating is more proactive. Teach others to do what they can do. Try to only do the things that only you can do. You can apply this in your job and at home. Instead of feeling stressed out at home because you have to cook dinner, wash the dishes and do the laundry after work, get your kids and your spouse involved. Share the responsibilities. It may not be done the exactly way that you would have done it but that’s okay too!
Are you willing to make the changes?
I don’t ever want to get to the point again where I am forced to take time off because I have pushed my body further than it was created to do. I want to continue to learn to build rest into my life. I know that this is going to be a life long struggle for me but I am willing to make the changes that I need to make it happen! Are you?
How good are you at finding rest when you really need it? What do you do?
The second one is a struggle for most people, because a lot of people have trouble admitting they need help! But it is always good to make sure we take time to rest.
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Good point Tom!
Kevin,
Your words are from wisdom, I'm tempted to say, like usual. All those points, as obvious as they are, make sense. I struggle with them on a regular basis, as if stopping were a sin and delegating, escaping my responsibilities. Brings me also back to one of your previous posts about depression. Please keep your own advice and never hesitate to contact me if you need support. I'll do the same
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Thanks for your kind words and offer Nadia! I may just take you up on that offer at some point! And yes, please feel free to contact me too!
Yes, we all need rest. God commanded it for a reason and I believe it's important for good mental health. I have been ignoring this command lately, so this is a good reminder for me to take up #1
Yep, rest is VERY important. I had to learn that lesson the hard way. We have to continually remind ourselves that our identity does not come from what we do!
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Finding the balance is the fun part.
I am slowly learning though.
Thanks for sharing Kissie!
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Balance is key. Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I forget that my break time is just that….a break. It's not to be dragged out. Replenish and keep it moving!
Kevin, I’m happy to hear you’ve learned to take a break and refresh. Do you think Christians have a hard time with this because we feel God wants us to help everyone, everywhere, all the time? I think Christian women really have a hard time resting.
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Yes I think that is part of the problem Kathy. A big part of the problem is that many of us try to find our identity in what we do instead of in Christ.
Thanks for sharing!
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