Too Tired?

Sometimes in life, your victories can be more exhausting than your trials. For example, today I spent the day with a good friend enjoying some great food and an amazing show. Would I rather do that than go to work or clean my house? Yup. Was I far more exhausted at the end of the day today than my usual days? You bet. But here’s the thing you need to remember. Just because you’re doing something you love in life, doesn’t mean you won’t get tired. The potential for burnout is there, and you still need breaks. Doing what you love will give you more energy and passion throughout the day, but it does not mean you are omnipotent. I would not be able to attend productions and drive to far away cities everyday of my life. I enjoy doing this, but it doesn’t mean I can do it endlessly.   If you are starting to feel a little burnt out with your daily routine, maybe it’s time to try a few of the suggestions below.

1. Schedule yourself some time off. Give yourself permission to rest. Plan it into your calendar. For me, Sunday’s are nap days. Between church and work I give myself a pass to take a nap, and I don’t feel guilty about it because it’s good for me, and it’s on my calendar. I can’t take naps every day and still get everything done that needs taken care of in a week, but I absolutely need my Sunday nap time so I can be refreshed and ready to take on the week. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a little R&R. After all, even God rested, so you know there’s something too it.

2.  Shake it up.  Maybe your office or your home needs a makeover. Maybe it’s time to change things up, move the furniture or paint the walls. Sometimes all you need to gain a fresh burst of energy is a little change of atmosphere. Buy yourself a new coffee cup or notebook and remind yourself of the little things in life. And if your routine is zapping your energy, try shaking that up too. Take a new route to work. Go  to the park on your lunch break. Try a new hobby after work. Get yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and start taking on some new adventures. You might find that Monday’s at the office look a lot more doable after Sunday’s at the park.

3. Know when it’s time to move on. Sometimes in life we become tired of where we are at because it’s time to move on. If you feel God is calling you to something new, don’t be afraid to let go of the old and step into the new. Hanging on to something past it’s time will only further drain you of energy and resources. You will find that being in the right place will give you a jolt of enthusiasm and make your days so much more enjoyable.

  You aren’t meant to live in a state of exhaustion and discouragement. If you’ve been feeling worn down, take some time to give yourself a rest, change up your scenery, or jump into something new altogether. You were made for an abundant life. Go out there and live it!

~K.W.