Are your Halloween decorations up yet? It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through October. It feels like this year has just flown by — and with the holidays fast approaching, the pace isn’t slowing anytime soon.
Between work, school, sports, medical appointments, volunteering, and everything else that fills our plates, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. This week, I realized I’ve been sacrificing quiet time in the Word, workouts, and even meal prep — all in the name of keeping up. Thankfully, I caught the trend before the holiday season truly takes off. Because for me, this is how burnout begins.
What Is Burnout, Really?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It creeps in quietly — when we say “yes” too often, when rest feels unproductive, or when we try to pour from an empty cup.
It often shows up as emotional exhaustion, detachment, or irritability. Things that once brought joy suddenly feel heavy. Even serving others can start to feel like an obligation instead of a blessing. Eventually, motivation fades and we lose sight of purpose.
How Jesus Modeled Rest
Throughout Scripture, Jesus modeled what healthy rhythms look like. He regularly withdrew to pray and commune with the Father — stepping away from the noise and crowds to rest in God’s presence.
He also valued physical rest, even when others thought He should be working (see Matthew 8:24, Mark 4:38, and Luke 8:24). And Jesus didn’t do it all alone — He empowered His disciples to help carry the load (Matthew 10:1, Mark 6:7).
If the Son of God Himself made time for rest and delegation, how much more do we need it?
4 Ways to Guard Against Christian Burnout
Seek Rest in Christ
Reconnect with God’s promises and find rest in His presence, rather than striving in your own strength. Your worth isn’t found in your productivity, your career, or how much you do for others — it’s found in Him.
When I served as a Public Affairs Officer in the Air Force, I tied my worth to my performance and rank. But now, I see clearly that my identity isn’t in what I do — it’s in who I belong to.
If you’re on the verge of burnout, take this as your cue to pause, breathe, and recentre yourself in His love and grace.
Embrace Rest & the Sabbath
Be intentional with your time. After stepping away from my full-time job to be a stay-at-home mom, I quickly discovered that busyness can follow you anywhere. Sports, school events, volunteering — all good things, but even good things can crowd out space for rest.
Now I’m learning to protect a true day of rest — one that’s free from the farm, appointments, and to-do lists. Sometimes that looks like a quiet morning in the Word, a walk outside, or simply doing nothing.
If you were raised to believe that rest equals laziness, know this: rest is obedience, not idleness. God Himself rested, and He invites us to do the same.
Seek Support in Fellowship
Overcommitting often stems from wanting to please others or stay relevant — but when we’re stretched too thin, we isolate ourselves. God designed us for community.
If you’re in a season of exhaustion, reach out to someone. Join a small group. Talk to another mom at the playground. Accept help when it’s offered. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
Re-evaluate Your Commitments
Not everything requires a “yes.”
Do the cupcakes really have to be homemade? Can that last email wait until morning? Must your kids start another sport before the current one ends?
Sometimes grace looks like choosing the simpler path — one that leaves space for peace, laughter, and presence.
Finding Renewal Through Faith
Overcoming burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when we realign our hearts with God’s rhythm. His grace is sufficient, His timing is perfect, and His rest is available to all who seek it.
God knows we grow weary. That’s why He modeled rest — not as weakness, but as wisdom.
So, as the holiday season approaches, may we slow our pace, protect our peace, and rest in the One who restores our souls.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
Until next time, friends — be blessed.
Beautiful power post. WONDERFUL family photo in Cluckingham Palace!!!