3 Ways to Avoid Burnout this Summer

Summer is finally here, and if you’re like me, you’re excited! Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, vacations, and an opportunity to relax! We’ve worked hard the first half of the year, and Summer should be our chance to unwind, spend more time with family and friends, and make some time for self-care! But if we’re not careful, our desire to relax can be easily replaced with overcommitted schedules, endless to-do lists, and persistent worries about the future. If we want to truly enjoy the beauty of Summer and be rested, here are three simple ways to avoid burnout.

1. Say No More

In order for you to avoid burnout this Summer, practice saying no more to things, events, and people that will keep you drained, tired, and overwhelmed. While we may not want to turn down an invitation or offend anyone, it’s essential at times in order to be filled back up. Saying no to more things will allow us the space and time to rest, restore, and rejuvenate. Saying no will also free us to put more energy and time into our personal goals and dreams. If we’re constantly giving our energy, time, and talents to everyone else, there is little time to attend to and nurture our individual God-given gifts and purpose. If you struggle with saying no or feel guilty, pray to God to help you. In Christ, there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) Saying no is essential to being recharged and enjoying the Summer more. Today, I invite you to say no more this Summer, so you can make room to breathe, relax and focus on you.

2. Do Something Just for You

While it’s so easy to fill our schedules with events for everyone else, I encourage you to establish a consistent routine of doing something fun just for you! If you don’t have a lot of time, take at least 15 or 20 minutes to do something that you enjoy and uplifts your spirit. Read a book, take a walk in your neighborhood or park, watch your favorite show, or eat a new dish. Whatever it is, it’s important that you enjoy it and that you don’t stress! In order to avoid burnout this summer, continue to prioritize self-care and do things that will strengthen and sustain you. You’ll be glad you did!

3. Smile!

When is the last time you smiled? Smiling may seem oversimplified, but we don’t do it enough. In order to avoid burnout this Summer, we have to smile more! Our lives and the world are already heavy with responsibilities, burdens and ongoing challenges. Smiling will help encourage our spirits and help us to not take ourselves so seriously. When we smile, our countenance changes and smiling can also help to bring hope and strength to someone else! When we are consumed with worry, overwhelm, and burnout, it is hard for us to see the hope of Christ that is always present. When we pause to remember God’s faithfulness and give thanks for His goodness, it will bring a smile to our faces! Smiling helps to change the atmosphere of our hearts and our homes. As we move forward this Summer, I invite you to exchange burnout for rest, and overwhelm for peace.

Remember to say no more, do something fun for you, and smile! God is cheering you on and so am I!

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for helping me to enjoy my Summer more and surrender all of my cares to You. Grant me the peace and courage to say no to things and people that are draining my body, mind, and spirit. Help me to smile more and do things that will renew, restore, and revitalize my spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Action Question:

What is one practice you will do to help to avoid burnout this Summer? Leave in the comments!