10 Ways to ReFuel
Running on empty? Time to ReFuel.
Fall kick-off, volunteer training, Advent and Easter planning, schedules, not to mention choosing curriculum, recognition, birthdays, and regular ministry administration can leave one feeling overwhelmed, drained, and running on empty.
It is difficult to care for the mind, soul, and body with the normal rigors of life, family, and activities outside of work. When your ministry and work overlap, it can leave you feeling like you don’t have much left in your tank.
It is helpful to take stock when your limits have been reached, as Bilbo Baggins says, “I feel thin..stretched…like butter scraped over too much bread.” Is the empty feeling stemming from doing a lot of brain work like planning and creative work? Your mind is tired.
Are you physically weary from extra activities? Maybe you were on a mission trip and are suffering jet lag. Or is your soul weary from carrying burdens, bearing the weight of hard situations? Maybe you are in a spiritually dry space?
Our prayer is that one or two of the following suggestions will fill up your cup.
ReFueling Your Weary Mind
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (NIV)
1. Take time to list things that you are thankful for. This may seem like another mental task, however, the practice of giving thanks accesses another part of the brain, triggering your brain to produce serotonin and dopamine - the ‘feel good’ hormones. (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Draw. Paint. Colour. Once again, engaging in a creative activity allows a different part of the brain to function, allowing thoughts to slow down and clarify.
3. Breathe deeply, from your belly. Allowing more oxygen into your system activates the parasympathetic nervous system letting your brain know that you are safe.
ReFueling Your Weary Body
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety.
4. Numerous studies have been done on the benefits of the simple act of sleeping and yet we all know that sometimes a good night's sleep seems like the furthest thing from possible. You may need to be intentional about creating a nighttime routine that allows your body to relax, put down your screen earlier in the day, research natural sleep aids, or even see a doctor. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to functioning well.
5. Fill up the tub, pull out the bath salts, light a candle, and hang a do not disturb sign on the door. Not only does a warm bath release that amazing hormone, serotonin, it also gives your immune system a boost.
6. We weren’t made to sit all day. Get up and move around, this will increase your circulation and oxygen in your system creating a natural energy boost.
ReFueling Your Weary Soul
7. Get outside! Take time in nature. Listen to birds. Smell flowers. Play in dirt. “When the created touches creation, we’re reminded of the Creator.” [Source]
8. Practice breath prayers. Breathe in Jesus. Breathe out the burdens. Breath As Prayer by Jennifer Tucker is an excellent resource to use for this practice. Slowing down. Meditating on scripture. Focusing on intimacy with the Spirit.
9. Journal. Letting your weary thoughts run through the lines of ink on a page can relieve the soul of the burden it carries. This is not writing for anyone to read, it is a simple thought stream where you don’t need to worry about word choices or punctuation. When a burden is shared it lightens the load.
Our beautiful, compassionate, been-weary Saviour tells us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
The number 10 spot is the one that each of us needs to remember most; ONLY JESUS WILL TRULY SATISFY. We can run to all kinds of things to distract us, or energize us but the truth is that satisfaction that lasts is only going to be through Jesus. He is our healer and keeper and the bearer of our burdens. So come.