Last week, I shared an article on the 13 Signs of Leadership Fatigue in Women. Today, let’s look at some ways to deal with, and find help for, these 13 symptoms.
- Living by a “get me through the day” philosophy.
Perhaps you need to take a look at your calendar to see what can be removed. If you constantly live in a state of exhaustion, maybe you’ve taken on assignments God has NOT given you. Ask Him to show you specifically what you need to keep and what you need to eliminate. You might also want to read Lysa TerKeurst’s book, The Best Yes for additional insight on saying “yes” to the right things.
- Losing vision.
A leadership vision assumes a commitment far beyond today. Consider meeting with your leadership team to focus on the overall purpose of your ministry. Dream new ways to grow your outreach to women in the community or to women in the church who have yet to see God’s purpose to use them in His kingdom. Sometimes just reminding yourself why the ministry exists and the difference it can make in the lives of women will be enough to spur you to excitement about the day.
- Developing poor sleep patterns.
For a week, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. At the end of the week, evaluate the difference in how you feel and how you handle the daily stress of life and ministry.
- Declining spiritual disciplines.
If you have been forgoing your time with the Lord in the morning (or night if that is best for you), start with 10 minutes a day for a week. Then increase that to 15. See if the hunger for more time returns.
- Repeating lessons and sermons.
What is the next assignment you need to prepare for? Put that first on your to-do list. Pray and ask God to give you fresh insight in how to accomplish that task.
- Faking joy and excitement.
True inner joy comes from the peace you experience in all seasons of life. If this is a tough time for you right now, try just saying the name “Jesus” repeatedly each time you are tempted to be sad or depressed. Over time, you will begin to experience joy in His presence and the devil will turn tail and run since he doesn’t like for you to call on Jesus during stress!
- Frustrating family members.
We must keep in mind that the families we live with, whatever form that might take, is our first ministry. Do something each day to show your family you love them, expecting nothing in retur
- Magnifying minors.
Ask the following question when you see what you believe to be a “mountain” in front of you: How important will this be next week, next year, or in 10 years? If it really does not have much bearing, consider reducing that mountain to a mole hill!
- Failing to return emails and phone calls.
Before responding to calls and emails, pray and ask God to help you deal with each one. When I have had to have some difficult communication with someone, I usually worry more about it than I should. When I’ve asked God’s help first, I am always amazed at how much easier it was than I thought it would be. Don’t put off communication—especially those tough calls. Get them over with first!
- Misdirecting affections.
Instead of navigating only toward those who lift you up (and truly, we DO need “up” people in our lives since ministry can be filled with many who are “down”), watch for ways you can lift someone else up. Move toward them and bless them in some small way.
- Decreasing exercise.
If you are not currently exercising on an ongoing basis, try taking a 15 minute walk 3 times a week. Increase that as you can, then perhaps add more cardio or strength training. Even a few minutes a day can make so much difference in your energy level.
- Focusing on a “grass is greener” syndrome.
What if today is the best it gets? Can you live with that if that is where God has you? Find ways to make the most of today and the current season you are in rather than wishing it away to get on to the next thing. You will miss so much if you don’t. Watch for those big and small things God is doing throughout the day.
- Avoiding people who speak truth.
If you do not have an accountability partner, may I encourage you to find one? Find someone you can text when you are facing a challenge, or when you’re facing the enemy! It should be a woman who will be a sounding board and offer godly counsel. She will be someone who will challenge you to keep growing deeper in Christ. Then, you can become that for her also!
What else would you add to this list of tips for those who are facing major fatigue?
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.