How To Avoid Burnout in 2025
The Burnout Epidemic
Burnout has become a widespread issue in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environments. According to a recent Deloitte survey, a staggering 77% of people say they have experienced burnout at their current job, with 93% reporting that it negatively impacts their work and 83% stating it affects their personal relationships. If you’ve ever felt completely drained, overwhelmed, and unable to keep up, you’re certainly not alone.
So, what’s driving this global phenomenon of burnout? As we’ll explore, the root cause often lies in a fundamental misunderstanding of our human limitations. By applying the wisdom found in Psalm 90:12, we can learn to embrace our God-given boundaries and find freedom from the crushing weight of burnout.
Recognizing Our Limitations
In Psalm 90:12, the psalmist makes a powerful request: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” At the core of this verse is a plea for the ability to live within the reality of our limitations as human beings. Too often, we operate under the delusion that we are limitless – that we can work tirelessly, take on endless responsibilities, and never need rest or respite.
This false belief that we can “do it all” is a major driver of burnout. We push ourselves to the brink, driven by guilt, a desire for worth and validation, and the mistaken notion that the world will fall apart if we don’t maintain a breakneck pace. But the truth is, we are creatures with finite time, energy, and capacity. Ignoring these limitations will only lead to exhaustion, resentment, and an inability to function at our best.
Embracing Our Worth in Christ
One of the key factors behind burnout is the belief that we must work endlessly to prove our worth. We take on extra responsibilities, work longer hours, and sacrifice our well-being to seek validation and admiration from others. But the gospel message reminds us that our worth is not something we have to earn – it has already been freely given to us in Christ.
As the psalmist reminds us, we don’t have to work for our worth; we already possess the most valuable thing in the universe – a personal relationship with God. When we embrace this truth and find our identity in Christ, the pressure to perform and prove ourselves falls away. We can work diligently without the burden of needing to earn our worth, freeing us from the cycle of burnout.
Releasing the Burden of Indispensability
Another common driver of burnout is the belief that the world will collapse if we don’t maintain an unsustainable pace of work. We convince ourselves that we are indispensable and that everything hinges on our ability to work tirelessly without rest or respite. But this is a lie that the enemy uses to keep us in bondage.
The truth is, as Psalm 90:12 reminds us, we are not the ones holding the world together – God is. While we should undoubtedly work diligently and fulfil our responsibilities, we don’t have to carry the weight of the entire universe on our shoulders. When we release this burden of indispensability and trust in God’s sovereign control, we find the freedom to work within our limitations and take the necessary breaks and rest we need.
Practical Wisdom for Avoiding Burnout
Once we’ve addressed the heart issues that contribute to burnout, we can begin to apply practical wisdom to our daily lives and work habits. Here are some key strategies inspired by the psalmist’s request in Psalm 90:12:
- Ask for extra time when needed: Like the prophet Daniel, who requested an extra day to reflect and pray before tackling a seemingly impossible task, we should be willing to ask for additional time to complete our work. Don’t be afraid to communicate your limitations and needs to your employer or colleagues.
- Seek help and community: We were not meant to work in isolation. Follow Daniel’s example and enlist the support of trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors to share the load and bear one another’s burdens.
- Take regular breaks and rest: Incorporate short breaks throughout the workday, and make sure to take your vacation days. Avoid the temptation to be “noble” by skipping rest – that is a recipe for burnout, not wisdom.
- Prioritize self-care: Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Your productivity and effectiveness will suffer if you neglect your well-being.
- Cultivate a balanced schedule: Resist the urge to cram every moment of your day with work or activities. Leave room for rest, relaxation, and time with loved ones. A realistic, sustainable schedule is key to avoiding burnout.
Embracing Wisdom, Avoiding Burnout
Burnout is a widespread issue, but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of the Christian life or our work in the world. By applying the wisdom found in Psalm 90:12 and embracing our God-given limitations, we can find freedom from the crushing weight of burnout and learn to work in a way that is sustainable, fruitful, and honouring to the Lord.
As we number our days and gain a heart of wisdom, may we be empowered to work diligently while also making time for rest, community, and the nourishment of our souls. In doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of burnout and fulfil our callings with joy, energy, and a deep sense of God’s abiding presence.
