Fighting Pandemic Burnout

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

I don’t know about you, but this pandemic has affected me more than I thought. Extra kids and family at home, cooking every meal, dishes, constant interruptions, speaking cancellations along with ensuing deadlines affected me emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Not to mention the stress and fear of potentially contracting Covid-19 and praying for my friend who was fighting it. Has the pandemic affected you too?

Burnout is caused by long-term, unrecognized, unprocessed chronic stress. It is exhibited through fatigue, lack of motivation and interest in work, and thoughts such as your work doesn’t matter. Have you felt like your writing doesn’t matter? With burnout, you may disconnect from family and friends, which happened to most of us with the quarantine. I finally recognized that I was suffering from these symptoms. 

Tina Yeager, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor writes, “The pandemic has exposed us to multiple layers of stress. Individuals may have grieved the losses of loved ones, jobs, security, or health. Most of us have suffered at some level from the emotional strain of isolation, which science has documented as a critical blow to mental health. In addition to heartbreak and disconnection, we also suffer from collective trauma during a pandemic, war, or natural disasters.”

Additionally Tina explains, “Trauma overwhelms the brain and disrupts our ability to adapt or cope. Therefore, this pandemic's multifaceted attack upon our well-being can send us into burnout before we realize what we're experiencing. The pandemic can spiral our minds into depression, despair, and anxiety. Self-care takes on the highest priority in times of crisis, like our current season.”

Edie Melson writes in Soul Care for Writers, “There are very few of us who wouldn’t go see a doctor when we’re ill. But for some reason, when our souls are ailing, we often avoid seeking out the recommendations of our heavenly physician.” During this pandemic I didn’t seem to have the time to do a daily devotion and meditate with the Lord. Did you? I had breakfast to cook and dishes to do, plus all the work that I was lagging in because of constant interruptions from family members who were home. Did your spiritual life suffer due to the pandemic also?

Edie Melson’s scripture prescriptions in Soul Care When You’re Weary spoke to me. 

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) 

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Starting today, I am determined to spend time with the Lord every morning on my front porch. I need to cast my worries and cares on God and believe that his presence will go with me and give my heart ultimate rest. I need spiritual restoration that only He can provide. How about you? Do you need some soul care?

Tina Yeager suggests that we monitor our exposure to negative messages or media, which could intensify our trauma symptoms. Nourishment and sleep prove vital to survival and recovery. Positive activities like writing, art, and nature walks ground us. Prayer, scripture meditation, and supportive fellowship anchor us through the storms of trauma. In addition to these essential parts of your emergency trauma kit, reach out as needed. Contact a local therapist or national hotline (SAMHSA, for example) for help if you feel unable to cope.

To help you recover from the impact of the Coronavirus crisis upon your life, join us for a virtual conference, A Little SHE Time: A Women's Renewal Event, which takes place Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2020, or  Rebound Your Highest: Come Back Stronger After the Struggle which will livestream on July 25-26, 2020. We have suffered from trauma through this pandemic. But we can find rest with the Lord. May God bless you and renew you during this season of restoration. 

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Fighting Pandemic Burnout - tips and encouragement from @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS

Susan’s mission is to improve the health of the body of Christ. She has her RN and MBA degrees, as well as a master’s in health science. She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACH with the American Association of Christian Counselors. She published five books, the Selah award winner 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE FOR 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, HEALTHY LIVING JOURNAL, SCRIPTURE YOGA a #1 Amazon best-selling yoga book, and YOGA FOR BEGINNERS which ranked #3. She published two sets of Christian Yoga Card Decks and two Christian Yoga DVDs that are available at CHRISTINAYOGA.COM. Her digital product HOW TO PREVENT, IMPROVE, AND REVERSE ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA is a great resource. To learn more about Susan visit her website SUSANUNEAL.COM You can also connect with Susan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.