It’s been a long year, and as Christmas approaches, I’m looking forward to shutting it down. I have to be honest, I have not been great with taking a break this year, and these last few weeks have been rough.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to shut a few things down. This is the last post of the year, and then we’ll begin again with content in mid-January. The same goes with my ministry position at the parish; I’ll be taking a well-needed vacation, which means no emails, no meetings, and no content development.
One of the major keys to staying in ministry for the long haul is how well you care for yourself. That involves investing in your formation, building a team, and knowing when to take a step back. Whether you are currently in need of a break or building momentum, it is crucial to make sure you do take time throughout the year to pause, breathe, refuel, and refocus. And if that is something you need to do, make sure you:
Granted, you probably need permission from your pastor or supervisor, but in addition to them, let your coworkers and key leaders know that you are shutting it down. Let them know what they should do if someone approaches them about getting in touch with you. Remind your team that you are disconnecting and don’t want to be disrupted by work.
There is no need to announce it on social media, but put up the away message letting people know that you are not available and what they should do if they have an immediate need. One of the reasons we get disrupted during our breaks is that people were not prepared to be away. When you tell people ahead of time and give them the right protocol, they will be less likely to violate your rest.
After you set-up your away message, make sure you turn everything off that might lure you back into work. If you are afraid that your devices will trigger you, then turn off the notification feature. If you have to, remove your social media accounts or delete your email inbox. That might seem extreme, but if you’ve never been good at breaks, it’s essential. If possible, fast from anything that might trigger work. Yes, it’s okay to think about work, but the point of your time away is to permit yourself to reflect on other areas of your life.
While there is plenty of sleep to catch up on and shows to stream, you must find time to play. If you have a creative bug, pick up a hobby, or learn a new skill. Doing something new will help you learn new ways of troubleshooting, brainstorming, and bring you joy. You might discover a new outlet that helps you when work starts up again.
If you crave the outdoors, go and escape for a few hours or days. Take advantage of wandering and getting lost. Take in the surroundings and, if possible, the silence. Use it as an opportunity to reconnect with God, your Creator.
As you find rest during the holidays (or a separate time of year), make sure you allow God to restore your soul. Don’t be afraid to hit pause so that you can check-in and honestly assess your heart. If you are struggling to discover what drives you or are not sure how to build those crucial habits to help you grow, then consider inviting us to help. Click the button below and book an appointment to learn more about our coaching and cohorts for busy leaders.