At Easter, or during any overwhelming church season, a church communicator (or Pastor) needs to be mindful of burnout self-care. Here are some self-care strategies so you can protect yourself from burnout:
- Prepare with Adequate Expectations: Church communicators often underestimate work preparation time. Starting too late will add stress and undue pressure to your job and life. You probably don’t need more time, you just need more realistic deadlines.
TIP: Always add time to job expectations. And pray as part of your preparations. - Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital. This may involve setting specific work hours and sticking to them, avoiding checking work emails or messages outside of designated times, and learning to say “no” to additional tasks or commitments when feeling overwhelmed.
TIP: The side hustle may bring in bonus bucks…but at what emotional cost? - Prioritize Tasks: All tasks are not equally urgent or important. Church communicators must prioritize their workload by focusing on high-priority tasks first and delegating or postponing less critical ones. Creating to-do lists or using project management tools organizes tasks, expectations, and priorities.
TIP: Focus on the “worst first” when tackling a to-do list. Get it done early when you’re fresh. - Be Known for Self-Compassion: Church communicators often experience pressure to perform at a high level, leading to self-criticism, and perfectionism. So, for burnout self-care, practice self-compassion by acknowledging your efforts and celebrating accomplishments, even small ones. It’s okay to make mistakes!
TIP: Remember, reasonable self-care is not selfish but necessary for long-term well-being. - Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities: Regularly engage in activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Hobbies like reading, painting, or playing music. Physical activities like walking, pickleball, or a good workout can also be effective in relieving stress and boosting your mood.
TIP: Add these activities to your to-do list or get a friend to hold you accountable for the activity. - Seek Support: You don’t have to go through busy seasons alone. Reach out to colleagues, friends, or mentors for support and encouragement. Participating in professional networks or support groups for ministry leaders can also provide valuable insights and help.
TIP: Be a support to others by encouraging them. Do to others as you’d like to happen to you. - Take Time Off: Finally, church communicators, you need regular time off to rest and recharge. Whether it’s a getaway after a busy time, a staycation, or a longer vacation, time away from work is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being.
TIP: Vacation days are to be taken. Work with your supervisor for the best times (Easter isn’t one).
Burnout self-care must start now. Start small and create micro-habits that lead to a better you. It’ll protect you from burnout and allow you to serve your church more effectively, even during the busiest seasons.
Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com, and Executive Director of Center for Church Communication, empowering 10,000+ churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, websites, & social media. His book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com.