168 hours. That’s how much time we have in a week. It’s easy to assign our hours towards chores, spending time with people, or sleep, but it’s not so easy to recognize how much we have in our mental energy tanks.
Mental Energy
In our quest to manage our schedules like a successful adult, it’s easy to prioritize time over energy. It’s no wonder we are hearing about a high percentage of employee burnout and ’quiet quitting’. Glorifying God in all that we do means we need to consider how to have quality time in our lives. When we feel depressed, burnt out, or simply not in the mood, it can feel like a slow trudge up a mountain, covered in mud.
Feeling this way hampers our ability to deliver on quality work or to be a good friend; your mental well-being is needed to be emotionally present, sensitive, and ready to engage with others.
Physical Health
Sometimes, mental and physical wellbeing are tied. In Mark 6:30-34, Jesus recognized when his disciples needed rest and encouraged them to do so. “The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Sometimes the people around us are too overwhelmed to recognize when they need rest. As a loving gesture, encourage those around you who might be feeling burnt out to take the rest they need whether spiritually or physically.
God Gave Us Emotions
The truths of God are a guide to know what is wrong or right, while emotions are a gauge to help us recognize when something in us is wrong or right. Getting upset about something your friend said could indicate that they are not being loving or that you need to work through your insecurities. Perhaps both.
Don’t work against your emotions, but with your emotions to recognize what might be going on in your heart and what truths of God you may be overlooking. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What truths do you need a frequent reminder of? Consider putting up a poster or setting up a digital wallpaper for a visual reminder of these truths.
Practical Scheduling Tips
By nurturing our mental energy through activities that bring us life, we equip ourselves to work better, enjoy life, and be there for the people we love.
- Start with Prayer: Seek God’s guidance and wisdom as you plan your schedule (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Prioritize Commitments: Identify your core commitments and allocate time for rest and worship (Matthew 6:33).
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to nonessential activities that drain your energy and distract from your priorities (Ephesians 5:15-16).
- Practice Sabbath Rest: Work to stay in spiritual rest. Though it might not be the same day every week, try to dedicate one day each week for rest, reflection, and worship, trusting in God’s provision (Exodus 20:8-11).
- Embrace Flexibility: Remain open to God’s interruptions or adjustments to your schedule, recognizing that God’s timing is perfect (James 4:13-15).
- Review Regularly: Evaluate how you are spending your time. Adjust your schedule as needed to maintain balance and stay aligned with God’s will (Psalm 90:12).
Navigating life with clarity and confidence has been a game-changer for me, which is why I’m passionate about sharing my journey and insights to help others reflect and grow. I enjoy having meaningful conversations that seek to understand and transform us for the better. My interest in technology and efficiency supports the practical side of handling situations with wisdom. In my free time, you’ll find me working on my own growth, trying new things, and serving my community. Through my sharing, I hope that I can encourage you to live a full and free life as God intended.