3 Keys to Preventing Emotional Exhaustion

Everyone has a finite supply of emotional energy. Since emotional exhaustion will rob you of vitality, you must build into your life practices that recharge your emotional reserves.Are you running on fumes? Just like a car needs to pull into gas pump before going empty, you need to refill your emotional supply before you end up parked on the side of the highway with your thumb up asking for a lift.

Three strategies to help prevent emotional exhaustion

1. Release Your Frustrations

At times, emotional exhaustion is caused by frustrating people and situations. Unruly children. Conflict with people. Unrealistic expectations. Financial pressure.

Related Post: Tired and Frustrated Trying To Do The Right Thing

Unexpressed frustration results in anxiety, fear, guilt, and depression. If you push down your frustrations, they will eventually come out somewhere else. Instead of releasing frustration in unhealthy ways, like bursts of anger or turning to addiction, learn to release them to God.

Pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge.  Psalms 62:8 NIV

God invites you to vent to Him. Go ahead — pour out your heart to God!

2. Receive Help From Friends

When you give more than you have emotionally, you end up empty. To refill your supply, saying “Yes” to receiving help from your friends is important.It could show up as letting a friend see your tears or your weakness, asking for prayer, or letting your hair down. Isolation when emotionally exhausted sometimes is the last thing you need.

Encourage one another daily… Hebrews 3:13 NIV

There’s strength in community.  You and I need daily encouragement especially when emotionally empty.

3. Refocus on Jesus

When you are frustrated and emotionally drained, you lose your focus. You forget what’s important and grow anxious. You need in that moment to refocus on Jesus.When Peter was walking towards Jesus on the water, he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink. It was only when he refocused, that he resurfaced. Jesus gives an invitation to those weary and out of focus.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” - Matthew 11:28-29, The Message

In concluding this post, I want you to think about how full your emotional tank is. Reflect, and plan to prevent emotional exhaustion by following the 3 keys above.