10 easy ways to take time for you and why you should

BY TRICIA K. BROWN

1. Take a timeout. Church leadership is challenging. If you find yourself increasingly frustrated, depressed or stressed, put yourself in timeout. Find a nice, quiet spot alone, and leave your phone behind. When there, close your eyes and take several deep breaths, say a prayer, tense and relax your shoulder muscles and roll your head and neck.

2. Leave for lunch. Everybody deserves a break. The busier the day, the more important it is that you take one. If at all possible, leave the church. Have your spouse or a friend meet you, but make it a rule not to talk “shop.”

3. Move that body! Finding time to exercise is hard when your schedule is already full, but exercise offers many emotional as well as physical benefits. Even mild efforts are helpful and can help prevent burnout and fatigue.

4. Be natural. Fresh air, scenic views, warm sunshine on your face … through God’s design, our bodies seem to naturally recharge whenever we venture outdoors. With the portability of technology today, there’s no reason that work can’t be accomplished outside just as well as inside.

5. Maintain a hobby. Reading, sewing, shopping, building, baking, taking pictures — whatever you like to do, do it! You can’t just say you have a hobby, you need to spend time maintaining it. At least once a week, block out time on your schedule to do the things you love.

6. Reward yourself. Treats aren’t just for children. Even the most serious no-nonsense adult enjoys a reward. Purchase a variety of small items that you consider indulgences, things that you really like but wouldn’t normally purchase for yourself. Pick up several items and then tuck them away at home and at the office. When you’re having a particularly bad day, pull one out and enjoy.

7. Create memories. Good memories help carry us through rough times. Make a point to create lots of them. Spending time with the people you love builds emotional reserves that help you get through those busy, chaotic days that never seem to end.

Keep pictures of good times and loved ones on your phone or desk to remind you of good memories.

8. Worship and praise. No amount of service can take the place of worship. Prioritize not just Bible study time but worship as well. If you are a pastor, schedule a week when you don’t have to preach but can listen to someone else’s sermon.

9. Get away. You may think that everything will fall apart if you aren’t there, but you will fall apart if you’re there too much. At least once a year, take a vacation or staycation. Delegate someone else to be in charge, and get away. Turn off your phone. Unplug your computer, and just relax for a while.

10. Eat, sleep and maintain balance. You know what you need to do. Eat right. Get a good night’s rest. Get a physical every year. Follow health and safety recommendations. Take care of yourself. There’s only one of you! Set an example for your team and family and encourage them to lean into similar practices.