Feeling burned out? Here are five things religious professionals can do to renew themselves this summer.

At my church this time of year, so many people are rushing off for summer vacation. Attendance tends to plummet in the summer because so many are off enjoying the nice weather and getting outdoors with their family and friends. But so often, as religious professionals, we’re still stuck inside our office watching the world go by.

If you’re a religious professional, chances are you’re wrapping up your program year and it seems like there’s still so much to do. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself as well! Here are five things you can do this summer to renew yourself and your vocation.

• Take a vacation. I’m always amazed by the number of religious professionals who get a very generous time off package but never use it. There’s always excuses about how they can’t afford to take time off right now or there’s just not enough time. But can you afford to burn out? The people you serve need you to be at your best to serve them. Even if it’s packing up the kids and renting a cabin in the woods in the resort town over, find something you can do to shake up your routine.
  
• Take a class. People always look at me strange when I say that professional development is part of my self-care routine, but it’s true. At its core, these are skills that will not only strengthen my vocational identity, but also my deepest vision of myself. For example, when I learned how to be a coach, I not only learned skills I could bring into my role as a minister, but also how to bring out the best in the lives of people around me. Pick something you’ve been meaning to learn and go for it! It will enrich your life in ways you can scarcely see at present.
  
• Go on retreat–even if it’s at home! I doubt there are many of us who will doubt the value of going on retreat; it’s a great way to refresh and find yourself in the midst of hectic times. Many people tell me they can’t go on retreat for one reason or another: money, family responsibilities, professional needs. But if lockdown has taught me anything, it’s that retreats don’t need to be expensive luxury trips to meet a guru–you can have them at home, right now! Cue up some YouTube videos for inspiration, find four or so hours of quiet, and engage in some spiritual practice. Bring your journal with you and write down what the experience was like. Retreats are meant to keep you going, not stress you out about how you’re going to afford them!
  
• Try out a new spiritual practice. I know, I know, you’re trying to find time to commit to the other thirty-seven spiritual practices you already committed to, but what if something novel may be exactly what your spirit needs? And even more: what if you give yourself permission that you don’t have to stick with it long term? So go for it: take up a new spiritual practice with no pressure that you have to commit long term. Wanted to try yoga? Interested in meditation? Really want to learn more about labyrinths? Maybe this is your opportunity to see what new thing might stir in you!
  
• Volunteer in something that has nothing to do with your congregation. It’s easy as a religious professional for me to devote so much time to the church and its accompanying social justice causes that I miss out on the joy of volunteering for volunteers sake. But taking the time to volunteer for a cause important to you just for the sake of doing it is a great way to refresh yourself. During my first ministry, I volunteered at the local humane society and was reminded of my deep love for the companion animals we invite into our lives. And it ended up bringing some vocational discernment into my life as well as giving me lots of stories for sermons. So do something for someone else that has nothing to do with your profession. You’ll be helping others while refreshing yourself.

At a time when so many religious professionals are thinking of leaving their jobs, it’s essential we find ways to take care of ourselves. After all, as the old saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So commit to finding ways to lean into the renewal that the summer offers. The people you serve will thank you for it when you’re more able to be present with them in their needs.

If you’re looking for a someone to help you find ways to rest and renew your soul, I’d be honored to be considered as a part of your support team! Schedule a FREE consultation with me today and let’s see if we’d be a good match to work together!