Escaping Burnout
Biblical Lessons for a Balanced Life
Hustle culture and the allure of nonstop grind have exploded in recent years. The pressure to work harder, longer, and faster has become the norm, but it’s a path that leads straight to burnout and health issues.
In many workplaces, this pressure shows up as “presenteeism”—working long hours, staying constantly available, and pushing through even when we’re unwell. Even if you manage this for a while, it’ll catch up with you eventually.
And that’s exactly what happened to me.
Beyond my work on the Stoic Christian project, I run a business, have a family, and work full-time as a software engineer. Last year, when my manager mentioned the possibility of a promotion, I pushed hard to prove myself. Then, when a coworker started slacking off, I ended up covering their workload too, stretching myself to the limit.
Eventually, it all collapsed. My coworker was fired, I didn’t get promoted, and I hit a wall. After three intense months of working harder than ever, I burned out completely. My productivity hit rock bottom, my motivation vanished, and it was by God’s grace alone that I wasn’t fired.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about avoiding burnout while staying aligned with God’s calling.
3 Ways to Avoid Burnout and Stay True to Your Purpose
1. Take a Break—Even God Did
There’s a line in a song I heard recently: “even God takes breaks.” It’s a reference to the Bible, where God rests on the seventh day after finishing creation.
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it…” – [Genesis 2:2-3 KJV]
I had neglected this principle entirely. Between my job, my business, and this project, I was working nearly every waking hour, taking no real time off. It wasn’t until my third child was born that I took a proper break, thanks to my company’s leave policy.
During that time, I disconnected from work, spending time with my family, and enjoyed simple activities with my kids. This time off allowed me to recover and return to work with new energy and enthusiasm.
The lesson? Regular rest is not just nice to have—it’s essential.
2. Take It Slow and Steady
The hustle culture pushes us to work at a breakneck pace. But a more sustainable approach is to work at a steady, manageable speed. While there are moments to push harder, these should balance with a pace that’s healthy and allows for breathing room.
“Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.” – [Ecclesiastes 4:6 KJV]
I’ve adopted this approach in my job now. I still aim for a promotion, but I do it in a way that’s sustainable long-term. I plan my tasks carefully, block out time on my calendar, and prioritize effectively.
For Stoic Christian, I follow a similar structure, dedicating specific blocks of time each day for different tasks. By spreading work throughout the week, I maintain a comfortable pace that keeps me productive and healthy.
3. Embrace the Power of “No”
One of the quickest paths to burnout is saying “yes” to everything. At the end of last year, I fell into this trap, agreeing to every request that came my way.
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” – [Galatians 1:10 KJV]
Had I been okay with saying “no,” I might have achieved my promotion goal without burning out. If a task or request doesn’t help you reach your main objective, it’s okay to turn it down.
“No” becomes especially powerful when your plate is already full; it shows you’re focused, disciplined, and purposeful. Saying “no” when needed not only preserves your energy but also strengthens your authority.
Conclusion: A Balanced Life Honors God
Avoiding burnout isn’t just about protecting your productivity—it’s about honoring God by living in balance. By embracing regular rest, working steadily, and setting healthy boundaries, you can maintain your purpose and continue serving with strength and joy.
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