You’re tired. Now what? Sometimes a nap or a good night’s rest doesn’t fix it. There’s more than one way to be weary. To recover, you need to identify which one(s) you are. Are you:

1. Physically Tired

• You’ve had a long day at work
• Your sick child kept you up all night
• You stayed up late or woke up earlier than normal
• You’re recovering from an illness

2. Mentally Tired

• You’re facing a lot of decisions
• You’re working long hours and your mind hasn’t had time to process everything
• A lot of change is taking place in your life
• You are filled with anxious thoughts

3. Emotionally Tired

• You’re helping someone go through a tough time
• You’re being mistreated by someone
• You have just lost a loved one
• You’ve been depressed

4. Spiritually Tired

• You don’t feel connected to God
• You’re tired from serving God
• You’re weary from the struggles and problems of life

What’s really difficult is when you’re more than one of these. There are times, as a pastor, I am all four at the same time. A simple good night’s rest will not recharge me back to 100%.

What can we do when we weary? Here are a few things that might help:

• Take a walk
• Journal your thoughts
• Take a mental break from what you are wresting with
• Listen to music that lifts your spirit
• Read a good book
• Count your blessings
• Go to a quiet place
• Get away from the news, television, social media, etc.
• Pray
• Exercise: Lift weights, go for a run or bike ride
• Spend time around someone that recharges you, not drains you

Remember this important truth: If you don’t take care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of anyone else.

Mark 6:31, “Jesus and his followers were in a very busy place. There were so many people that he and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, “Come with me. We will go to a quiet place to be alone. There we will get some rest.”