What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

Because ministry leaders usually put their heart into their work, it's easy to get to a place when you feel overwhelmed by all that you've committed to or have been asked to do. If you're like me, there are times when you feel like you can't get it all done or care for everyone you need to care for. If we're not careful, this feeling of being overwhelmed is the first step to all-out burnout. If you're feeling overwhelmed, here are a few things you need to do today:

Make a list of everything you are "supposed" to do. This includes tasks related to your job, what you need to do to take care of your family, and any volunteer commitments you've. Sometimes this can help you realize that your list is more manageable than you think. If there's too much on your list, it can alert you to the fact that you need to scale back your commitments.

Ask people to do some things on your list. Chances are (unless you're God), there are things on your list that don't necessarily have to be done by you. Find a few things that you're doing in your job that can be delegated to an assistant or a volunteer. Ask your spouse to carry some of the load for you, even if just temporarily.

Cross some things off your list. Remember that big heart that got you into ministry in the first place? Well, it got you into trouble when it convinced you to take on too many things. As hard as it might be, find one or two things that you need to go back and say "no" to. Maybe it's that volunteer coaching position or that extra project at church. Don't leave people in the lurch, but if you can, tell people that you are sorry and that you have too much on your plate to do a good job. More often than not, people will understand and respect your decision.

Let your boss know how you feel. If you're in a ministry position, be honest with your feelings of being overwhelmed. It's hard to do and may require you to swallow some pride, but it's a better option than burning out. Chances are, your boss will respond positively and try to help. And if you have real fears of being looked down upon or your job being in jeopardy if you reveal that you're feeling overwhelmed, then you might be serving in the wrong place.

Remember that you're not God. Some feelings of being overwhelmed come from feeling like everything is on your shoulders, and if you can't get it all done, then everything's going to come crashing down. News flash: It's not all about you, and if you have to let a few things fall, God's still going to be able to run his universe just fine.

What else has helped when you've felt overwhelmed?

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