#SimpleSolutions: Rest, Food, and Hydration (The Nap & Snack Protocol)
In our go-go-go society, we overthink burnout. But sometimes it's an "Occam's Razor" situation: The correct answer usually lies in the simplest necessary factors. Read on for more!
There’s a meme I’ve seen a number of times online:
This is a secret all parents know. When a child is irritable and misbehaving, often they need food, hydration, and/or a nap.
Elijah endured a drought of over three years. After running for his life, he was exhausted. 1 Kings 19:3-8 says:
“And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.
When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. I have had enough, Lord, he said. Take my life, for I am no better than my father’s.
Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly, an angel touched him and said, Get up and eat. And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.
And a second time, the angel of the Lord returned and touched him, saying, Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you. So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked 40 days and 40 nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”
He took a nap under shade the Lord provided. He ate a little bit and drank and then rested some more. Elijah was severely depressed and run down. His reserves were depleted and he needed to recharge.
While scrolling on social media, I saw news about a study that said getting only five hours of sleep at night could lead to early death.
When we are exhausted, depleted, and overwhelmed, sometimes God provides a season of refreshing so we can recharge our batteries, something we discussed in a bonus episode. He has the aerial view and can see what we cannot. He gives us what we need, even if it seems to our limited view that things are so much worse than they actually are.
When you are cranky, tired, and frustrated with how things are going, perhaps it’s intended to give you the rest and perspective needed to carry on.
What helps restore and re-center your worldview when you get overwhelmed? Chime in below!
