Exhaustion is not an uncommon word for the busy single mom is who often burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle too)! The demands of a full-time job, car pool, football practice, homework, daily cleaning, and cooking a meal can be overwhelming. And when the days get long and hard, and there seems to be no reprieve in sight, you may just want to throw your hands in the air.
Do you find yourself completely and totally exhausted? Have you been battling exhaustion for a long time and simply don’t know what to do? Here are a few things that may help:
Evaluate the spiritual.
How is your spiritual life, right now? Are you closer to the Lord than you've ever been, or do you feel there has been a drift? Would you say you are on fire for the things of God, or barely putting check boxes on a spiritual to-do list? The state of our spiritual lives has substantial impact on our physical bodies. When we are rest in the Lord, walking in unison with the Holy Spirit, there is a divine rest that comes upon our lives. Many busy moms will argue that they simply do not have time to read the Bible, pray, or attend church. But we'd challenge you that you cannot afford not to. The time we spend on social media, binge watching the latest television program, or simply scrolling through mind-numbing web browsing is likely hours a day. One moment with the Holy Spirit changes everything. Re-prioritize your time to ensure that your walk with the Lord is in alignment with your role as Daughter of the King.
Put the phone down.
The demand placed on us emotionally, professionally, parentally, and spiritually by our phones is perhaps the most under-focused area of exhaustion we face. The modern-day convenience of the phone quickly gave way to endless hours of nothingness. It gave way to widespread addiction. It gave way to ready access to ungodly, immoral content. It gave way to the "prince of the air" referenced in Ephesians 2:2. We have allowed our phones to give us 24/7 access to comparison, work demands, and mind-numbing scrolling, and it has to stop. Like any other addiction, it must be broken through the power of God and intentionality. Take some time to look at your screen time and what your spend your phone time on. Set aside time each day to turn the phone off and increase that time incrementally to continually reduce phone access, particularly at night, when the body should be winding down to rest.
Learn to say 'no'.
Many of us have put unrealistic expectations on ourselves and others. The hamster wheel of professional demands and corporate climbing then give way to school competitions and even competitive parenting. We're constantly attempting to 'keep up with the Joneses' financially, parentally, with our appearances, and so much more. Say 'no" to the sporting event when you (and your children) don't have margin in the schedule. Say 'no' to the volunteer opportunity, when you cannot do it. Say 'no' to your children, when they've placed unrealistic demands. Are you following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to guide your 'yes' and 'no'? The more in tune with the Spirit of God we are, the easier it is to follow in obedience, allowing 'no' to be a regular part of our vocabulary.
Learn to sit in the presence of God.
Jesus went away often to be with His Father. He understood the importance of rest. He understood the importance of prayer, praise, and supplication. He understood, even as the Savior of the world, that there are rhythms to life that require rest and work. Jesus was the ultimate example of a healthy life balance! He loved people perfectly. He praised perfectly. He taught perfectly. He had meaningful friendships. He was busy about His Father's business, but he also rested well. He was intentional and regular with His rest. And how did He rest? He rested in the Secret Place with the Father. He sat at the feet of His Father in prayer and waited upon instruction, fresh indwelling, and deep rest. You should, too.
