4 Practical Ways To Switch Off From Work
“Can anyone advise me how to switch off from work?”
I’m sure this question from a carer resonates with many of us. With various shifts, providing overnight and on-call support, caring deeply about those in our care and the many pressures of the role itself, it can be hard to separate our work from the rest of our life. We know the pressures in our social care system and the shortage of staff. There will always be shifts to fill and people who need looking after. Our bodies and our minds really feel it. Rest is not optional - it’s essential, and God invites us to rest as part of His good plan and purpose for us. We cannot pour from an empty cup.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
Being part of the Christians in Care network meant several caregivers were on hand to share practical and supportive advice to the above question. We found the responses such a blessing and encouragement that we wanted to share it more widely. Especially in balancing our desire to provide excellent compassionate care and find ways to switch off, give our worries to Christ, and find ways to thrive outside of work. Here are some quotes from carers that will help!
1. Remind yourself of the grace and compassion of Jesus.
“I think the enemy plays into our thinking at times, and we can be a hard taskmaster on ourselves. I often feel I need to remind myself of the grace and compassion that the Lord extends to me when I am struggling. He always sees the bigger picture.”
2. Read or listen to uplifting content.
“I read a helpful book written by Peter Rosenberger called Hope for the Caregiver. He has been a caregiver for many years for his wife. They are Christians and he learned the hard way getting burnt out and the importance of being replenished himself so he could give out to his wife.” Find out more: https://peterrosenberger.com/
3. Maintain discipline and healthy boundaries.
“Discipline is key and unfortunately, we can only do that ourselves. But unless we rest and have time off, we burn out and then we are no good to anyone. So, we need to keep those boundaries. No one will keep them for us.”
“That's the beauty of emails. You can write them when at work. And people can all do the same. The email won't change by the time you're on the next shift.”
“Can you have a different phone for work emails, so you're not tempted to check? One you keep in the work bag.”
“It’s ok to say no to extra shifts”.
4. Make the most of your free time and take care of yourself.
“Do you have ear plugs? You could listen to some worship music? Have a hobby that needs your full attention? A bath and a book? A phone call to a friend? Drop in to a older neighbour?”
“I go swimming, and pray, read the Bible and do Bible study, and walk the dog with my Christian podcasts on.”
“I do a hobby that I can pick up at any time easily and it is very attention taking so I forget about everything else.”
“Praying that God helps you guard your time off and helps you with ways to deeply relax, rest, and for recreation. When you are away from work, hand it back to Him and receive what He wants to give you to replenish you”.