Depletion and Replenishment: The Value of Self-Care

Emotional Depletion

Years ago my mentor asked me, “How would the devil stop you from doing what God is asking you to do?” I wasn’t sure. He began asking this question every time we had our monthly session, and after pondering it for three months, I finally knew the answer! It was emotional depletion. This was a bit of a “duh” moment for me. My emotional depletion had stopped me several times in my years in ministry, once leading to a full burnout where I lost six months of time at work to rest and to get back on my feet. However, during this time of recovery, I discovered how important self-care is for my work. Engaging routinely in self-care practices is an essential competency for all leaders. 

In popular culture, self-care usually means a long bubble bath or spa day, a special treat for yourself after a tough day. There is nothing wrong with this, but self-care goes much deeper than a few hours of luxury. Self-care is about creating healthy habits that allow us to be the best versions of ourselves. It’s about understanding what depletes us, and making intentional time to replenish ourselves. It’s knowing how to create a sustainable lifestyle that benefits all areas of life. 

Self-care is not about just ceasing activities or withdrawing from situations. Sometimes, it feels like the ideal picture for my own life is to remove myself from all responsibilities and engagements, to just rest forever… but that is not healthy or sustainable. This would be like fueling up a car, just so it can sit in the driveway. We rest so we can restore ourselves, and once restored, we can return to our calling and assignment. We rest so we can be reinvigorated to help those around us. 

What replenishes you? 

Reflect on which activities replenish you. What do you walk away from feeling refreshed and invigorated? Which activities allow you to feel at peace and content? Are you finding time for both? 

This week I asked a client if they were paying attention to self-care. They responded that they had engaged in sports practice three times this week then ran 10k. This is all adrenaline. It might be exciting and restoring in some ways, but when does this person take the time to walk? To breathe? To still their heart? 

I have found that woodworking is incredibly replenishing for me. This week I spent some time working on camphor laurel (a beautiful timber) and I felt a fresh wind in my soul afterwards. Find the activity that gives your soul wind! 

Who replenishes you?

What time do you have alone for your replenishment? 

What depletes you?

Being on the Lord’s journey is depleting by the fact that we are always running on fuel. We will always have events and activities ahead of us that will drain us. Even things we value and enjoy can be depleting, such as large parties or a long car ride with the family. There are things that are worth depleting ourselves for, but we should be aware of the toll they take and reflect on how we can manage our depletions and find replenishment. 

Reflection: 

• How am I managing depleting events in my life? 
• What am I doing to replenish myself? 
• What are the questions I need to ask myself?
• What is my routine of self-care? 

What’s next: 

Who assists you to see what you don’t see? https://vervelead.com/contact/ 

If you are struggling to understand what depleted and replenishes you, check out our buoyancy gauge: https://vervelead.com/buoyancy/