Episode 7: Ways to prevent burnout from a busy summer

Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers.

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com.

DISCUSSION: Why is burnout in YM a problem, especially because of summer?

Smarteryouthministry.com says 40% of YMs are burned out right now, and 47% of YM spouses are burned out because of our jobs.
Being gone from your family too much
Not taking enough time off, working too much
Fatigue
Stress
Increased workload & less time to get everything done

DISCUSSION: What are some things you've done and still do to prevent burnout from a busy summer?

Don't waste time. Be as productive & effecient as possible.
Take a day or two to rest and spend time with your family after being gone on a trip.
When you're home, be home.
Plan your summer calendar with your spouse.
Stick to your calendar. Don't fall into the trap of doing everything your students want to do bc they are out of school and have a lot of time on their hands.
Go on a family vacation. (Kadee and I book end our summer with vacations)
Be honest with your eldership about burnout.
Remember to take care of your soul...in the summer we are so stretched thin that a lot of times we spend all of our time taking care of others and planning trips and making sure everything goes smoothly that we forget about our lives.

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Our first summer episode will be June 3rd at 1pm. "Evangelism in YM with Philip Jenkins".

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.