Stuck? Unmotivated? Do you have Burnout?

Kim McKenzie
Apr 8
5 min read

Recognising burnout probably sounds simpler than it is. It's hard to understand what is happening to us when we are emotionally exhausted, are critical of ourselves and cynical of others or the world and feel like we are not able to accomplish what we want to. But those three things literally define what burnout is according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Burnout has become a defining affliction of the 21st century. First coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in 1974, burnout is described as a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion often accompanied by cynicism and a reduced sense of accomplishment. While traditionally associated with workplace stress, burnout today extends to caregiving, ministry, parenting, and modern life’s relentless pace.

“When people are chronically stressed, they lose the ability to function effectively, and even their sense of self begins to deteriorate.” — Christina Maslach

Contributing factors include unrealistic workloads, lack of control, insufficient rewards, and misalignment between values and responsibilities. Burnout is distinct from depression, though the two may coexist and exacerbate one another.

Scripture offers a timeless picture of burnout, often hidden within stories of leadership and faith. Elijah the prophet provides one of the clearest examples.

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”— 1 Kings 19:4 (NIV)

After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed, fearful, and emotionally depleted. God’s response is instructive: He first provides physical rest, then nourishment, and only afterward speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:5–12).

Burnout is also seen in Moses (Numbers 11:14–15), Job (Job 3), and even in Jesus’ own withdrawal from crowds to pray (Mark 1:35). The Sabbath itself was God's ordained rhythm to prevent soul-weariness.

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”— Mark 2:27 (ESV)

Both theological and psychiatric sources agree: humans are not meant to operate as machines. Burnout occurs when we live disconnected from purpose, community, and rest.

Psychiatrists point to chronic stress without recovery, while Scripture warns of toil without trust:

In many cases, burnout stems from an identity crisis—when worth is tied to performance rather than intrinsic value. Psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson notes:

“We all come into the world looking for someone looking for us... Burnout often reveals that we’ve forgotten we are seen and known.”

Once you realise that the sluggish lack of motivation you feel is burnout then you can start to do something about it. The basic fundamental truth here is that we are not designed to keep giving, or pushing ourselves. We are literally designed by God to give and receive. Which means we need to start looking at simple self-care;

Prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise.
Re-establish healthy boundaries and reduce stimuli.
Practice mindfulness, shown in studies to lower cortisol levels and reduce emotional exhaustion.

In those three simple statements are libarys full of how to find your best way to self-care. However, just allowing yourself to acknowlege and humbly accept that you are at the end of yourself will go a long way.

“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Sometimes we need a little bit of help to see the wood for the trees. Burnout can occur over years and have layers of negative self beliefs that need to be addresses and healed. Engaging with a therapist familiar with burnout and stress disorders will helping you identify how your thinking or behaviour style may be prone to overworking or never being able to see how well you are doing in your circumstances.

Burnout can be a powerful tool which can lead to deconstruction, but also deeper reconstruction - a reimagined life that values being over doing.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”— Matthew 11:28–30

Burnout is not merely a mental health issue—it is a cry of the soul for rest, meaning, and reconnection. Both Scripture and psychiatry call us back to a rhythm of rest and work, purpose and pause, community and solitude. Healing comes when we remember who we are: not machines of productivity, but image-bearers of God, worthy of rest and renewal. The path out of burnout is not one of shame or fear, but grace—inviting us to receive life again.

If you are interested in more of what I do. There are 4 ways I can help you on your self-discovery journey:

As a counsellor with 25 years experience including my own healing journey I give clarity and focus that brings my clients hope, peace, harmony, fulfilment and emotional intelligence for better decision making, resilience and influence. Read testimonials and book a session HERE.

I teach the life changing Journey to Wholeness Course. With teachings drawn from Optimised Life & the New Psychology taking you week by week on a self-awareness healing journey from the inside out. Find out more and get Extream Traction to reach your goal HERE.

I offer Inner Healing Holy Spirit Discovery sessions to uncover deep insights about yourself, building genuine connections that will quickly remove inner confusion and chaos. Bringing back harmony, peace and hope. Find out more HERE.

I share my own recovery story from addiction, depression and emotional distress and confusion, so that others going through the same know they are not alone. My core goal is to go to war with shame, expose the enemy's plan and bring hope and light to the darkness. Read HERE.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with your questions and you can have a FREE 20 min chat to work it all out. CONTACT ME via my website or email me kim@aliveingodswill.com.

Testimonials

I did a Holy Spirit Exploration session with Kim, as well as EMDR sessions. The Holy Spirt session was so powerful. I have seen massive changes in my life. In this session, things that normally caused me distress for many years were handed over to God to transform. God has transformed them. Kim is an authority on God's word and her sessions are delivered in His mighty name.

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The Psychology of Heaven

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