We are compiling a list of articles and suggestions to help Youth Workers with overall wellness.
Wellness Articles
Steps to dealing with burn out and some obstacles we may face in ministry with suggestions on how to over come them.
Some topics addressed within are:
How do we recapture the flame that once ignited when we were called to take on this awesome responsibility [youth ministry]?
What is our role in the life of the Church?
How do we have maximum impact in the lives of our teens?
Where can we go for help?
A reflection on God's role in our time management or rather our experience of time and how to get the most of it.
Excerpt from the conclusion:
"Time is our friend, not our burden to endure. We need only remember that we are in the holy presence of God. We can pause and say the Name of Jesus, thereby bringing us into His very life within us. While on earth we have an opportunity to “sanctify time.”"
Wellness Advice
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, " Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems."
Making connections with other youth workers can be a great way to discuss your ministries. Fellow youth workers understand each other, our unique challenges and the great things we experience working with youth- Try meeting up for coffee once a month with other youth workers in your area. Make this a regular occurrence. Something you all can look forward to and put in your calendar!
The tip we have to share today is to connect to fellow youth workers, send them a note or drop them a line to discuss ministry and to talk about what they are doing well. The social aspect of ministry is an important part of over all youth worker wellness and feeling connected to other's who understand first hand our work.