According to this story in the NYT (published almost one month ago), pastors “now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.” (HT: Eugene Cho)

The remedy? Taking time off. Insert a Keanu Reevesian ‘whoa’ here.

Here at Fuller, the vacation policy is very generous. In addition, we have sick leave on top of vacation time, and the campus is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. This always helps to keep the workload manageable and the employees fresh(er).

Think about your schedule and let’s find a way to take a break more often. Ask friends and family if you are irritable, often tired and/or forgetful. If the answer is yes, you might need a vacation.

Sometimes it is difficult to find a way to relax. Insert shameless promotion here: Fuller’s Berry Center for Lifelong Learning (publishers of The Burner Blog) offer a digital download from Fuller professor emeritus Archibald Hart entitled “Relaxation and Christian Meditation.” Dr. Hart is formerly the dean of the School of Psychology at Fuller and has written a number of books about anxiety, sexuality and depression.

If the ‘meditation’ part scares you off, think about Ps. 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

If you still don’t want to meditate or relax, then you should probably listen to Dr. Hart’s download on ‘anxiety‘–or any of the other downloads for purchase. Check them out at ChristianAudio.com.