Pushing long hours fueled by caffeine and sucrose is borrowing on the credit of past reserves and future supplies. Every energy debt must one day be paid. Furthermore, educators have terribly sedentary jobs. The lack of exercise rapidly becomes lack of stamina and loss of energy, of vitality, and of the sparkling joy of life that should be exclamation points in our life messages. You do not have to be an Olympian, but consistent physical exercise that works the cardiovascular system is a must if you are serious about serving the Lord at your peak.
Most authorities say that a thirty-minute session three times a week is enough.
An Important Distinction Stress and burnout are not the same thing. Stresses are the common lot of all the living, whether Christian or not, whether in teaching or in tadpole-tending. The difference is how one responds to the stresses. At the crisis hour of history, Christ bore tremendous pressure alone in Gethsemane, and He went on to victory. Still, he was a joyous and effective Christian.