Chronic stress, anxiety, long and tiring hours at work, sleep deprivation, restless mind . . . These are the signs that you’re trapped on the hamster wheel.
I’ve been there many times, and I know how exhausting it is!
Hamster Wheel Syndrome is the illusion (that seems so real) that you must solve all of life’s problems by yourself. Your mind is constantly looking for solutions – even at night. You don’t have time to enjoy your life.
Let me tell you the truth. Hamster Wheel was not created for you by Father God.
On the contrary, Proverbs 10:22 says, “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, and HE ADDS NO sorrow, harsh toil or pain to it.”
Psalm 127:1-2 also confirms this: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”
In order to get off the hamster wheel, I encourage you to:
1. Stop relying on your own wisdom and start seeking the Lord’s.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
2. Make rest a priority.
“But Coach, I don’t have time to rest!” If you’re thinking this now, then you REALLY need to make time for rest. A rested mind allows you to hear God clearly. A rested mind allows you to make right, life-changing decisions.
3. Start your day right.
In the morning, before you dive into the hustle and bustle of life, before anxiety attacks you . . . fill your mind with positive, encouraging thoughts. I begin every day with reading and meditating on God’s Word, talking to my Heavenly Father, listening to “happy” upbeat songs, and even singing and dancing in the shower.
Remember: it all starts in your mind.Therefore, your daily responsibility is to fill your mind with positive, life-giving, healing thoughts.
