How to Tell if You Need a Break
By Donna Stark
Many of us are already under a lot of stress from the events of the past year, but that stress can easily get worse if you are starting to feel burned out from your obligations at work and home. And when your stress levels get worse, so does your overall health and wellness. If you are becoming less focused, less productive, and less motivated during your days, you may be on the fast track to burnout. But don't start panicking yet! Here are some red flags to look for and some simple steps on how to make things better.
You Can't Remember Vacations
If you can't remember the last time you actually took a vacation, or if you can, the last time you had one while staying completely offline from work, then you might want to consider giving yourself a break! Even if it is just for a couple of days, getting away and disengaging from your duties at work will do wonders for both your physical and mental health.
You're Making Mistakes and Missing Deadlines
Whether it's because you can't seem to focus clearly or are burning the candle at both ends, making simple mistakes and missing important deadlines is a surefire way to determine if you are in need of a break. At this point, the best thing to do is to establish boundaries and make sure you are getting the rest your body and brain need!
You're Missing Out on Connections
You can still suffer from isolation and loneliness even while being extremely busy with work. Don't let your connections with others disintegrate simply because you can't get out of the office at a decent hour. Isolation and burnout can quickly lead to stress, depression, and anxiety, so try to nurture your relationships as much as possible.
You Aren't as Productive as You Once Were
Did you think that by increasing the hours you work, you would get more accomplished during the day? It's a good thought, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. It just makes you tired, unfocused, and depressed. If you want to increase your productivity, try to establish a new system to work by. Create to-do lists, partner up with a coworker, or take a walk during lunch. In addition to your productivity increasing, so will your energy levels and creativity!
Avoid the Burnout
Reduce your stress and improve your overall health and wellness by getting off the track that leads to burnout and stepping onto a healthier, happier, and more productive path instead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.