Last updated on August 12th, 2021 at 06:43 pm

Do you ever just feel like your dealing with burnout? Of course, you write it off and keep pushing, because there’s no time to take breaks! 

You might drink a coffee to keep going because no one has time to fall behind in life.

You have to be bigger than your excuses.

I just want to know: when did it become normal to live on time and a half?

And why is rest only a reward IF we complete certain tasks?

This mentality is not okay!!!!!!!!!! (I’m shouting at you and partially myself).

Yes, you want to be successful and grind now so life can be easier later. Yes, you don’t want your excuses to cripple you.

I think we can all agree with that, but at what point do you listen to your bodies?

Just hear me out. Maybe you’re tired *wait for it*… because you’re not taking care of yourself. Maybe your mood is fluctuating because your hormones are out of balance.

Your body could be acting out for many reasons, but ignoring it won’t heal these issues.

I get it, social media makes it hard. You constantly see messages of work work don’t stop. You see other people’s success and you might want in on that. Seeing the grind of everyone else, might make you think self-sacrifice is necessary.

I’m not here to tell you what kind of work ethic to adopt, or what strategy will work for you. Instead, I challenge you to observe how you’re feeling and to listen to your body more.

Your body isn’t sending you signals because you’re weak. It’s because maybe it’s time you rest or improve your time management. If you’ve been feeling a bit off, here are some signs it’s time to take a break and tend to yourself.

You’re Always Tired

Being tired is more complex than physical. You could be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally tired too.

From working a 9-5, going to the gym, managing a social life, your side hustles or business, relationships, and/or trying to focus on yourself. This can be draining and exhaust anyone.

Where is the freaking break? And how is this the norm for so many people?

It’s imperative you set aside time to rest and stick to the same bedtime every day. If you don’t finish something an hour before bed, save it for the next day.

Check out some time management tips to keep you organized and feeling rested.

You’re Scattered Brained

How many people struggle with this? 🙋🏾‍♀️ You have all the tasks in the world to do. Bouncing back in forth from one thing to the next. Maybe forgetting everything you have to do.

It could have to do with your organizational skills, but it’s probably because you’re trying to do THEE most! And right now, your brain is overwhelmed, so your body is sending you signals.

As much as we think multitasking is a thing… it’s not. Focus on one thing at a time and stop trying to rush everything. Once you complete something, take a break. Give your brain the time to bounce back.

You’re Moody

Do you ever just get irritated for no reason? Or your mood is just low and you can’t shake it? Yeah, lack of sleep will do it to you.

When you don’t take the time to rest, you starting dealing with burnout and it becomes a domino effect in your life. Not only impacting how tired you feel but your emotions too. It’s more likely that emotions will seem out of whack causing you to respond impulsively.

Ask yourself “why am I feeling this way?” “where is the pain located in my body?” By asking yourself the 5 why’s, you can get to the root of your moodiness.

You’re Achy/Tense

Don’t you know your body is sending you signals of distress? Whether it’s tension in your neck, lower back problems, feeling achy. Your pain is not going to miraculously disappear, and pushing past it will not help.

In Louise Hay’s book, You Can Heal Your Life, she talks about the different ailments we experience and how they can cause problems. Your tiredness extends past your physical body. You could be emotionally, spiritually, and mentally tired too, causing extra tension in your body.

You’re Hella Stressed

Being hella stressed can having you dealing with burnout, but let’s not get to that point. If you’re noticing you feel stressed or anxious, it’s time to take a step back. Are you being honest about your workload and your ability to balance it all

Pain may be temporary but it can also lead to more health problems down the line. Think about it. Plus, you’ll hardly be productive if you are stressed.

Why are you stressed? What’s causing you to feel this way?

Your Appetite Increased

Stress eating is super common, unfortunately. Instead of dealing with the worry we feel, we supplement it with food and caffeine. This is not ok.

Not just because of weight gain, but more importantly the impact it’ll have on your mind, body, and soul.

If you find yourself eating just for the sake of it, not because you’re actually hungry, these are some alternatives for you.

If you were looking for extra signs—here they are.

Just take a moment of stillness and realize the magnitude of what you’re doing. Your exhaustion is valid, so stop feeling guilty! We were not meant to be constantly working. Regardless of what’s on your plate, it’s okay to sit back and rest.

Every day, make it a priority to relax and take a break, and avoid dealing with burnout. I promise you’ll be more productive this way.