There comes a point in life where you just crash, and it feels like you don’t have enough strength to save yourself.
You fall, and even though it’s a little bit scary, you comfort yourself with an “I’ve been here. I will get up.” But it turns out, this time it’s different. You’ve hit rock bottom, and now there are no ropes, stairs or signs that show your way out.
It’s dark and it just keeps getting darker and darker.
Unfortunately, a mental breakdown is something that happens even to the toughest people out there. You can never know when it will strike, or how long will the impact last.
The biggest irony is that only you can prevent this from happening and only you can help yourself.
You just need to stop and think where did it all go wrong. You need to focus your mind on understanding what lead you down this road and then eventually take back the control over your life by giving yourself that much-needed mental break.
If you feel that your energy levels are lower than ever, and you have no strength, nor will to keep moving forward, you need to lay down and let others take the lead.
Here are 8 signs that you’re burning out and you desperately need that rest:
1. YOUR GLASS IS OVERFLOWING
And just how much is too much? It depends on you really. If you feel exhausted of accepting requests just to please everyone, the answer to your question is already answered.
When your glass is full, every following drop you pour will only make the water overflow. It works the same with your emotions. Be careful. You don’t want to make a mess that it will take you a lifetime to clean.
2. YOU’VE NOTICED THE PHYSICAL EFFECTS STRESS HAS ON YOU
As you know, a higher exposure to stress can have severe consequences on us. Increased levels of stress force our bodies to release the stress hormone – cortisol, which is considered a response to our fight-or-flight defensive mechanism.
As a result, the elevated cortisol levels can be the main reason for numerous physical conditions such as:
-An increased exhaustion, chronic fatigue
-Severe weight changes (overeating, losing appetite)
-Inability to think and focus
-Unwillingness to get out of bed
3. YOU ARE LAST ON YOUR PRIORITY LIST
I know. We’re all stuck in the never-ending cycle of work duties, but one thing you should always remember is to put yourself on the top of your priority list.
If you keep ignoring your needs and focus 100% of your time on work, your plan will backfire in the worst possible way you could ever imagine. It’ll strike you when you least expect it.
4. YOU STRUGGLE WITH AN IRREGULAR SLEEPING PATTERN
Many people like to joke that “Sleep is for the weak”. However, even though these workaholics might not be aware of how important sleep is, it is essential for us to understand that it affects our life as well as our health much more than we think.
Maintaining a regular 8 hours-sleeping pattern is the best way to rejuvenate your body and improve the ways your brain functions. Getting enough sleep is essential before engaging in any kind of productive work.
5. YOU’VE BECOME AN EMOTIONAL WRECK
When you lose yourself to stress and constant hard work, it’s likely to experience a breakdown. You forget about your social life and your private needs because the only thing that matters is getting the work done.
Sadly, if this issue isn’t approached immediately, the next thing on the list to suffer is your emotional balance.
6. YOU DON’T ENJOY SOCIALIZING ANYMORE
One of the most common symptoms of burning out is the lack of will and need to socialize.
When you slowly and subtly begin to isolate yourself from the world, it is a clear sign that you are experiencing a severe fatigue and you need a TIMEOUT on the field.
If you experience this overwhelming sensation, give in to it and try to cool off for a while. Avoid making any effort and allow yourself to finally take a break from reality.
7. YOU FEEL LIKE A FAILURE
The lack of time and energy to perform more efficiently makes you feel useless. You keep trying and trying, but once your batteries are dead, it is pointless.
When you face this, it is important to not force it. Whatever you’re doing, if it’s too much to handle, just spare yourself and take some time off.
Let it go, rest, take a mental break and once your energy levels are back, come back in style and make it work!
8. YOU CAN’T FIND THE MOTIVATION TO DO ANYTHING
And, if you feel like you can’t find a motivation to just keep going, stop right there. Creativity is within you. And it needs to be unleashed on its own. You can’t force it. And you can’t fake it.
So, if you feel burnt out and you struggle to get in your creative, Zen mode, take your time. Focus on yourself and get some rest. When you finally recharge your body, mind, and spirit you’ll feel a fresh energy flowing through your veins.
