Are You Showing Signs of Burnout?
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us handle ongoing stress on a daily basis. Sometimes we become irritable when the day has become impossibly long, or the requests keep piling up. Then it may be tough to keep smiling, but usually we manage.
But when you find yourself being hit by repeated stress situations, with little time to bounce back, burnout can occur. That’s when the body sends signals to warn you that you have reached your limit, and your health could be at risk, according to Prevention.com.
See if these signs sound familiar. If they do, it might be time to find ways to let go of your stress, and regroup.
Pass the Chips Please – Nonstop stress can create electrolyte imbalances, triggering salt cravings. When stress is unrelenting those bags of chips just disappear.
Zero Tolerance – When stress is ongoing, you may lose your ability to field trying situations. Everything becomes a big deal immediately.
Getting Up Is Monumental – If it is a real struggle to get going in the morning, cortisol, the hormone supplied by the adrenal glands to nudge our energy levels, may be absent.
Little Pleasures Get Lost – Sometimes when stress takes control, it is hard to just enjoy the little stuff like fun jokes with your family or an early morning walk with your dog.
The Scales Are Wrong – Weight adds up. Along with the salty chips, pizza, burgers, and fries become easy choices, along with pastries and donuts.
Sleep Does Not Erase Tiredness – No matter how much sleep you get, your body still feels exhausted.
Colds and Flu Rule – If a cold shows up, you catch it. Stress may lower immune strength.
Coffee Is Mandatory – When morning coffee and sugar become critical to fire up the day, our body may be telling us that normal energy sources are not working.
Stuff Gets Postponed – When you are in the stress loop, everything gets put on hold; a long-awaited getaway with your family, or a special new class, seem less important.
Energy See-Saw – If your energy soars and dives throughout the day, ongoing stress hits may be calling the shots, targeting your blood sugar levels.
If these signals are familiar, see your doctor for a checkup, and talk with your chiropractor about cutting stress. Healthy foods, time outside biking or walking, fun trips with friends and family, and deep breathing exercises or meditation, could help you reduce stress and regain your life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.