Is It Time to Take a Day Off?
By Sandy Schroeder
If we have a fever, we call in sick, but when our stress levels set record highs, most of us keep right on going, choosing to ignore the whole thing.
Knowing when you are reaching a snapping point could be as simple as reading the signs. See if these signs from Health.com sound familiar.
Little things become big deals – Usually the ups and downs of work roll along and most of us accept them as they come, but when they suddenly turn into monumental issues that's a clue. If you suddenly find yourself totally irritated over a minor issue, or snapping back in response to simple requests, you may need a break.
Pain sets in – Psychologists say our bodies may react to stress with increased sensitivity to pain and all sorts of aches and pains may show up. If you have just encountered a baffling problem at work that refuses to go away, and you are having a lot of headaches, it may be time to look at the whole situation. Tracking down the causes and finding solutions may erase the headaches, too.
Everybody seems to be staring – If everybody seems to be handling you with care, or suggesting you take an afternoon off, your stress may be spilling over into your day. Sometimes an afternoon off or some brisk walks after lunch can rebalance things. Do whatever it takes to regain your balance.
Mistakes multiply – If your normal work record suddenly takes a dive, stress may be sabotaging your efforts. It’s hard to stay focused and catch every detail when tension, anger or anxiety keeps showing up, too.
Sleep is futile – You may usually get 7 to 9 hours of rest, when suddenly you start waking up in the middle of the night, or find it hard to just drift off. Whatever the issues, stress may easily defeat sleep. Take the time to think about your issues and find solutions where you can. Then establish a regular bedtime and kick the electronics out of your bedroom to get back to regular sleep patterns.
Nothings seems special – You may be heading toward burnout if you find yourself losing enthusiasm for almost everything. If nothing seems appealing, you may need to drop back, step away, or do some thinking about what’s going on in your life. Then talk to someone you trust and try to sort out what’s happening. As you solve the puzzle, things may look a lot better.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lawrenceville, Ga.