Life can pass by too quickly sometimes. We get overwhelmed with all the stresses that plague us, and we end up finding that we’ve spent our days doing too much, taking on all the burdens, and possibly developing some unhealthy coping mechanisms to get by. When this happens, it’s time to take a step back and rethink some choices. That doesn’t mean you need to beat yourself up over any mistakes you’ve made. However, to move forward, you need to acknowledge that a healthy change is required.
If you feel like you’ve stumbled, but you’re unsure if it’s the right time to pick things up, consider these signs that you need to take a break and focus on your wellness.
You’ve used self-destructive behavior to cope.
When trying to cope with a negative stimulus, we can sometimes turn to destructive behaviors that sabotage our own lives. Sometimes, it starts with little things that go unnoticed, like saying bad things about yourself and distancing yourself from certain groups. But then the bigger problem happens when you start doing things like drinking alcohol all the time, taking drugs, overindulging on gambling or recreation, binge eating, and even trying to harm yourself. These are major signs that cannot be ignored, and if you catch yourself in this pattern, a good choice would be to go into a detox program. The right spaces can help you recover holistically for your mental well-being.
You have trouble sleeping and wake up feeling anxious.
If you feel nauseous from the moment you wake up, there’s a big chance that there are too many factors in your life that make you dread the day ahead. Maybe it’s work, or perhaps it’s facing some individuals you don’t like interacting with. For whatever reason it may be, this manifestation of anxiety means you need to identify the triggers so you can tackle them head-on. It’s also an excellent time to take some time to breathe and divert your attention.
If you can’t sleep at night, this is also a major sign that you are suffering from a form of anxiety, stress, or depression. Reach out for help when this happens, and allow yourself to be free of the triggers for a moment so you can get back into motion.
You are developing hyper fixations.
When there are too many aspects in your life that are throttling forward, and you feel out of control, it can be easy to start leaning into hyper-fixation. If you ever found a distraction that you entirely and compulsively dive into to cope with life, this may be a sign that you have to tackle some deeper issues and that you deserve time to rejuvenate. As much as it can be an excellent way to immerse yourself in something that interests you, it can also lead to a spiral that is a source of avoidance if you keep allowing yourself to dive further into it.
While you shouldn’t feel bad about dedicating time and energy to things that make you feel better, make sure you note how much it encompasses your life.
Your physical health is suffering.
Your body will eventually react to the emotional turmoil and external stress it’s being put under. If you are starting to have some fatigue symptoms, stomach problems, aches and pains, lowered immunity, then you have to stop pushing yourself. You don’t want to burn out, and if your body is trying to tell you something, it’s best to listen.
Are your habits still good for you, from eating, exercise, sleeping, and socializing? Are you stepping away when you have to so that you are not consumed by stress? Stress can be a killer, and the toll it takes on your body, in the long run, is not worth the sacrifice.
Your social and emotional energy is depleted.
If you’re starting to feel numb, desensitized, and just tired of trying to interact with people and go out, it’s a surefire sign that whatever is going on in your life is hitting you. Whether this is an active coping move or an emotional response, it can end up being a slippery slope that leads you to wallow and feel even more down on yourself. While you shouldn’t force yourself to be happy all the time and do things you don’t want to do, it’s important to recognize when you feel bad and why you feel that way. You are not stuck to your situation, so don’t let yourself be resigned to what you might think is already your “fate.”
All of these signs are not a one-size-fits-all deal, but they can help you identify some things about yourself that most likely means it’s time to take a break.
