Signs You’re Mentally and Physically Exhausted and What to Do about It

I come across more people than ever who have too much on their plates. They are burning the candle at both ends, getting up earlier and going to bed later just to try and get everything done in their day.

It’s a horrible feeling, not having enough time in the day to do everything. A snowball effect starts, with tasks flowing over into the next day, and your to-do list getting longer not shorter.

Stress starts to creep in, you start feeling sick, you get irritable, it’s just a downward spiral.

So what can you do about it? Well, I can’t necessarily advise on how to lessen your workload without knowing what it is taking up all your time. But I can help you spot the warning signs and give you some tips on what to do when you do spot them.

First, check this list and see how many of these warning signs relate to you:

• You spend a lot of time worrying about how much you have to do.
• You skip meals or rush some food in because you don’t have time to enjoy eating.
• You are shortchanging yourself on sleep.
• You don’t have time for personal hobbies.
• You are not spending enough time with family and friends.
• Your health is suffering.

If any of these statements apply to you, there needs to be some change. If all of the statements apply to you, you are in serious need of urgent change. But the likelihood is, you know this. You just need a wake up call and a little support.

You are going to need to embrace change. Something really busy people are not always comfortable with. They find comfort in being busy, and not having time to think or reflect. Well, it’s time to change.

Changes to Make If You’re Mentally and Physically Exhausted

Start Saying “No”

Just one simple word can make all the difference. If you have become the dependable go-to guy, you’re doing too much for others and not enough for yourself. So start saying no, be assertive and strong.

Be honest with people and say when you do not have enough time. That’s a lot better than either letting them down, or compromising your health. Anyone with any decency will completely understand.

Start Making Changes

As I mentioned above, change is an inevitable part of getting your life back in your own grasp. Make a list of the changes that you know are necessary, ask yourself to be honest about what would lower your workload.

Refer to this list whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Also, don’t be afraid to ask others for help. If a friend can help you make any of those changes, now is the time to ask.

Start Putting Yourself First

You can put yourself first without having to feel selfish or that you are letting people down. You can still be the father, son, boss, all the other things you are, while putting yourself first.

It’s time to get back to that hobby you once had, or start a new one.

Practice Being Mindful

The days, months, and even years fly by. More so when you’re super busy, and you can end up feeling like you didn’t make the most of the time, or can’t really remember much of it.

Practice being mindful and being present in the moment. You will get a lot more value from your time, and will remember more when you think back. It slows down the now in a good way, allowing us to appreciate everything around us with all our senses.

Remember, No One Is Perfect

That includes you. Don’t chase perfection, it’s a recipe for disappointment and added pressure. Instead, always aim to do your best, which will always be good enough.

Mistakes are part of life. We all make them, so don’t ever beat yourself up over little mistakes you make, learn from them and move forward.

Stop Taking Everything so Seriously

Being too serious is actually a factor to stress and mental burnout. You need to loosen up and not get hung up on deadlines that aren’t really all that important. What’s the worst thing that has happened due to missing a dealing?

Having a more relaxed attitude is probably going to make your workload a little lighter, and you will spend less time stressing.