Sneaky Signs Your Body is Hinting, "Hey, I'm overworked!"
Do any of these sound like you?
Sign 1: Forgetfulness — "Wait, was today the big client meeting or tomorrow?"
Sign 2: Emotion Overload — Finding a coworker's harmless comment oddly aggravating
Sign 3: Decision Fatigue — Picking a lunch spot feels as stressful as setting the year's KPIs
Did you nod yes to these signs?
Don’t merely brush them off.
Let’s dive deeper into the reasons, implications, and how to address them.
Why It Happens & The Nervous System Impact:
Our bodies are designed for short-lived stress reactions, like the 'fight or flight' response.
But in today’s ‘always-on’ world, we're often stuck in this stress mode. This constant activation of our nervous system keeps us in 'fight or flight'. The cumulative effect? Our adrenal glands suffer, leading to fatigue, irritability, and signs like forgetfulness, emotional overload, and decision fatigue. It's not merely "one of those days".
It's a cry from your nervous system for balance.
What It Means Long-Term:
Constantly pushing without sufficient rest can spiral into burnout, a weakened immune system, and even chronic conditions like adrenal fatigue.
Mentally? Expect increased anxiety, unpredictable mood swings, and a lingering sense of feeling ‘low’.
What to Do About It:
Deep Sleep:
Do you habitually spend your precious nights with Netflix to distract you from your daily hustle?
Opt for an early bedtime and quality sleep instead. While these shows may offer a fun escape from daytime mental overload, they do more harm than good in the long term.
Firstly, the blue light from screens can hinder your ability to achieve deep and REM sleep, leaving you groggy the next day.
Secondly, our bodies thrive on routines, and research shows that a consistent sleep schedule can improve sleep quality. Watching a show every night disrupts this routine. Try setting a regular bedtime and winding down with a book or calming music instead.
Mental Pause:
Ask Siri to remind you to take breathing breaks every hour.
Right now, as you’re reading this, join me in a simple breathing exercise to reset your nervous system.
Inhale deeply from your belly for 4 seconds, hold at the top for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat at least 2 more times.
Remember to breathe from your diaphragm and exhale longer than you inhale, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps you calm down. Holding your breath at the top can also increase lung capacity, promoting better oxygenation.
Don't forget to take regular breaks from sitting—stand up, stretch, or take a short walk to refresh your mind.
Fuel Right:
Relying on a fourth cup of coffee for energy during back-to-back meetings?
Consider a healthier alternative.
You might actually be thirsty and in need of a big glass of water, which can also boost your energy levels. To maintain steady energy, opt for proteins like beef or salmon jerky, hard-boiled eggs, or cottage cheese. Include healthy fats such as walnuts, almonds, or avocado in your snacks.
These choices provide sustained energy without the crash that comes from sugary treats like chocolate, candy, or even sweet fruits like bananas, grapes, or dates.
In conclusion, these sneaky signs are your body's subtle SOS.
A gentle push to check in, slow down, and nourish.
You are not a robot, and your body isn't a tireless machine. It needs rest, proper fuel, and consistent TLC to perform its best.
Listen to these sneaky signs before they become wake-up calls.
Ready to take control of your well-being and design a life that's not just about surviving, but thriving?
Explore the “Fine to Flourishing” coaching program to start your journey toward a more balanced, energized, and fulfilling life.
Remember, your best self is just a decision away!
