Happy 2020! So, remember that podcast episode where I talked about not letting the holidays have you? Ha! Well girl, the holidays almost got me.
Last semester was extremely challenging work-wise because we were down a person and I had to take on quite a bit of extra work. Not to mention, our family was still navigating a renovation and then my son got walking pneumonia and ended up in the NICU.
How does a little boy who barely leaves home get walking pneumonia? Only Jesus knows. Anyway, this year, I gave myself the gift called rest. Well, actually, I saw burnout on the horizon and made the decision that something had to give, and it wasn’t going to be me.
I must say, it felt different to actually have days of rest, ignore the mess, and just lay on the couch. My body needed it terribly. In any case, I wanted to share some telltale signs that you might need a break. My struggle = your prevention.
Here are some signs of stress that may be telling
you it’s time for a break:
1.Change in sleep habits
Nobody knows your body better than you do. You know how much sleep you usually get on a good night, and if you find yourself sleeping either significantly more or less than normal, chances are you’re undergoing stress. A change in sleep habits is a sure sign that something is keeping you in an unsettled state.
2.Frequent mood swings
If your mood has swung from frustration, anger, and irritability to defensiveness, impatience, and overreaction, it's a clear indication that stress abides within you. Take a moment to think back over the last few days and how you handled each situation that confronted you.
Did you handle everything in your usual calm, controlled, effective manner? If not, you may be dealing with stress issues. Other moods and states of mind to look out for include:
Feeling depressed
Helplessness with things you can normally accomplish on your own
Irrationality in dealing with decision-making
Restlessness and anxiety
3. Indecisiveness and confusion
If you’re usually able to think things through with a clear head and now you can’t, it’s likely that you’re struggling with stress. Stress results in feeling out of control and overwhelmed, even with things that you can normally handle with confidence. Ill health isn’t always about feeling aches and pains. The domino effect of stress can result in serious health challenges.
4. Nervous behavior
When you start to show physical signs of nervous behavior, it’s likely a sign that something is secretly stressing you out. Here are some signs of nervous behavior that you may need to address in a way that identifies the cause.
Twitching
Fiddling
Excessive talkativeness
Teeth grinding
Nail-biting
Pacing
For your own benefit, it’s important to pay attention to yourself and ensure you do whatever is necessary to reduce your stress. Try to engage in relaxing activities at the end of each day that can help put you in the frame of mind for rest. Meditation, a soothing bath, and even laughter are good ideas.
Here are five ways I like to unwind:
1. A Spa Day
I love trips to the spa because they help me remain at ease and relaxed. When I miss two consecutive weeks, I’m not a happy camper. Groupon has excellent spa options. Can’t afford a spa day? An at-home soak in some Epsom Salt also does wonders!
2. Writing
Blogging, journaling, really anything that can help me get my thoughts out.
3. The Gym
It doesn’t take much, but a few minutes on the elliptical does wonders for my brain and love handles, hehe.
4. Netflix and Chill
Come on, who doesn’t like a nice quiet night binge-watching with popcorn?
5. Outings with People Who Lift My Spirit
Now, I am an extroverted introvert. Which means I like people, but not like that. I prefer small, intimate gatherings with close friends I can trust and just let loose with.
Like most millennials, I know all the wellness tips and tricks but sometimes struggle with implementing them in my own life. But it’s 2020, and if December 2019 was a precursor of how my year will turn out, ya girl is excited about her self care. Check out my personal Instagram to see how my family and I spent our holidays!
I'm so glad to be back on the grid!
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