A tired woman showing clear signs her body and mind need a break.
Are you wondering about the telltale signs your body and mind need a break? Read this article for all the info you need!

Stress can manifest throughout your body in ways you’re not even aware are possible. Stress could be a source of your insomnia, melancholy, and lack of work ethic. There’s a long history of stress studies showing that a burst of adrenaline can be helpful for your body and help you make better judgments. However, prolonged periods of adrenaline surges can cause exhaustion and burnout. Some people have more severe symptoms than others when they reach the point of burnout, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs your body and mind need a break.

You're Always Tired

Our bodies can tell when we’ve been working non-stop for a long time. When we don’t take a 12-hour rest between work cycles, our mental health suffers greatly.

If you’re always tired, toxic stress takes its toll on you. It is a sign of chronic fatigue when you’ve got a sleepy feeling in the pit of your stomach and are always tired to the bone. And even though sleep is super important, if you suffer from chronic fatigue, it’s not just a matter of sleeping it off for a few days and waking up refreshed. This feeling of exhaustion is constant, and it accompanies you from day to day. As you go about your daily routine, the extra weight may feel like a burden. It’s a combination of mental, emotional, and bodily weight that you experience—running on adrenaline for longer than our bodies were designed to results in weariness. This is one of the most prominent signs your body and mind need a break.

Your Body Hurts

If you’re always in pain, from your head to your toes, your body desperately needs a break. Body tension is a reflex caused by stress. Muscle tension in the back can be a huge bother, which you can work on with some back pain exercises to relieve back muscle tension. If you don’t, migraine and tension headaches might result from tense shoulders, neck, and back. Although your back can be a problem, and there are ways to strengthen it to ease the pain, giving your mind and body a break is crucial. They were not built to tolerate long periods of physical and mental stress.

A woman holding her back in pain.

You're Constantly Irritable

One of the telltale signs your body and mind need a break is when the smallest details can send you into a tailspin. This also includes being moody all the time or being fed up with everything and everyone. Reassess how you currently manage your time and how you do your daily activities. Dedicate some time for self-care even if you’re busy. This might help you unwind.

A man and a woman yelling at each other

Your Body Weight Fluctuates

When the body is in “fight or flight” mode, adrenaline, epinephrine, and cortisol are released, altering digestion and elevating blood glucose levels. Cortisol increases due to weight gain. The latest studies suggest that we now have more in our systems than ever, thanks to non-stop accessibility on our computers and phones. So to balance your cortisol, you have to lessen the amount of stress in your life.

You Lack Focus

When your body and mind need a break, it becomes tough to stay focused and productive, even when there is an ever-expanding to-do list. Although there appears to be no specific explanation for your lack of focus, you are easily sidetracked. A little bit of at-home meditation can help with this. Dedicate half an hour to meditation when you start losing focus.

You Can't Get Stuff Done

You have a hard time focusing and are less productive. Your work assignments take longer to complete than they used to, and you’re frequently late in finishing them. You tend to lose track of things. These are some of the most typical burnout symptoms, so be aware of them. You’ll find it more challenging to deal with new stressors if you’re already stressed. This is because stress impairs your brain’s executive function, so if your body and mind need a break, give it to them.

A frustrated woman at her laptop

What To Do About It

Recovering from burnout is a process. Here are a couple of steps to go through it efficiently.

  • Set boundaries – Setting limits is the first step. Try to finish work on time while keeping regular working hours. Also, remember to take frequent breaks; when you’re off, make sure you disconnect from work.
  • Refrain from perfection – A perfectionist is more prone to suffer from burnout. If you don’t make the call or send the email straight away, what’s the worst that can happen? It may not be as bad as you imagine.
  • Maintain a healthy work-life balance – Stress can make us forget that spending time with loved ones and doing activities we enjoy is just as vital as our work. To succeed, you can’t merely focus on your job at all times and give up your other interests. Long-term stress isn’t something we’re built to deal with. Keeping a healthy work-life balance allows you to decompress and reenergize so you can return to work with renewed vigor. Remember that even if you’re scared about losing your job, you can’t work if you’re ill.
  • Exercise – Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to avoid burnout symptoms. Your body can release excess stress molecules by performing activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing for at least 30 minutes each day. Additionally, exercise will help your body release more endorphins to help you cope with stress.

Final Words

If you’re constantly juggling a ton of stuff, including exercises, chores, and other obligations, it’s understandable that your mind and body need some downtime. Relax and recharge your batteries if you feel sluggish and out of sync. And if you are still experiencing signs your body and mind need a break, you may benefit from consulting a mental health professional.