8 Signs That It’s Time For A Vacation
Use These 8 Signifiers to Know When It’s Time to Reset and Recharge
In a world that never stops, it can be difficult to recognize when it’s time to hit the pause button. Although going on vacation should be something that is built into our regular schedules, it doesn’t usually work out that way.
This means it’s up to us to tune in to our mind, body, and spirit, in order to recognize when it’s time to reset and recharge. Continue reading for eight signs that could indicate it’s time for a real break.
1. Body Pain
You might be surprised to learn that stress can actually weaken your immune system. Physical pains such as backaches, headaches, chest pains, gastrointestinal problems, eye strain, and even dizziness, are a not-so-subtle way your body is telling you that it needs a break. Time away from work and stress can allow your body to begin healing, without distractions.
2. Lack of Concentration
Stress can have a major effect on how well you focus. Mistakes happen and it’s important not to sweat the small stuff. However, if you notice that you are making a lot more mistakes than usual, or that the mistakes are fairly careless, it can be a good indicator that you’re unable to fully concentrate on your work and need a break
3. Avoiding Personal Joys
When you are stressed and overworked, you may find that you no longer have the energy or even the desire, to do the things that make you happy. Taking time away to reset and recharge can help you to remember who you are, and what you enjoy outside of working hours.
4. Self-Medicating
If you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine each night after work, looking for comfort in unhealthy foods, or even partaking in drug use in order to cope, these are significant signs you are suffering from burnout and need to take time off as soon as possible.
5. Irritable and Short-Tempered
When you are feeling overwhelmed, it can easily put you in a state of frustration leading to out-of-normal temper outbursts. You may start to isolate yourself or become increasingly irritated by your surroundings, which in turn affects your productivity.
6. Weight Gain
With increased stress comes an increased amount of stress hormone production. Cortisol is a stress hormone that tells our body that we are in danger and need to store energy in order to survive. That is why many people engage in what is called “stress- eating” during hectic or demanding times in their lives. If you are putting on a lot of weight all of the sudden, it may be an indication that you have been stressed for too long and that it’s time to reset.
7. Irresponsible Spending
It’s important to be aware of impulsive or irresponsible spending. When you start to engage in shopping sprees, gambling, or any other type of escape behavior, understand that you are actually seeking higher levels of dopamine to help you cope with the stress. Instead of spending your money on unnecessary materialistic items, consider putting that money towards a well-earned vacation.
8. Loss of Libido
When you are extremely stressed, your body’s fight-or-flight response activates and anything that is a non-essential function will be neglected. A good example of this is a lowered libido. If you notice that your libido has changed dramatically within a short period of time, this can be a good indicator that it’s time to take some time away as well.
