Here’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way and I don’t want you to have to do the same. Listen to your body. It will tell you when you need to slow down and when you need to go get some much-deserved rest. Pushing past that point may be possible for a little while, but the longer you ignore these signals from your body, the louder it will scream at you to slow down and get some shuteye.

It’s important to listen to your body when it needs a break from work or workouts. Stress takes its toll and by the time you notice the signs from your body that I’m about to share with you, you’re no longer at peak performance. Everything you do will continue to take you longer and longer and you’ll do it with less precision and efficiency than if you were rested. In short, slowing down and taking a break doesn’t waste time. You’ll come back refreshed and able to do much better work in a shorter amount of time.

Now let’s look at some of the signals your body may send you to let you know that it’s time to slow down or take a break. These are all signals that you’re getting exhausted. Heed them and get some rest. Depending on the situation either active or passive rest may work. At other times, you’ve just got to admit defeat and go to sleep for a good 12 hours to catch up.

Feeling Foggy

Often the first sign that it’s time for some R&R is that you’re starting to feel foggy. You’re not on top of your game and even everyday tasks take you longer than normal. Listen to your body and slow down.

Getting Irritable And Mood Swings

When you find yourself getting irritable and snapping at others without much reason, it’s a good sign that you’re too stressed. Mood swings are another powerful sign from your body that it’s time to slow down.

Huge Afternoon Slump

We all get a little tired in the afternoon. It’s not uncommon and the reason we all head to the coffee cart or snack machine somewhere from 2 pm to 4 pm. When it gets worse, you can barely keep your eyes open, or have to lay down for a nap to make it through the rest of the day, that’s a pretty good sign that it’s time to slow down and rest more in general.

Craving Junk Food

When you find yourself munching on donuts, heading to the snack machine frequently throughout the day, and going for snacks at home after you’ve just had dinner; it’s a good sign that you’re exhausted. You’re trying to compensate for your fatigue with sugar and salt.

Getting Sick Frequently

This is a serious cry for help from your body. When you come down with cold after cold and fighting off infection after infection it’s time for some serious changes. Take some time off, reduce your workload, and most importantly get more rest and take care of yourself.

To Your Health,

Bina