Are you about to burn out?

Ever feel that you're running on empty, or that you are just too busy juggling life's balls to even stop and think about how you're feeling?

Momentary periods of stress are common in this day and age, (and in fact,  stress & the stress-response is what drives us to get out of bed, move forward, meet deadlines, achieve  goals and function at high levels). But di-stress, or prolonged periods of high stress can be seriously detrimental to our health and wellbeing.  Failure to take note of the signs that you may be pushing things too far, and storming ahead toward your own burn-out break down, is something that  too many of us are guilty of.

Read on for the common signs that you may be about to burnout

IRRITABLE WITH THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT THE MOST?
If you are suddenly finding that your nearest & dearest are rubbing you up the wrong way, or you're wondering where that cool, calm, rational person you used to be has disappeared to, then chances are your threshold to manage stress is rapidly declining.  When the little things appear un-manageable, and a sense of being over-whelmed is the norm, the balance has swung in favour against your health.

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SLEEP?
Waking up in the early hours, and not being able to drop back off are a key sign we are succumbing to stress.  An overactive mind has a tendency to kick in when we are not distracted with the busyness of the day, and anxieties can haunt us at night.  Raised cortisol levels (which should be at their lowest by the end of the day), can make winding down from the day near impossible,  and dropping off the sleep can become a task in its own right.
 If you're running through your to-do list at 4am, or struggling to drop off at night, read on, as this may indicate something needs to change for you and fast, because it is only when we sleep that our bodies regenerate & heal.

SUFFERING WITH A GENERAL FEELING OF "C.B.A"?
"Cant be a**ed" is a red-flag phenomenon that you're about to hit burn out !  If you're suffering from a generalised lack of motivation for anything and everything, or turning into a social recluse, it could be a sign you're lacking vital energy.  Cant find your mojo to work through your to-do list, or do that pile of ironing? Finding excuses not to attend those after-work drinks.? Motivation requires a bit of get-up-&-go, so if you've found that your get-up-and-go and got up and gone, then take a step back and consider giving yourself some TLC & downtime.

So, what should you do about it?
Make some you time, and don't feel guilty about it !
Whatever floats your boat, do it.  If its a having a cup of tea in the middle of the day,   taking a power nap or going for a run. 
If your vice is crystal healing or a deep tissue massage then prioritise it.  Whatever gives you back your sanity and helps you to recharge your vital energy stores do it, but remember, it may not be a quick fix.  Invest the time to recuperate properly and make taking care of yourself the new norm. (Depending on how long you have been neglecting yourself, it may take more than one days rest or one treatment!)   Allowing yourself some hands-on therapy, or the time to exercise  should not be seen as an indulgence, it should be considered as self-preservation. 
Eat well,  and try to follow a healthy lifestyle plan.  Get lots of fresh air and exercise for the mental clarity, not just the physical exertion.
You cannot give from an empty pot.  Looking after yourself allows you to look after the others in your life.  Remember that and avoid feeling the burn!