Twee as it may sound, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ is a truism.
Below are 11 signs that you may be overdoing it on the work front.These indicators that you are no longer coping with this aspect of your life can be a gateway to a better existence. It is often said that life is a journey, well if that’s true what kind of a ride are you having?
If you relate to any of the symptoms below, then it may be time to make positive changes. Developing a better balance between the various parts of your life could make your journey more of an adventure.
1. You can no long contain your anger
Sudden angry outbursts or angry reactions disproportionate to the event/conversation, constant sniping or unpleasant jibes are symptoms of stress. Incessant anger can be an indicator of a deeper issue such a loss or bereavement.
2. You’re behaviour is irrational
Have you found yourself doing something completely alien to you like booking a train to somewhere you’ve never been or spending a lot of money on inappropriate clothing or things for the home? Behaviour that is out of the ordinary can be a sign of stress and that you’re over-doing it in the workplace.
3. You break down in tears without warning
If you are usually quite controlled, but start breaking down in tears at the slightest thing you may need a break!
4. Complete loss of interest
A sure sign of stress is boredom with everything in your life and a lack of desire to see friends, or go out and join in your usual activities. Constant thoughts of ‘why bother’ or ‘what’s the point’ are angry thoughts – albeit inverted anger – which can present itself as a mild depression.
5. Sleep problems
Are you finding it hard to get off to sleep? Are you waking constantly throughout the night or waking early?? Perhaps you are falling asleep at inappropriate times? Sleep disturbances are a cue that something is out of balance in your life: there’s too much going on and your brain is not resting at the right time.
6. Mental Confusion
One client described her mental confusion as fuzziness, “it’s like someone has taken my brain and put cotton wool in its place”. If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate and apply yourself maybe you are overdoing things on the work front.
7. Physical Symptoms
Physical manifestations of stress include feeling over-heated (and irritable as a consequence). Certain types (A personality) may feel mentally hot and a rising heat in the body, which pushes their irritability up even further.
8. Onset of panic and anxiety
Feelings of dread, panic and anxiety in the stomach, chest and throat suggest that you’re struggling to keep on top of things. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities or fear you won’t cope with your workload.
9. Change in eating habits
If you are overeating and constantly focused on your next snack or meal, or conversely have completely lost your appetite and never think about eating, it may be time to look at your workload.
10. Obsessions
Any disproportionate urge to ‘use’ – be it cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, sex, exercise, food, gambling, shopping or any other ‘fix’ – is a pointer that all is not well.
11. Phobias
A sudden onset of a phobia or compulsion may suggest work overload.
So are you working too hard? Stay tuned for 11 things you can do about it.
For a stress-free life, download the Stresshacker self-hypnosis audio
Many of you are telling me how stressed you’re feeling and whether that’s due to a heavy work load, the demands of family, illness, life events or just those winter blues, only you can change the way that you feel.