The daily grind can wear away at your mental, physical, and emotional wellness without you even realizing it. Before you know it, you lack energy or have a hard time concentrating–and you have no idea where it all came from. Pay attention to the signs your body and mind and are trying to communicate. Seemingly small signals might actually be major warnings that you are off track and it’s time to course correct.
Here are five signs that you need to rejuvenate your body and soul ASAP.
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You’re sluggish–or always amped
An irregular sleeping pattern can indicate that you’re running on fumes. Frequently oversleeping, never fully waking up, or feeling like you need to increase your intake of caffeine every morning are all signs that you’re out of balance. Interestingly, the opposite can mean the same thing. If your mind is always racing, you have trouble falling asleep or you find yourself compulsively ruminating on problems, it’s time to address your emotional wellness head on.
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Mood swings
Life throws us all plenty of curveballs, and it’s natural to experience a wide range of reactions when encountering challenges. However, if your reaction is disproportionate to the “infraction,” then you know it’s time to take a break. Small things should upset you a little bit (or not at all) and big reactions should be reserved for big problems. Pay attention to times you feel like you’re flying off the handle, exploding at others in anger, or if you feel bouts of unexplained sadness or uncontrollable crying. If you find yourself apologizing often for uncharacteristic emotional behavior, it’s time for a mind-body rejuvenation.
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Nothing seems interesting
If you’re feeling uninspired by work and not as interested in hobbies that used to excite you, it can be a sign that you need to re-set–or could indicate something more serious, like depression. If you find that you don’t feel anticipation or positive expectation about things that should be exciting, speak with a counselor to treat–or rule out–clinical depression. If depression is not the case, you might benefit from a wellness retreat to re-calibrate your physical and emotional health and provide mental space to focus on what brings you joy.
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Sudden weight changes
Unexpected weight gain or loss can indicate that your body is out of balance—or can also be a sign of serious illness. If you experience a noticeable fluctuation in your weight over a relatively short period of time (three to six months), definitely bring it to the attention of your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe a course of treatment to address an underlying medical issue if one is present. If there is no medical cause for the change, then revamping your diet and exercise routine can help get you on track to achieve your optimal weight.
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It’s been awhile
Regular self-care is the key to maintaining physical and emotional wellness. If you can barely remember the last time you did something for yourself, it’s a clear indication that now is the time. Schedule a massage, register for a yoga class, visit a wellness retreat, or go on a solo vacation (eve if it’s just for a night or two). Any of these will help you strip away the demands of daily life and give you time to concentrate on refreshing your spirit.
Don’t ignore the signs that you might be in need of physical or mental rejuvenation. Remember that no matter how stressed or tightly wound you feel, it’s never too late to re-set. Step one is simply making a commitment to prioritize your own wellbeing.
