Signs of Overload

When I was 22/23 years old, I burned out. I was not loving myself or setting healthy boundaries.

Ever since that painful experience, I have been very aware of the signs of ‘burnout’. Paying attention to my body and mind helps me keep myself as healthy mentally, spiritually, and physically as possible.

In my mind, I picture a cliff.

If I fall off the cliff, I get stressed or burned out, so I try to keep myself away from the edge of the cliff.

During certain times of my life, I realize that I’m very close to the edge and need to step back.

I want to share my signs of being too close to the edge of burnout or stress.

Maybe you can relate?

• Craving sugar, cake, chips, candy, etc.

• Headaches

• Shoulder and neck tension

• Problems falling asleep or being awake for hours during the night

• A short fuse — I easily get annoyed or have no patience with my family, for example

• Having shoulder or neck tension

• Feeling that everything I do is meaningless

What symptoms do you notice in your life?

What are the signs that you are too close to the edge of the cliff?

Sometimes it’s part of life to feel stressed or burned out leading up to a major event, party, or the like. But when I know it’s only for a few days and then it’s over, it’s fine.

I always look to the Bible for guidance and healing. The verse, “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Gospel of Mark 12:31), helps me.

I remember that I am equally called to love others and myself. And that I serve nobody by burning out or being stressed.

If you're standing close to that edge right now, know this, stepping back isn't failure. It is an act of love.