The Best Time to Cut Yourself Slack? Now.
Do you know there’s an overlooked warning during times of stress that signals it’s time to take a break?
It’s one of the telltale experiences linked to burnout—that frustrated, hopeless feeling of spinning wheels and getting nowhere. It can happen to us at work; at home, in our roles as caregivers; or anywhere we feel taken for granted, misunderstood, time-pressed and overburdened.
Among the signs:
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Feeling numb or emotionally distant
- Frequent colds
- Trouble sleeping, even when fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Big upsets over small things
- Turning to drink, smoking, drugs, overspending
- Putting off prayer, meditation or fellowship/socializing
- Falling behind on housework, projects or bills
Our response to such pressure is often to push ourselves harder.
That’s our tip-off to the sneakiest, most insidious sign of all—the one that should be flashing, “Stop Everything and Take a Break.” But you know what that sign says instead? It says, “Not Now. Not Yet.”
The critical, overlooked warning signal that we need to recharge is that we feel guilty about or undeserving of relaxation. Sis, that’s not common sense offering a reality check. That’s anxiety lying to us. We need to build multiple breaks into each day. If you don’t think you can take 10 minutes, then you may actually need 15. This mindset could mean you’re really tense. (And, if you’re dealing with the symptoms or behaviors listed above, consider a check-in with your doctor.)
The Sisters From AARP team selected the contents of your summer Luxe & Luminous box to help you relax, release, relate and embrace all the joys this sunny season has to offer.
Claire McIntosh by John Loomis, Sisters From AARP Editor
Our summer 2022 theme is relevant year around. So Enjoy the Moment. It’s about time.
To read more of the Sisters From AARP Mini Magazine, visit the past issues page.