Between work, family, and general adulting responsibilities, it’s way too easy to become overwhelmed and stop looking after yourself. Who has time to hit the gym, cook a healthy meal, or meditate? It’s tough to squeeze in self-care, but if you relate to any of the following signs, neglecting your health is starting to have serious consequences and you need to switch up your daily routine.
1. You’re Constantly Tired.
If you’re always feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep, it’s a clear sign that your body is overworked and needs rest. Constant fatigue is often a sign of stress or burnout. It’s time to listen to your body and make some changes to make sure you’re getting enough downtime. Being busy all the time isn’t doing you any favors.
2. You’re Easily Irritated.
If you find yourself snapping at the smallest things, it could be a sign that you’re mentally and emotionally drained. This can be due to stress, lack of rest, or not taking enough time for yourself. Prioritizing self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or simply quiet time can help bring back a bit of emotional balance. It’s okay to step back and take a breather when life becomes a bit overwhelming, you know.
3. You Have Difficulty Concentrating.
Having trouble focusing or remembering things can be a sign of mental fatigue. This happens a lot when you’re overworking or not giving your brain enough time to rest and recharge. Try adding some exercises into your routine to help improve focus and memory. Remember, your brain needs downtime too, and giving it a break can significantly boost your cognitive function.
4. You Feel Physically Unwell.
Persistent headaches, stomach issues, or other illnesses can be signs that you’re ignoring your health. These could be your body’s way of telling you that it’s time to slow down and take better care of yourself. Don’t ignore these signs; instead, go see your doctor and take the necessary steps to switch things up so you can feel better again.
5. You’re Neglecting Your Interests.
If you find you’ve stopped doing the things you love, it could be a sign that you’re not prioritizing your mental health. Reconnecting with your old hobbies and interests can bring joy and act as an effective stress reliever. Investing time in activities that you love not only boosts your mood but also improves your overall mental health since it gives you a creative outlet and time that’s just for you.
6. You’re Having Trouble Sleeping.
Insomnia or restless sleep could be a sign of stress or anxiety. Prioritizing relaxation techniques before bed, like reading or taking a warm bath, can help improve sleep quality. Also, put your phone away! Research has proven that too much blue light exposure before bed is keeping you awake! Good quality sleep is crucial for your physical health and emotional well-being, so make sure you’re setting up for some solid shut-eye.
7. You’re Always Picking Up Bugs.
If you’re frequently getting colds and flu (or COVID-19), it could be a sign that your immune system isn’t working at its full capacity due to stress or lack of self-care. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help strengthen your immune system. It’s worth it to feel healthier!
8. You’re Using Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms.
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If you find yourself reaching for a bottle of wine or junk food every time you’re stressed, it’s a sign you’re not dealing with stress in a healthy way. Incorporating better coping mechanisms, like exercise or meditation, can help manage stress more effectively. You don’t want to end up making the problem even worse by trying to cope in unhealthy ways.
9. You’re Feeling Generally Overwhelmed.
If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, it’s a sign you’re taking on too much and not taking enough time for self-care. It’s important to recognize your limits and take time to relax and recharge. Feeling overwhelmed is your body’s way of telling you that it’s time to slow down and give yourself a break. Things aren’t going to get any better until you do.
10. You’re Experiencing Mood Swings.
Frequent mood swings can be a sign of emotional exhaustion. If you’re feeling emotionally unstable, it’s time to prioritize mental health and self-care. Talk to a therapist if you think it might be helpful, and remember to take time each day to care for your emotional health.
11. You’re Neglecting Personal Hygiene.
If personal hygiene habits like showering or brushing your teeth feel like a chore, it’s a sign you’re mentally exhausted and maybe even depressed. Personal hygiene is a fundamental part of self-care, and neglecting it can have some pretty negative effects on both your physical and mental health. Again, if you’re really struggling in this department, make sure you speak to a professional who’s trained to help.
12. You Don’t Feel Like Socializing.
If you’re constantly turning down invitations to socialize or you’re withdrawing from social activities, especially if you’re usually the life of the party, there’s obviously a problem. Prioritizing self-care can help restore your emotional energy. Remember, it’s okay to take time for yourself and recharge before engaging with everyone else again. Alone time is good for you!
13. You’re Ignoring Your Physical Health.
If you’re skipping doctor’s appointments or ignoring physical health issues, it’s a clear sign that something has to change. It’s important to take any physical symptoms seriously and talk to your doctor about it if necessary. Same goes for regular exercise. If you used to hit the gym several times a week or go for long walks after dinner but now you spend any spare time you have on the couch, it will come back to bite you in the end.
14. You’re Struggling with Anxiety or Depression.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s a serious sign that you need to prioritize mental health and self-care. Seeking professional help, like therapy or counseling, is a great example of this — and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Mental health is just as important as physical health, and you should never hesitate to get help when you need it.
15. You’re Not Eating Properly.
If you’re skipping meals, overeating, or living on Uber Eats, it’s clear your physical health isn’t at the top of your list of priorities. Proper nutrition is a major aspect of self-care and neglecting it can have serious health consequences, if not now then later down the line. If you want your body to function well, you have to feed it well!
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