Let’s pause for some real talk.

Do you think it’s time to take a break?

I’m not talking about a quick pause from your daily dose of caffeine. We’re talking work?—?aka the office, aka your 9-to-5 that pays the bills, aka what gives you the Sunday Scaries (or so they say).

Whether it’s a mid-morning walk or a month-long extended vacation, rest is integral to staying healthy and happy at home AND in the office.

Keep reading to discover five critical signs you need a break from work?—?pronto!

Plot twist: it might be more obvious than you think.

Your Health Is Suffering

I don’t care how much money you make or how important your job is; if work is negatively impacting your health, it’s time for a vacation.

Overworking can lead to a decline in mental health, which can impact your physical health, too.

You might find yourself getting sick more frequently, feeling fatigued, dealing with brain fog, or struggling with insomnia. All of these symptoms can be the result of overworking yourself.

The American Psychological Association has found that high demands at work paired with a lack of mental bandwidth are, and I quote, “associated with an increased risk of coronary disease.”

If that sounds like a big deal, that’s because it is!

Honey, the last thing you want is to have a heart attack over hustling to meet a project deadline. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that “hustle culture” kinda perpetuates this idea, but I digress.

On to the next signs you need a break from work.

Your Relationships Are on the Rocks

When was the last time you stepped away from work to create MEANINGFUL connections with those around you? Do you even go on dates or out with friends anymore?

Woah, that hit deep. Let’s backtrack over that facepalm for a second.

Many successful business owners and C-Suite execs do have to (theoretically) lock themselves away in a tower for hours on end to move up the ladder and make big career waves.

That’s fine and dandy.

But what happens when you’ve been locked in the tower for too long?

Gray storm clouds can begin to form around everything beyond your career. You feel stressed, overworked, isolated, and socially disconnected.

All-of-the-above can lead to more arguments with your partner, neglected friendships, and less time spent with family.

If you can see gray storm clouds from your tower window, it may be just one of the many signs you need a break from work.

“Rapunzel, let down your hair!”

You Aren’t Thinking Clearly

I get it; we all have days when we feel like it is impossible to focus. However, if you find yourself…

• having difficulty concentrating

• struggling with problem-solving

• unable to come up with new ideas

• feeling an overwhelming sense of brain fog

…then you may need to step back for a moment.

Even if you have a one-off afternoon when the creative juices won’t seem to flow, stepping away from work for a short amount of time is still helpful.

You Haven’t Been Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care is not just a buzzword. It lays a foundation for our overall well-being, happiness, mental health, and physical health.

If you’re struggling to remember the last time you went to the gym, cooked yourself a nice dinner, or went for a walk, it’s likely time to take a step back from work.

Develop the practice of setting aside just ten minutes a day for yourself.

During this time, do something you enjoy, like reading a book, calling a friend, going outside, or cooking a healthy breakfast.

Trust me; a little bit of self-care goes a long way!

You Feel Burnt Out

Oh boy, the “B” word. Yep, burnout.

Burnout is a type of exhaustion that results from constantly feeling overwhelmed in your day-to-day life. In most situations, it’s due to work.

Burnout can lead to depression, anxiety, and other severe health conditions, so it is critical not to brush this feeling under the rug.

Shocking or not, one of the best ways to combat burnout is to take some time off.

Ultimately, your #1 job is to take care of yourself. If you’ve been dreaming about taking a break from life (aka work and responsibilities), that’s the only sign you need to slow down.

Sometimes easing burnout can look like leaving work early one day a week. Other times, it means taking an extended break to reevaluate your career path, passions, and purpose.

Either way, making time for rest will leave you feeling refreshed, help you to be a better version of yourself, and in the long run, will create a more productive work environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Use up those vacation days, y’all!

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to connect with me on social media too!

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