Have you been feeling a bit low for the past few days? Wondering if you need to take a mental health day or two? Well, you’re certainly not alone. There has been plenty of research that shows that in today’s workforce, across almost every industry, we’re becoming more and more stressed, and career burnout is at an all-time high. The reasons for these levels of workplace stress are complex and range from pandemic fatigue to understaffed teams and even new job stress. If you’re feeling burnt out, don’t worry – it’s completely normal. However, it may be time for you to take a day or two off and give yourself a moment to click the reset button.
A mental health day can go a long way in helping you feel better. Taking a personal day to relax and rejuvenate, or to do something you find fun and relaxing, is important for your mental health. By giving yourself that space and time to recharge, you also give yourself a better chance of avoiding stress-related health issues that could hinder your productivity or happiness in your job.
Here are three signs you may be suffering from burnout and need to take that mental health day.
You Get Sick Often
Chronic stress has a negative impact on your immune system. This is because stress can raise suppressor T cell and catecholamine levels, both of which are known immune system repressors. This can lead to an increase in your risk of viral infections and physical illness, and you might find yourself catching every virus or cold circulating the areas in which you frequent, be it your office, grocery store, or even your apartment block.
In addition to this, several studies have been conducted that show health-related issues directly related to stress can include heart issues, an increased risk of diabetes, histamine release, stomach ulcers, and colitis.
You’re Having Trouble Sleeping
It’s no secret that sleep is important for maintaining your overall health. Sleep is also directly correlated to stress and can contribute to several different mental health conditions if you don’t get enough of it.
Chronic insomnia is one of the most severe signs of stress, and it could signal the start of a vicious cycle. The more you battle with it, the less sleep you’ll get and the more stressed you become, which will lead to you losing more sleep, then becoming more stressed, and so on. Relaxing doing things you love such as playing online Bingo in Australia, being social, and exercising are all good ways to ensure your body unwinds and you get better sleep.
Your Eating Habits Change
Some people avoid food altogether when they’re anxious, while others turn to food for comfort whenever they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Neither one of these is a healthy coping mechanism.
If you find that you’re either skipping meals or you’re binge eating as a means of coping, it may be time for you to consider taking that mental health day that’s been at the back of your mind. This break could help you determine whether work-related stress is contributing to your sudden change in eating habits.