6 Warning Signs You Need A Break

marcoujor

Don't let this peaceful face fool you.  I can get stressed out as good as the next gal, maybe even better.  Some of you may have even seen evidence of the same.

But I have learned one thing for sure along the way.  If you are tired or not taking care of yourself properly, something, somewhere along the line will suffer.

We can be a stubborn bunch, feeling as though we are infallible.  Everyone else needs sleep or a break but not us.  We can skip that meal, no problem. Our family won't miss us just this once.  This project is so important.  They will understand.

Did you ever wonder what is going through someone's head as they drive seemingly blindly through a stop sign?  Why are we always in such a hurry?  What point will you need to reach to know something has to give?

The following 6 warning signs are red flags to me that I need a break...

• My body starts revolting...hunger pangs, leg cramps, Mother Nature, even migraines have been wake-up calls.  In the end, it is better to bend than to break.
  

• It takes me twice as long to do something.  I make countless errors.  I feel learning Impaired with the most basic concepts.  When you think about it, quality is more important than quantity.

• My eyes get blurry and heavy. My mind starts wandering to everything but what I am working on.  I know then a change of perspective is not only recommended, but essential. A change of scene does not change one's character. Momma always told me the work would still be there in the morning and you will have the energy to better tackle   it.
  

• You must learn to prioritize and even to say no.  It is simply unrealistic to do everything for everybody.  You will be the one who is short changed in the end.  You cannot please everybody.
  

• Pace yourself and stick to it.  Working in spurts, then taking long stretches off has never worked for me.  I am the type of person who needs to see incremental growth in my projects.  For me, slow and steady absolutely wins the race.
  

• I will listen if a friend or loved one tells me it's time for a break.  Sometimes others can see me much better than I can see myself.  Sometimes others are offering me help and I am too overwhelmed to even see it.   Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
  

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Tilghman Island, MD

Norristown Farm Park, PA

Dear Maria,


Just wanted to say thanks for being my boss, my co-worker and my friend.

You were always someone I looked up to and admired no matter what title you held.  You were always the same.  You gave us little people an encouraging day just by making us feel we were important. 

Believe it or not, that carried me for many years.  You are a good and loving person.  May God continue to bless you and your family.  Thanks again for being you.


Love ya,"Rosa"

I received this note from " Rosa" after I attended and spoke at her retirement dinner in 2011.  This is a special letter and I keep it with my other treasures.

I left this job as "Rosa's" boss in 1999 and 12 years later, she still remembered me with fondness and gratitude.  She remembered me for treating her with kindness, with a smile, like I enjoy being treated by others.

"Rosa" and the other direct care staff and patients meant the world to me.  Often, when I needed that break from the stressors of meetings, finances and politics, making rounds and walking around the hospital grounds reminded me why I was there. I always returned to my office with a renewed sense of purpose and a much clearer head.

Hoping each of you has a good friend or a strong inner voice to remind you that it is not only OK, but rather mandatory, to take a break and rest on a regular basis. Now please excuse me, as it's that time again...


Peace,

mar

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"It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living." 


F. Scott Fitzgerald