Preventing overexertion
Do you want to avoid becoming overworked, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Perhaps you find that you often carry on until you simply can’t manage any more. Or you only realise afterwards that you’ve taken on too much. Preventing overwork requires paying attention to warning signs, setting boundaries and allowing time for recovery. Many people only take action once symptoms are already clearly present. Yet there are often early warning signs. By recognising these in good time, you can make adjustments before you reach a breaking point.
What do you notice?
The onset of work-related strain is not always obvious. It can start off small.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you get tired more quickly than usual;
- you are not sleeping as well;
- you are more irritable;
- you experience headaches or tension more often;
- you enjoy it less;
- you have difficulty concentrating;
- you skip breaks;
- you are not recovering as well;
- you find yourself thinking more and more often that you need to carry on for a bit longer.
Sometimes you get used to a hectic lifestyle. Then feeling overwhelmed starts to seem normal, even though your body is already sending out warning signs.
