7 Signs You're Mentally & Emotionally Exhausted

Jul 21, 2020

7 Signs You're Mentally & Emotionally Exhausted

It is normal after all we've been through this year, to be exhausted.

Yet, even though it is normal and understandable that we feel depleted, we often ignore the warning signs our own body sends us. When we don't respond to these signals, they don't just disappear - they persist. The messages will get louder and louder until we simply must pay attention.

Why? Because our body is trying to protect us.

The mistake I made for years was believing that my panic attacks just happened to me. Looking back I can see how I completely ignored the warning signs. I had no idea my body was trying to tell me something - I desperately needed to hear. I ignored the messages and convinced myself I could handle the stress. Even worse, I told myself I had no choice.

I'd say things like:

I have to keep going
I can't say no
People are counting on me
I'll be fine

When I broke out in rashes, hives, and panic attacks I was scared and shocked.

Between the age of 18 and 24, I had rashes that caused me to go to the emergency room, and panic attacks so severe I called 911. Even then, I still didn't see those experiences as critical warning signs from my body. My attention was constantly on what was happening around me, and not on what was happening within me.

I believed my rashes and panic attacks came out of the blue, isolated from any of my own choices, thoughts, beliefs and fears. I didn't see the correlation between my constant stress, overwhelm, and worry, and the rashes, and panic attacks I experienced. My response was to keep going, and do more.

These are just some of the signs I ignored during those years:

Irritable, distracted and frustrated
Twitching
Looping thoughts
Negative thoughts
Teeth grinding / sore jaw
Body tension
Anger
Rashes
Insomnia
Headaches
Dizziness
Anxiety
Depression

I'd tell myself this is just how life is.

I convinced myself these experiences were okay, even normal
I rarely questioned them.
I just learned to live with them.

Until my body wouldn't let me. Your body needs you to stop and listen.

Here are 7 warning signs you are emotionally and mentally exhausted, and you need to respond:

You are easily Irritated or frustrated
You have trouble sleeping; you're tired during the day
You feel detached; you don't feel good or bad
You find it difficult to be present; even with people you love
You feel dizzy or lightheaded; you can't focus
You feel anxious or worried; you can't take a deep breath
You have physical pain, such as headaches and muscle tension

It is so important that you pay attention to these little knocks from your inner wisdom, and develop the habit of awareness. Remember you do have a choice. You can choose to take small actions, and nourish yourself each and every day. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

What I learned to do, and what you can do too:

Pay attention to what your body is communicating to you
Get honest with yourself about how you feel, and what you need
BE kind to yourself
know that if a thought hurts, it is not true
Realize that beliefs are not facts, they can change
Acknowledge that you can change, and commit to small and positive changes each day
Develop a meaningful relationship with YOU. Make yourself your first appointment every day, even if that means getting up early to breathe, meditate and move your body.
Take time to do whatever it is that grounds you, and connects you to something bigger than yourself
Spend time with people who inspire you
Talk to someone you trust and love
Ask for help. It's okay. We all need each other

Of course you don't have to do all of these at once. But you must stop, listen and respond to the messages from your body - and your wise inner self.

As a special gift to you, for being subscribed to my community...

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