Signs You’re Overworked And How To Regain Balance

Today’s global situation has undoubtedly impacted the psyche of practically every working-class adult, young and old. Stress can impact any of us on a day-to-day basis, and that’s completely understandable and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s worth noting that our inner health affects our output, which translates to our physical health as well.

If you’re feeling downtrodden at work, school or even at home, it might be best to learn to take a step back and retreat into a safe space to unwind. Being overworked and eventually burnt out is not to be trifled with, especially when it can eventually cause harm to you both mentally and physically. Here are some signs to watch out for and what you can do to combat the situation.

Signs you’re overworked

Trouble disconnecting from work

Constant overtime at work and staying on after hours are the leading causes of burnout among the working class. Suppose you find yourself going back to work after dinner because you “just need to get this done”, spend your weekend refreshing your work email, or feel guilty when you indulge in pockets of well-deserved breaks. In that case, chances are you are likely overworking and on a surefire path to burnout.

Decreased productivity

Numerous studies have shown a correlation between overworking and less productivity. In particular, higher productivity levels have been observed in people who work 40 hours a week compared to those who clock in above 50 hours at work weekly. Signs of decreased productivity include taking longer than usual to complete basic tasks, making work errors that are usually otherwise simple or failing to meet milestones even after a time frame you had decided upon.

Workplace anxiety 

A sense of dread, lack of motivation, feelings of negativism related to your job –– you may feel this every time you wake up on a workday, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Workplace anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as not having the energy and desire to interact with your coworkers, constantly taking time off work and detrimental procrastination tendencies.

Weakened immune system

Being overworked can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Fundamental stress from being overworked can lead to health problems like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and heart disease. The reason is, as one’s working hours increase, so does mental and physical fatigue. Furthermore, as you put all your energy into your work, it becomes natural to tip your own needs out of balance and forget that the human body has its limits.

How to regain balance for your mind, body and soul

Be realistic

Everyone’s productivity clock is respective to each individual. As such, it is essential to learn what’s yours and understand how to take advantage of it. If you find yourself working more efficiently in the morning, put aside checking your emails at the start of the day to focus on the heavier priorities on your checklist. If you need time to warm up to the hustle and grind of the day, start with the more manageable tasks.

When you feel you are not at your best, acknowledge it, recognise when you need help, and know when to ask for it. Don’t give yourself too hard of a time to the point where you find yourself compromising your basic needs. It’s crucial to learn to call it quits when it’s time to call it quits — you’ll likely work a lot better and produce more quality work when you are clear on what you can handle at any given time.

Distance yourself

Note how to keep your work-life balance balanced. Disconnecting from work does not simply mean closing your laptop, not reading your emails or moving away from your workspace after hours. Instead, it means knowing how to stop thinking about work altogether and fully dedicate time to what you truly love and need.

If and when work gets a little too much, step away from your workspace, take a short walk around the estate and give yourself the space to ground yourself again. Don’t be afraid to distance yourself — give yourself what it takes to seek a healthy environment for your mind and body.

Don’t skip the basics

When the workload only ever seems to grow, it might be appealing to settle for quick fixes at your desk to check things off your list. For example, having instant food at your desk instead of whipping up a meal from scratch or substituting water for several cups of coffee. You might also opt to skip breakfast or shorten your relaxing end-of-day shower in preference for that extra wink of sleep.

You need to make sure that you continue to hit those nutrient goals daily. Nail down the basics of your day that keep you moving — skipping meals is a strict no-no, and taking vitamins and supplements can provide you with the essential nutrients to maintain your immune system. For example, turn to a nutritional health supplement for easy consumption and convenience, such as chicken essence.

Benefits of chicken essence on your vitality

Perfect for a healthful pick-me-up in the morning or in between meals on an empty stomach, chicken essence is an age-old traditional health supplement that can provide a boost to your energy levels and overall mood. In particular, Tian Yuan Xiang’s tailor-made blend of Chicken Essence with American Ginseng is perfect for essential everyday nourishment to support the average working adult.

With its micro-molecule protein, the nutritional value of drip chicken essence can be absorbed quickly and allow one’s body to replenish their vitality levels faster in turn. Our Chicken Essence with American Ginseng provides you with the support to concentrate better, have improved work efficiency, and is thus especially suitable for office workers who find themselves working well after hours.

By incorporating a warm bowl of the best chicken essence in Singapore into your regular diet, you essentially nail down the basics of your day that keep you moving.

Conclusion

The way you face work can profoundly affect your mental and physical health. As such, it is vital to strike a balance between being productive and protecting your well-being. Keeping a healthy diet, regular exercise routines and good habits of consuming beneficial supplements can keep you in tip-top shape and promote robust mental and physical health in turn. These things are necessities not to be skipped, so make sure you are always well-stocked.