JoeyJoelle

After ten days of a marvelous staycation, it was time to go back to the office life. The first day was fine. I still felt calm and grounded, despite some external chaos. But by the fourth day, I felt it creeping in. I’m waking up tired. My heart is beating faster. Suddenly, I found myself moving at a speed I told myself I wouldn’t get sucked back into. It’s crazy how easy it is to slip back into a fast-paced rhythm, even when your body and soul are begging you to slow down. I know from experience, they will let you know when it’s time to hit pause. And it’s not something I wish for you.

So, let’s look at some of the signs so we can prevent you from burning out.

1. You’re Not Sleeping Well

One of the first ways your body tells you it’s overwhelmed is through disrupted sleep. Maybe you’re tossing and turning, waking up at odd hours, or struggling to fall asleep in the first place. Your mind is racing, your nervous system is on high alert, and true rest feels impossible.

When sleep is off, everything else suffers—your mood, focus, and even your ability to handle stress.

Spiritual girlies will initially blame the moon. It’s me. I’m spiritual girly, plus as I am writing this we are dealing with a full moon and a lunar eclipse in Virgo. But if we were to be real with ourselves, we’ve probably been pushing ourself and ignoring our bodies. Also…

Instead of pushing through, try setting the stage for better rest. Dim the lights, put your phone away, and give yourself permission to slow down. A warm cup of tea, journaling out your thoughts, or even just stretching before bed can signal to your body that it’s time to relax. The more you create space for rest, the more your body will remember how to embrace it.

Tip: the Fabulous app has helped me a lot with building night routine.

2. Your Anxiety is Through the Roof

You’re feeling restless, overthinking every little thing, and your chest feels tight for no reason. Anxiety doesn’t always show up as full-blown panic. It can be subtle, like a feeling that something is off. When you’re constantly in go-mode, your body gets stuck in a stress response, making it hard to truly feel at ease.

The best thing you can do is interrupt the cycle. Step away from the screen, take a deep breath, and put your hand on your stomach or your heart. Go for a short walk, a few minutes of stretching, or even blasting your favorite song and singing along can remind your body that it’s safe to slow down. Your nervous system needs reassurance, and sometimes, the smallest acts of self-care are the loudest ways to say, “I got you.”

3. You’re Snapping at People

Ever notice that when you’re overwhelmed, you have little to no fuse? Suddenly, minor inconveniences feel major. You snap at your loved ones, rage at slow walkers, and worst of all, you’re harsh with yourself. When you’re constantly on edge, everything feels like an attack, but really, your body is just overworked and under-cared for.

Take a deep breath.

As a matter of fact, let’s take a deep breath now.

MARVELOUS

Sometimes, a quick pause is enough to shift your perspective as well as energy. Do a quick check in with yourself. Are you hungry? Have you had water today? Do something that feels good, even if it’s just closing your eyes for a moment. Joy isn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list: it’s your birthright. Capitalism just made us believe otherwise, but that’s a conversation for another time. Find ways to invite joy back in, even in the smallest ways.

Your body and soul are always communicating with you. The question is: are you listening? If you’ve been moving too fast, take this as your sign to breathe, reset, and give yourself the care you deserve.