Let’s face it: modern life has a way of sneaking ‘just one more thing’ onto our to-do lists until we’re running on fumes. If you’ve been feeling more frazzled than fabulous lately, here are five signs it’s time to hit the brakes.
Your ‘out of office’ is on a permanent holiday
You know you’re overdoing it when you’ve completely forgotten how to activate your out-of-office reply because, well, you’ve not taken a holiday in ages. If your inbox looks like a perpetual motion machine, it’s time to take a break – preferably somewhere with Wi-Fi so bad, you’re forced to unplug.
You’re dreaming about spreadsheets
Falling asleep should be a peaceful escape, not a boardroom meeting. If your dreams involve pivot tables or reheated team meetings, your brain might be waving a little white flag. Pro tip: swap those screen-time-filled evenings for a calming book (preferably not about productivity hacks).
Coffee has become your blood type
If your barista knows your life story and your coffee order is a three-tiered concoction that could double as dessert, you might be leaning on caffeine a bit too much. Sure, coffee is great, but even it can’t magic away burnout. A nap, however, just might.
You’ve forgotten what “me time” means
When was the last time you did something just for fun? If the idea of taking a yoga class, bingeing a series, or baking a cake feels like an ancient relic of a bygone era, it’s a sign. Remember: you’re not a machine. Even the fanciest gadgets need recharging.
You’re answering emails in your pyjamas at 3 am
Midnight emails might make you feel like a corporate superhero, but they’re a red flag in disguise. Sleep-deprived you isn’t doing anyone any favours, especially not yourself. Instead, set boundaries – and rediscover the joy of hitting snooze.
If any of these feel uncomfortably familiar, take it as your cue to dial it down a notch. Life’s too short to be permanently glued to your laptop. Go on, book that holiday – your spreadsheets will survive without you for a week (probably).