Ah, summer. Endless sunny days and warm nights. BBQs. Seaside holidays, ice creams and Pimm’s. What’s not to love?
Summer might feel like a distant memory now, as those dark nights draw closer and the woolly jumpers make a re-appearance. But, don’t forget, it’s not only summer-time when you should take a break from work. If you’re feeling tired, stressed or unmotivated, it’s probably time to consider taking some time out.
Here are seven signs you’re in desperate need of a break.
Everything irritates you
Your colleague’s loud chewing. That person who leaves the tea bag in the sink. You manager keeps cc’ing you into emails that have nothing to do with you. You’re about to become that person who leaves passive-aggressive notes on the communal fridge warning people to: ‘not touch my egg mayonnaise sandwich’. You sigh roughly 32 times per day. If this sounds like you, you’re in desperate need of a holiday. Get online and get those flights booked.
You’re not inspired
Usually you enjoy your job and find it interesting. However, when you’re suffering from burnout, all enthusiasm for work goes out the window. If you find yourself moaning more than usual, or not even trying to sound excited when your manager suggests working on a new project, you really need a break. Taking time out will leave you well-rested and motivated on your return.
Making mistakes
The only cure for constant mistake-making is lying in the sun for 7 days straight. Fact. So, if you’re constantly forgetting your keys, what day it is or how you even got to work this morning, it might be best to take some time out. More importantly, if you’re making bad blunders in your work that you wouldn’t usually make, it’s a significant sign you need to put your annual leave to good use immediately.
Concentration span… what concentration span?
In the age of smart phones and all our other digital delights, apparently the average human’s attention span is now so short, even a goldfish can hold a thought for longer… yikes. We know that humans find it hard to concentrate on one thing for a long period of time, but if you’re getting into work at 9am and by 9.02am you’re already staring into space, daydreaming of mojitos and sunsets, alarm bells should start ringing. Get yourself some time off asap!
Feeling emotional
We all get sad from time to time. But if you’re feeling more emotional than usual it could be a sign you’re at your limit. Don’t stress; you just need some time to relax and unwind. Even if you’re busier than ever at work, it’s important to put your wellbeing first and get your work-life balance in order.
You’re living to work
Out of hours, do you constantly find yourself thinking or talking about work? Does the idea of having a week off freak you out? Don’t get too wrapped up in the day-to-day goings on in the office and remember – you have a life outside of the 9-5! If you’ve forgotten who you are without your job, it’s probably time to re-evaluate… and spend a lot of time on a sun lounger.
Tired
If you’re hitting the snooze button more often than usual and find it harder each day to get out of bed, you might need some time out. Exhaustion has a big impact on productivity levels and leaves you feeling wiped out. When off work, three in five people most enjoy getting away from routine, while half like the feeling of being refreshed and revitalised.
So, what’s your excuse? If you’re nodding your head at all or some of the above, it’s time to get your holiday booked in.
