by Deborah Stewart

Created on: April 07, 2011   Last Updated: April 08, 2011

You suddenly realize that you have been irritable lately. You become frustrated with yourself when you forget little things or make little mistakes, and have to do things over again. Everyone makes mistakes - but this is happening more often than you feel comfortable with. Your friends and family begin to look at you in a questioning way during one of the increasingly frequent times that you lose your temper. You instinctively know that something just doesn't feel quite right any more, but you can't put your finger on it.

You get into disagreements when someone tells you that you've said something other than what you swear you have said. Your inability to focus seems to be slipping quietly away from you; and you feel helpless to hold onto it. Frustration grows as your usual abilities seem to dwindle. Anger follows on the heels of this frustration; completing the vicious circle of confusion and little slip-ups on your part.

Then your wake-up call comes: you cannot remember what day it is. Unanswered questions and growing fears blossom inside as you begin to question what is happening to you lately. You are getting behind in your work, and the quality of your work just isn't what it used to be. You question your ability. And it feels like you are slowly slipping out of control.

But take heart; there is good news. You are not losing your mind: these are the symptoms of burnout. You've taken too much upon yourself for too long-and now, it is taking it's toll on you. Recognizing that there is a problem is half of the solution. Today's society is geared toward self-gratification and success. "Busy-itis" is the common malady of the 22nd century. Between climbing that social ladder, furthering your education for said climb, supporting your family, fitting in with and pleasing your social crowd, and planning ahead and preparing for retirement in an ever-worsening economy; who has time to take care of themselves?

What is the solution? You must take (not try to find) time for yourself. You need to slow down. You are overworked; mentally, emotionally and most likely-physically. You were created to only handle just so much. And you have been pushing past your limits for too long now.

Here is truth: the investment that you consciously make in yourself now will pay great dividends in your future. And it won't take long before you and your co-workers, family and friends begin to see the positive results. You cannot sacrifice sleep for anything else in this world: the cost is too great. You will be amazed at how much better you feel by simply getting between five and seven hours of sleep each night.

You need it desperately. Your body needs sleep desperately. That is the first step to regaining your equilibrium in all areas of your life. From there, the next logical step is to "downsize". If there is too much on your plate, take something off; at least for now. You can pick it up again later. Above all; remember that if you don't take care of yourself-no one else is going to.

You are worth it.

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