3 Signs to Tell If You’re Overworked

Demanding bosses, long hours, unrealistic expectations, an unworkable schedule, lack of manpower...let's face it, you're overworked!

But how can you tell when your body really needs a break from the stress of your life?  Here's how.  Thanks to Jeff Haden on a recent Linkin In post, here are three simple and objective ways to know you're overworked.

1. An increase in your resting heart rate—Take your pulse every day before getting out of bed. There are actually free apps that will measure your heart rate and keep a log of the results. Your heart rate will stay within a range of a few beats per minute most of the time. But when you’re overworked and stressed, your system will send more oxygen to your body and brain by increasing your heart rate. If your heart rate is up in the morning, get some extra sleep, take a brief break from work, or do whatever else you can to reduce your stress level.

2. You feel stressed and irritated for no apparent reason--Sometimes you feel irritable and short-tempered, but can’t put your finger on it. Chronic stress and fatigue may have triggered a physiological response and sent more cortisol and less dopamine to your brain. Willing yourself to be in a better mood won’t help. In extreme cases, the only cure is a break.

3. You inexplicably lose or gain weight--If you get on the scale in the morning and again at night, you’ll almost always notice a difference in your weight. But should you lose or gain more than 1% of your body weight from one morning to the next, there’s a good chance something is off. When you're stressed or overworked, you may not notice how much or how little food and water you're consuming. If you experience sudden weight gain or weight loss, this could be the reason. Take a break and visit your doctor if the problem gets worse.