5 Signs Your Work Stress is Decreasing Your Quality of Life

5 Signs Yur Work Stress is Decreasing Yur Quality of Life Were all susceptible to work stress. Even if youve got your dream gig, there will no doubt be times that youre stressing out about work. It happens to the best of us. But theres a difference between the occasional stressful zu gunsten vonject and an all-consuming position or organization. If you feel like you spend most of your life in the non-stop stress zone, it might be time to reassess what youre doing day to day or where youre doing it. Here are some things to look out for1. You never have time to breathe.If you never have time to grab coffee, eat lunch or even visit the restroom during the work day, chances are youre under too much stress. If every day is so action packed that you dont feel like its even possible to take care of your basic human needs, either youre a) not thinking clearly and probably overworked, or b) not in the right job. Whether we choose to address it or not, its a fact that were better employees, fr iends and humans in general when were taking care of ourselves. Drinking water, eating right and taking breaks are all crucial in order for us to perform at our best and not get completely caught up in tense workplace situations. The next time you find yourself thinking, I dont have time to visit the ladies room before my next meeting take a long hard look at yourself. Somethings gotta give.2. Its all you think about.When youre out to dinner with friends, at yoga class or walking the dog, thoughts of work are ever present. If your whole family can name everyone in your schreibstube and what their annoying quirks are, thats probably a sign that youre bringing it into your life outside of work a little too much. It might be time for a breather. Theres nothing wrong with caring about the work you do or wanting to do it well. But youre more than that. And if you spend all of your friend or family time talking work, I wouldnt be shocked if you found yourself with a little less friend and family time in general. No one wants to hear about your work non-stop even those that love you Start slow. Work on your listening skills. Perhaps hearing some of what others are experiencing might even put your challenges in perspective3. You are constantly cranky.Or sick. Or both. Our bodies have a way of telling us were too stressed if were moving too fast to notice it ourselves. If you find youre really irritable, especially tired or always feeling lousy, this is something to pay close attention to. Its not a shock that so many of us end up sick after a big project. We used up all of our energy getting through it, and our bodies have had enough. When we attempt to live in that mode, our bodies are not having it. They will pull out all the stops to make us realize we need time off, a mindset shift or a career change. Pay attention to how youre feeling physically as well as emotionally. And get yourself to a doctor or on the right track with self-care pronto4. You get nothing don e.No matter how hard you try, it seems like youre never able to accomplish anything. Unending to-do lists, non-stop requests and constant interruptions prevent you from coming close to achieving what you need to on the day-to-day. That doesnt feel good to anyone. We all want that little hit of dopamine that comes with crossing something off of your list But when were overwhelmed and swimming in tasks, if often feels impossible to focus, and hinders your ability to make progress. Not to mention to be proud of the little progress that perhaps you are able to make. We all think were great multitaskers. Were not. Lets admit it already and move on. Get intentional about your schedule and notice what can happen when you really take time to focus.5. The scaries have moved beyond Sunday.Nothing breaks my heart more than hearing from someone who says their feelings of anxiety about their next work week start as early as Friday. Existing in a perpetual state of dread or panic about what the n ext work day will bring is no way to live. Were only on this planet for a short period of time. Over the course of our careers, we work a lot. And this mental state takes its toll in so many ways all of which were not yet even aware of. If this sounds like you, get the help you deserve. Talk to a therapist, take time off and do whatever you need to get yourself back to normal. You deserve to enjoy your lifeWhen were moving at lightning speeds, its difficult to notice not only whats going on around us, but within us. If any of the above resonate with you, take a step back. Reassess what matters most, and make adjustments in both big and small ways that will enhance your experience day to day. It could be as simple as taking some time off or adjusting your schedule to starting a job search. Change is scary. But so is spending your life in a stressed out haze unable to see whats what. Do the work to make change for yourself You deserve it.--Kelly is a human resources pro and coach who helps people find and achieve what they want career-wise and beyond. Coaching, training, recruiting if you name it in the world of HR, shes done it in a variety of industries. Her advice has been featured on The Muse, Career Contessa, Levo, Workology, among others. Learn more by scoping her out at www.kellypoulson.com.