7 signs you’re simply not taking good enough care of yourself

The pace of life today often leaves us stretched thin, multitasking and juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Amidst this whirlwind of activities, we often forget the most important task – taking care of ourselves.

Self-care isn’t an indulgence or a luxury, it’s a necessity for our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. But how do you know if you’re not doing enough to care for yourself?

Well, if you identify with these signs, you’re not taking good enough care of yourself. It’s time to press pause, reassess, and prioritize self-care in your daily life.

1) You are constantly tired

We all have those days when we feel like a deflated balloon, lacking energy and motivation. But if you’re constantly feeling this way, it might be a sign that you’re not taking good care of yourself.

Fatigue can be a result of several factors such as poor diet, lack of sleep, or even high stress levels. It’s your body’s way of saying it needs more TLC (Tender Loving Care). Are you listening?

2) You often feel irritable or on edge

Ever had one of those days where even the smallest things set you off? Like when your coffee spills, or your Wi-Fi is slow, or when someone leaves the cap off the toothpaste, and you feel like screaming?

We’ve all been there.

For me, it was the day I nearly threw my laptop out the window because my document wasn’t saving quickly enough.

If you find yourself frequently in this state of heightened irritability, it’s a sign that you’re not taking good enough care of yourself.

You’re running on a short fuse because you’re stressed, under-rested, overworked, or all three. Your mind is begging for a break. It’s time to listen and take action..

3) You are plagued by negative thoughts

Imagine for a second that your mind is like a garden. If you’re constantly planting seeds of doubt, fear, and negativity, what type of garden do you think you’ll grow? A pretty bleak one, right?

If you find yourself constantly swamped by negative thoughts, it’s a strong sign that you’re not taking good enough care of yourself. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, and nurturing positive thoughts is part of that process.

The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life. It’s time to weed out the negativity and plant more positivity.

4) You are struggling with sleep

Picture this: It’s 2 a.m., you’re staring at your ceiling, counting sheep, reciting the alphabet backward, basically trying every trick in the book, but sleep eludes you. Sound familiar?

Sleep is as essential to our bodies as food and water. It’s the time when our body rejuvenates and repairs itself. If you’re constantly struggling with sleep, it may be time to reassess your self-care routine and make necessary changes.

5) You feel disconnected from others

This is a big one. 

Harvard research has shown that people, or more specifically the quality of our relationships, are responsible for keeping us happy and healthy more than any other thing. 

What do I mean by disconnected?

A few years back, I found myself in a place where I felt like I was living in a bubble. I was physically present but emotionally distant in social situations. Conversations felt like a chore and I found myself retreating into my shell more often than not.

If this resonates with you, it’s a sign that you’re not taking good enough care of yourself. Humans are social creatures by nature, and feeling disconnected from others can often be an indication of emotional exhaustion or neglecting your emotional health.

It’s okay to reach out to others for support and connection – it’s an important part of self-care.

6) You are always rushing and multitasking

Do you find yourself always in a rush, trying to do a million things at once, but never really accomplishing anything fully?

Multitasking might make you feel efficient, but studies show that it can actually reduce productivity . It also increases stress!

Rushing and multitasking sound like you? It might be time to reassess your approach.

Slow down, prioritize your tasks, and focus on one thing at a time.  

7) You have lost interest in things you once enjoyed

Last but not least, one of the most telling signs you’re not taking good enough care of yourself is a loss of interest in activities you once found enjoyable.

Remember when you used to love painting, hiking, reading, or just catching a movie with friends? If these activities now feel like a burden or no longer bring you joy, it’s a red flag.

Losing interest in things you once enjoyed could indicate that you’re emotionally or physically drained, or both. It’s crucial to reignite your passion and engage in activities that make you happy.

The Bottom Line

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

If you identify with any of these signs, it’s time to hit pause, reassess, and take steps towards better self-care. Remember, it’s not selfish to prioritize your own wellbeing.

We’d love to hear from you. Have you experienced any of these signs? How do you ensure you’re taking good care of yourself?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Because sometimes, the best advice comes not from an article, but from the shared experiences of people just like you.

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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