How many times do we tell ourselves that we’ll take a break tomorrow only to realize that tomorrow never comes? Recently I was faced with the harsh reality of what happens when you don’t listen to your body. I had many deadlines looming at work, home, and in my evening practice, and decided that my need for exercise, sleep, and balanced nutrition could be put on hold for a week or two until I was “caught up” on my obligations. I convinced myself that sacrificing my consistent lifestyle for a limited time would be for the greater good. A few days into the first week, I noticed myself feeling more fatigued than usual, but reminded myself that there would be time for more rest in the weeks to come. Each day I pushed myself further than the day before. By the second week, I started to feel achy and developed a constant migraine that lingered for several days. Concerned, I decided to get a quick check-up and discovered that not only was my blood pressure elevated, I was battling an upper respiratory infection as well. I was bordering exhaustion and my body was responding in kind.
When your body is ready to call it quits, how do you recharge to get back to optimal health? I believe the first step is recognizing that there is a problem. We all have an internal voice that speaks to us—a feeling when things aren’t quite right. Learning to listen to our bodies is vitally important to this process. According to BJC’s HealthCare Wellness Community site, a St. Louis subsidiary of Barnes Jewish Hospital and Medical Center, there are several things that can be done to optimize and recharge your health and well-being, especially for the compulsive overachiever:
- Reorganize your life so that work becomes proportionate to family, friends, and yourself. Switch your focus to relaxation, exercise, proper and balanced nutrition, and spiritual development.
- Slow your work pace.
- Work in moderation. Keep regular hours.
- Set boundaries between work and personal life.
Keeping these tips in mind, in addition to giving your body the adequate amount of rest and care, can keep you balanced and on track to being more productive in your work and home life.
Aline Hanrahan is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties. She specializes in individual, child, family, and marriage counseling and has serviced the mental health and public school systems for 20 years. For more info, visit alinehanrahan.com.
