Signs you are out of balance
Sometimes a lack of balance in your life can hit you in the face and sometimes it can sneak up on you when you least expect it. I’ve experienced both scenarios. I like to think that as a result I can recognise the signs that I am getting out of balance before it becomes a major problem that can have a real impact on my life. However, it hasn’t always been that way. Let me give you an example of what I mean.
A true story
Early in my HR career, I found myself working full time and studying part-time. Being an over achiever I became determined to get the highest possible marks in my studies. My lecturer made it clear that if I did well on the final exam I would top the class AND receive a medal as outstanding student of the year. About a month before the final exam, we lost a valuable staff member at work and I was asked to take on some of her duties as an interim measure while a replacement was being found. To me, this was another opportunity to prove my worth.
So, here I am studying hard and working even harder and then it hit. Three days before the final exam I woke up one day not feeling well but went to work anyway. A few hours later, I started to feel worse. I’d managed to finish all the things that just couldn’t wait and then was sent home by my manager. The pain got even worse and I found myself at the doctor who promptly sent me to a surgeon. I was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and operated on a few hours later. So much for completing the exam a few days later. I had to wait another 6 months to sit the exam and missed out on the award.
At the time I thought I’d had no warning signs of my impending medical crisis but when I checked with family and friends they had seen the signs. My life was definitely out of balance and I’d missed it. These days I pay close attention to the warning signs and take action as soon as I realise what’s going on.
Look out . . . danger ahead!
I want to share with you the signs of danger so you don’t end up with an appendix scar like mine! They can be divided into 3 main categories:
Physical
Headaches- Skin complaints (rashes, breakouts, etc)
- Change in sleeping habits (insomnia or needing more sleep)
- Change in eating patterns (loss of appetite or comfort eating)
Emotional
- Switching off your emotions
- Over reacting to small issues
- Crying for no reason
- Taking things personally
Mental
- Inability to switch off and relax
- Excess worrying
- Over analysing situations
- Negative thinking
The first step
The first step to fixing a problem is noticing it exists. Being able to recognise the signs of being out of balance allows you to take stock of your situation and make decisions about where to from here, before doctors (or others) start making decisions for you. Don’t panic if you occasionally experience some of the above symptoms as they can all happen to even the most balanced person at times. What you are looking for is a pattern of behaviour over a period of time. Many people find it helpful to keep a journal to track their symptoms and possible triggers. This can also be useful if you later seek help from health care professionals.
Karen Schmidt from Let’s Grow! is an award winning speaker, workshop leader and facilitiator who is on a mission to grow managers into engaging leaders. Contact her on 0411 745 430 or visit www.letsgrow.com.au