Section 1.1: Signs You May Be Overdoing It

Always Tired, Always Caffeinated (ATAC) Syndrome

One of the first signs that someone is nearing burnout is a persistent feeling of fatigue. Even if they are still performing well, the morning alarm is often met with dread, and inquiries about their well-being typically elicit responses like "Tired but good." Despite trying to go to bed early, they wake up feeling unrefreshed.

Moreover, many rely on a continuous intake of caffeine to maintain peak performance. This might include coffee in the morning, energy drinks at lunch, and pre-workout supplements before evening workouts. When caffeine is withdrawn, lethargy sets in, making it difficult to stick to personal commitments as work obligations take precedence. If the thought of a caffeine-free week terrifies you, it may be time to check if your engine warning light is illuminated.

Never Done Syndrome

You may leave the office or classroom each day feeling as though you haven't accomplished enough. The constant anxiety about remaining tasks can make it hard to disconnect from work. Even during vacations, the temptation to check emails "just in case" or to prepare for upcoming tasks looms large.

This overwhelm can lead to diminished job satisfaction and overall happiness over time, whether the workload is perceived or real.

Section 1.2: The Impact on Your Life

Everything Becomes a Chore

A troubling sign that you might be overextending yourself is when you start to view everything as a chore. Activities that once brought you joy—like socializing with friends, walking the dog, or going to the gym—feel burdensome. You may find yourself postponing these activities in favor of passive entertainment, like watching television, despite knowing this isn't beneficial.

Neglecting Self-Care

As your schedule fills up with tasks and meetings, the time you allocate for self-care starts to dwindle. Missing one gym session can quickly lead to an extended hiatus, and even simple tasks like scheduling a haircut may feel like a daunting chore. Friends may notice this shift, so it's essential to heed their observations about your well-being.

Revenge Bedtime Procrastination (RBP)

This term, popularized by Matt D'Avella, describes the urge to reclaim personal time in the evenings due to feeling overwhelmed during the day. This often results in engaging in enjoyable yet unproductive activities, such as binge-watching shows or gaming until the early hours, sacrificing essential sleep for the sake of some "me time."

RBP can exacerbate other warning signs, creating a detrimental cycle that impacts both personal and professional spheres.

Awareness and Action

Recognizing these warning signs is crucial. It's vital to develop a plan to address and mitigate them. The focus of next week's session will be on effective strategies for doing just that.

Question for Reflection:

• Am I taking on too much?
• Am I exhibiting any signs of overreaching?

Have a fantastic week ahead,

David O'Hanlon