All of us sometimes feel a heightened sense of pressure in our lives. We are, all of us, under a great deal of strain as we try to make ourselves successful, provide for our families, and generally get by in a world that seems to demand more and more from us, mentally and physically.

Sooner or later, however, life finds ways to force you to slow down and take stock of things. Unfortunately, those ways can come as rather extreme results, such as strokes and heart attacks. Do we have to wait for such drastic things to happen to us before we take the hint from nature that we need to slow down a bit? Actually, no, we don’t, there are some other signs we can follow instead:

 

1. Pain

If you’ve ever sought shoulder pain treatment in Melbourne CBD, or hip pain relief in Sydney, for example, you’ll be aware that one of the key pieces of advice that comes with the treatment is “slow down, relax!” It may seem easier said than done, but it’s sound and important advice. Pain is nature’s way of telling us that we are pushing our bodies too far.

 

2. You’re Missing and Forgetting Things

When the speed and pressure of life are both increasing, you often find yourself with an endless list of appointments and other things to do, many of which start to slip through the cracks. You might curse yourself for being forgetful, but in reality the likelihood is that you are just trying to do too much and you are starting to forget about important things.

It’s not just important things for yourself that you forget, either, but perhaps things that your children need you for, such as appointments at school for parent-teacher conferences, dentist appointments, music lessons, athletic events, and more. If you find yourself letting too many things go wrong, it’s time to slow down and take stock.

 

3. Your Sleep Patterns Are Erratic

How well are you sleeping at night? Do you go to bed at good times but find yourself lying awake for hours before you finally nod off, only then to be woken by the early-morning alarm a few hours later? Alternatively, are you up all night trying to finish things and then groggy and sluggish during the day when you need to be more alert?

Erratic sleep patterns can lead to all manner of health worries. It’s far better to slow down, learn better sleep techniques, and ensure that you get enough rest each day. That rest will help you operate more effectively day to day anyway.

 

4. You Struggle to Find Time for Meals

Are you getting your 3 square meals each day? If not, why not? Do you think you’re just too busy to eat? Did you forget to eat entirely? If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then you are someone who definitely needs to slow down a little and carve out a bit more time during the day.

If you think about it, how long does it really take to stop and have something to eat? You could make yourself some toast, some granola, a quick sandwich, or even just eat a few pieces of fruit. None of that requires any kind of careful or considered preparation, and it will help you immeasurably.

 

5. You Never See Your Family

Finally, how much time do you spend with your spouse, children, parents or siblings? If it’s hardly any at all, then why is that? Just as good food and drink nourishes your body, time well spent with loved ones nourishes your heart and soul. If you don’t get to see your family enough, then what are you rushing about in life so much for? You might be so busy trying to work enough to support your family that you forget to even spend time with them!