Why oh why?

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
Why are there days at work that I can handle anything that comes my way, but there are other days when even returning a phone call seems to take more energy than I have?

Last night I stayed at the office late because it felt like I didn't have the energy to get myself home. This morning it is going to take a heroic effort just to get to the office, let alone do anything when I get there.

Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? Is it some kind of burnout or maybe monthly hormonal changes? Someone asked me yesterday when was the last time I took a vacation and I couldn't remember. Could it be as simple as that?
 
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Nancy, sounds like a "sick" day is in order!

I have the easiest and probably 'funnest' job at our school....I'm a Monitor during the lunch hours, and I only work 3 hours per day. Easiest job around, in the building, I believe. And there are STILL days that I just can't get the motivation to go!

Hang in there. (so cliche, I know)

Gayle
 
nancy324 said:
Someone asked me yesterday when was the last time I took a vacation and I couldn't remember. Could it be as simple as that?
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Yes, definitely! It doesn't even need to be long or extravagant. I think taking some "mental health" days are very important.
 
Nancy, I have the exact same thing going on and ITA about the mental health days! Gotta take 'em.

That's what I do instead of vacation. (Last vacation? 19 years ago - honeymoon with DX.)

Martha Beck (I think) in her diet book talks about taking Minimal Days. Where you do as close to nothing as humanly possible. PJ's. Bathroom trips. Simple food. That's it.

Hope you are able to get your mojo back.
 
It sounds like burn out, Nancy!! You are always in the office, it seems like you never get some time off where you can just focus on yourself and relaxing, get your mind off work. There are always a few hours on weekends that I hear you are planning to go to the office.

I used to do that and I would burn out frequently, not wanting to answer my phone, getting really stressed out, the fly on the wall starting to bother me. It always took me several weeks to get back on track, just to do the same thing again.

The first thing my business coach did was to force me to take a day off, cell phone off, no checking emails, not even reading a work related book, just fun stuff. It made a huge difference but it was/is really hard for me. I am what you could call a workoholic, I get obsessed with whatever it is I am working on :eek: and I have never learned to say no.

You are not alone, Nancy!

TAKE SOME TIME OFF!!!
 
Nancy my dear, you deserve a damn break. I bet after some rest you'll be back to kickin' it old school. ;)
 
Ditto

nancy324 said:
Why are there days at work that I can handle anything that comes my way, but there are other days when even returning a phone call seems to take more energy than I have?

Last night I stayed at the office late because it felt like I didn't have the energy to get myself home. This morning it is going to take a heroic effort just to get to the office, let alone do anything when I get there.

Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? Is it some kind of burnout or maybe monthly hormonal changes? Someone asked me yesterday when was the last time I took a vacation and I couldn't remember. Could it be as simple as that?
Click to expand...

You should take SEVERAL days off - I don't think one is going to do it.
 
nancy324 said:
Why are there days at work that I can handle anything that comes my way, but there are other days when even returning a phone call seems to take more energy than I have?

Last night I stayed at the office late because it felt like I didn't have the energy to get myself home. This morning it is going to take a heroic effort just to get to the office, let alone do anything when I get there.

Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? Is it some kind of burnout or maybe monthly hormonal changes? Someone asked me yesterday when was the last time I took a vacation and I couldn't remember. Could it be as simple as that?
Click to expand...

Girl, I hate my job, . . . I feel like I work for the mob. Clear you mind, ditch the cell phone and take a day or two off and go shopping! Did you ever decide on a dress for the wedding? Go hit the botique stores. Don't you live in New York? You have acess to some fabulous shopping! Grab a latte, go see a movie by yourself, . . better yet get a spa treatment. Sometimes a girls just gotta unwind.
 
Haha - I just had a "minimal" three-day weekend. Thank goodness this is also my STS rest week. I literally did nothing for three days. Bathed, got back in lounge-wear. Moved from bed to sofa. Watched a bunch of movies. That's IT. I'm still exhausted and now I feel guilty, too. egads. I think it's aging and also I'm blaming it on the seasons and the time changing. I'm not adjusting as quickly as I used to.
 
ITA with everyone. I'm a licensed professional counselor. If a client told me about something like this, I would recommend taking a mental health day. You are so much more important than anything that comes across your desk.
 
Sounds like me the other day. I actually took a mental health day on a Monday (nice long weekend), then took off one day this week to go "college-shopping" with my daughter. Even then I didnt feel like working the next day, but today I'm ready to tear it up a little more!

Definitely definitely need a day off - especially if you can't remember. Hello???? I think you deserve it! I also feel better when I have worked out. :)
 
Hi Nancy, I am in the legal field as well. Some days I am ready to take on all challenges and some days I feel like reasoning with my 3 yr. old DD during the peak of a tantrum is the more desirable option:eek: For me, it is the regimented schedule with workouts, children & work that makes me feel like a robot sometimes. I also tend to hoard my vacation days so I do not feel guilty taking time off if my daughters are sick, have appointments, etc. I find that a trip to Disney World (or wherever you may want to go) does the trick. The key is actually leaving town for several days since if I just take a day off and stay home I do the same old workout, laundry, cleaning, etc. In short, ditto what everyone else has said - take some time off and mentally recharge - you deserve it :D
 
That sounds like burnout by not taking care of your basic human needs like taking vacations to recharge yourself and relax and enjoy life. Vacations ARE necessary. They allow you to step away from work and rest and have some fun, recharge and get new perspective. This is truly your mental, spiritual, and physical health days. By not taking them you do a disservice to yourself, your family, your friends and even to your work. Think of your vacation days as your health days and TAKE them.:)
 
While I said I can't remember the last time I took a vacation, that does not include days off. I'm actually pretty good about giving myself occasional days off. I think I take at least one mental health day per month. My DH would rather I save up all my time off for a 2-week vacation with him, but I just can't do it.

Actually, no one cares how many days I'm in or out of the office as long as my billable hours are up to snuff. But they never are, so I never feel entitled to much time off. :eek: But then, I guess I need some time off in order to be more productive when I'm here.
 
Nancy:

Noone can function without some time off! Your brain needs it, your body needs it, your soul needs it! Whether it's a day, a long weekend or a full vacation (even if you jst spenid it at home doing what you want to do), you should take some "you" time. I think you'll find it makes all the difference in the world!
 
syzygy314 said:
Nancy:

Noone can function without some time off! Your brain needs it, your body needs it, your soul needs it! Whether it's a day, a long weekend or a full vacation (even if you jst spenid it at home doing what you want to do), you should take some "you" time. I think you'll find it makes all the difference in the world!
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But I already do that. So maybe that's not my issue?
 
As I said you need to take an actual real vacation NOT the occasional day off once a month. A day off once a month or here and there is not enough for anybody to recoup, recharge, rest, etc. Remember that you are not bionic, you are still human and need to pull away from work for real time off — a full week to 2 weeks at a time. You will find that you'll have way more spunk, interest, drive and productivity when you return to work from a REAL break from it. Why don't you test it out and see if it works. Discipline yourself to do this for you, you may find that you will be much richer for it. :)
 
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