Caught myself doing something familiar last week... feeling simultaneously guilty and relieved about rescheduling dinner plans with a good friend.
But it wasn't about avoiding connection or being antisocial, it was my brain sending me an important message I needed to hear.
I needed some down time.
These protective signals from our brain show up in all sorts of surprising ways, we've just gotten really good at ignoring them.
Here's what to watch for:
✨ I N S P I R E
"Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long." - Michael Gungor
✨ T H R I V E
7 Brain Protection Signals You're Probably Ignoring
(And What They Really Mean):
⚠️ Sign # 1: Celebrating Canceled Plans
↳ When your brain is in survival mode, socializing is exhausting
↳ Prioritize 2-3 relationships that energize you
⚠️ Sign # 2: Simple Decisions Feel Heavy
↳ Even small choices drain you like big ones
↳ Critical thinking needs clean space - clear desk, clear mind
⚠️ Sign # 3: Irritated by Others' Happiness
↳ Your own 'joy tank' is empty
↳ Abundance mindset: Success and happiness are not limited to a
select few
⚠️ Sign # 4: "I'm fine" is your auto-response
↳ You've forgotten how to read your own signals
↳ Replace 'I'm fine' with one real word (i.e. tired, wired, steady)
⚠️ Sign # 5: Simple tasks take double time
↳ Your brain is turning quick tasks into marathons.
↳ Work 25 min, then completely stop for 5. Stretch or quick walk.
⚠️ Sign # 6: Too tired to rest
↳Your stress switch is stuck on high alert.
↳ Reset hourly - 1 minute of deep breathing. Sounds small, shifts
everything.
⚠️ Sign # 7: Weekend recovery takes longer
↳ Your stress tank is overflowing faster than weekends can empty it.
↳ Take either Monday or Friday off every 6 weeks – schedule it
now.
Your brain isn't trying to slow you down - it's trying to help you succeed sustainably.
Ready to start listening?
Always,
Carolyn
PS ~ Join 180,000+ ambitious professionals getting daily tips to build success without sacrificing wellbeing
PPS ~ Know someone who needs this reminder to listen to their brain's signals? Forward this to:
→ The friend who's always "pushing through"
→ That colleague who regularly cancels plans
→ Anyone who says they're "fine" but you know better
→ The high achiever who needs permission to rest
Transform your work and life in 2025 - we get started March 18th!
Join our small group cohort to master:
Work-life integration strategies that actually work
Setting boundaries without sacrificing relationships
High-performance habits that protect your energy
Building authentic connections while maintaining limits
Leading with both impact and wellbeing
Stop wondering if you're doing enough
Start thriving on your own terms
✨
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