happiful september 2021

Being honest with yourself that
you need a break can make you
stronger, and healthier, in the
long run. Convincing ourselves
we must go into work, that we’re
letting people down, that we’re
letting ourselves down, avoids
focusing on the real issue. Plus,
hiding behind a mask can be
exhausting – and it’s bound to
slip at some point. Clare sums it
up: “Listen to your body. It knows
what is best, and it is trying to tell
you something important.”
2. REEVALUATE YOUR
GOALS AND WORKLOAD
If you’re unwell, but believe that
a sick-day is out of the question
because you can’t possibly miss
a day of work, it could be time
to take a closer look at what’s on
your plate. The world shouldn’t
stop if you need a day or two
to recover, and if it feels like it
will, it might even be the level
of responsibility on your plate
contributing to your poor health.
Ask yourself: is what I want to
do realistic? Will I burn out, or
make myself ill trying to achieve
it? Am I setting myself up for
disappointment if I don’t reach
my goal? Or is it a case of realistic
goals, but overwhelming myself
by trying to achieve too many
things all at once? If the answer
is yes to any of these, it could
be worth reevaluating whether
pushing yourself like this is worth
it – more often than not, the
answer will be no. And if that’s
the case, it could be time to speak
to your boss, HR, or colleagues
about your workload and any
support you need. Working until
you burn out shouldn’t be a goal,
or something that should earn
anyone praise. Our number one
goal should be to stay healthy.
3. WE ALL STRUGGLE
Deep down, everyone struggles
for one reason or another,
whether they like to admit it or
not. Looking like you’re always
keeping it together isn’t reality.
Everyone has a persona they
68 | September 2021 | happiful.com