Fatigue is a result of prolonged mental or physical exertion; it can affect people’s performance and impair their mental alertness. This leads to dangerous errors, accidents, and losses. With long hours, little sleep, and skimpy nutrition you can easily experience fatigue. Symptoms can also include lack of motivation and energy. When fatigued, your body gives signals to quit. Pay attention to them. It’s time to unplug, rest, and rejuvenate when these symptoms appear:
1) Inability to concentrate
2) Fluctuating emotions, especially irritability
3) Conversational forgetfulness —people may speak, and moments later, you won’t recall what they said.
4) Incidences of dizziness, clumsiness, forgetfulness, and misplacing things
5) Increasing comments such as, “You look sad.” Research has shown “looking sad” is the key observation by others of those who are fatigued.
6) Appearances of skin irritations and acne
When you are fatigued, focus on “S.N.S.”—increase sleep, improve nutrition, lower your stress. See your doctor or contact your EAP if fatigue is frequent to receive clinical assessment and referral as to its cause.