8 signs that you need to take a break

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse has just announced that she is cancelling the remaining dates on her tour due to ?emotional strain.? While it is unlikely you have the health issues of the Rehab star, whose erratic behaviour recently saw her booed off stage by irate fans, your lifestyle may also be placing your health in danger. With hectic work schedules, the rise in work hard, party hard lifestyles, an increasing number of young people are heading for burnout. Are you one of them? Here are our top warning signs.

You go out too much

We all like to go out and enjoy ourselves, but if you look at your diary and wonder where the next night in is coming from, then it is time to slow down. Hitting the town almost every night will only lead to sleepless nights, alcohol dependency (or worse), financial crisis and, eventually, burnout. Treat yourself to a DVD and an early night in more often and limit yourself to one night out a week.

You only think about work

We Brits work the longest hours in Europe, averaging more than seven hours of unpaid overtime per week, the equivalent of £23bn. If you never leave the office on time, regularly take work home with you and find it impossible to switch off and stop thinking about your inbox when you do get home, then it is time for you to take a step back and remember what is important ? namely, your health. While working hard to further your career is not something to be discouraged, make sure it does not become an obsession.

You are exhausted

Partying hard and staying out until all hours means sleeping should come easy, right? Wrong. Excess alcohol and irregular bedtimes means only one thing: restless nights, leaving you tired and irritable during the day, when you should be at your most active. Try and go to bed at the same time every night, don?t drink caffeine or alcohol too late in the day and avoid nicotine like the plague. If you are not already, try and get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night ? this will make a big difference to your energy and concentration levels during the day.

You can?t control your weight

If your weight is going up and down more often than Northern Rock?s share price, you could be putting yourself at risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fluctuating weight is a sure sign that you need to improve your diet and start taking regular exercise ? aim for 30 minutes or, ideally, one hour three to four times a week and avoid binge eating or drinking sessions.

You feel depressed

If you find it hard to get excited about anything and feel short-tempered, you could be suffering from the effects of stress and depression. Overindulging in alcohol and food can also make you feel blue and low on motivation. Again, eat a healthy diet, make time for exercise and relaxation or, if you can, go away for a weekend or short holiday to allow you to detox your body and soul and put things back into perspective.

Your friends and family are worried about you

Winehouse?s parents and friends have made frequent attempts to halt Amy?s drug and alcohol abuse and have openly spoken about their desire to get her away from her equally hedonistic husband, Blake Fielder-Civil. If loved ones have tried to intervene in your personal life, don?t push them away or alienate yourself. They only want what is best for you and, even if you can?t see it. And remember, if it all falls apart, they will be the one who will be there to pick up the pieces.

You look terrible

Want definitive proof that your lifestyle is ravaging your wellbeing? Take a look in the mirror. If the quality of your skin, nails or hair isn?t what it should be and if the bags under your eyes make you look like you have just done 12 rounds with Ricky Hatton, it is time to take a step back and start treating yourself better.

You have no appetite

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential to staying fit and happy. If you find you have no interest in what you put into your body, eat a lot of junk food, only eat when absolutely necessary or try and avoid food altogether ? you could be putting your body in serious danger and could even be on track to developing an eating disorder. Your body needs energy, vitamins, minerals and other substances to function and the best way to get these is through the food you eat. Try and pay attention to what you are eating and, if necessary, keep a diet diary so you can check you are sticking to a balanced diet.

Rehab is for QUITTERS!!!

my words of suggestion.. all things are good..

but learn to use moderation..