4 Signs You Are Overextending Yourself

As the new year rolls around, I encourage you to set an intention of protecting your time and honoring your boundaries in 2021 (and beyond)! Between the busyness of the holidays and lifestyle changes from the pandemic, you may notice a sense of overwhelm. Start by being mindful of when you may be overextending yourself and reflect on when you have overextended yourself in the past. Learn to recognize the signs of overextending yourself to avoid burnout and exhaustion. This article highlights four common signs of overextension. I’ve listed some red flags below of when you may be taking on too much and need to scale back. By paying attention to these warning signs, you can take steps to prevent burnout and prioritize your well-being.

1. Exhaustion and Overwhelm

If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s a pretty sure sign you’re overextended. Perhaps you’re looking at your schedule and feeling daunted or wondering how you’ll ever be able to get it all done. Most of us are familiar with physical exhaustion, but pay attention to emotional exhaustion as well. Emotional exhaustion may look like isolating, avoidance, difficulty socially connecting, stress, disconnection from compassion and understanding, or falling back into old harmful patterns. 

2. Resentment Towards Others

Resentment is an important feeling that can alert us of boundary violations. Notice what resentment feels like for you. Overextending yourself in friendships or relationships might leave you feeling resentful over a lack of reciprocity, or feeling unappreciated. Reflect on where you can create limits to how much emotional load you are taking on in the friendship or relationship and communicate your limits! 

3. Boundary Betrayals 

If you are betraying your own boundaries, meaning you are taking on more than you know is good or healthy for yourself, you are overextending yourself. Betraying your own boundaries might look like saying “yes” before reflecting on if you have capacity for the task. Other boundary betrayals include ignoring discomfort, packing your schedule without reflecting on your limitations, or not asking for support when you need it. 

4. You want to quit everything, move to an island, and never return. 

If you’re feeling the need to escape from your life, something needs to change whether it be putting limits around your time and energy, healing your relationship with yourself, or creating more fulfilling relationships and support in your life. Take a second before you make any impulsive decisions and reflect on your boundaries. 

In therapy, you can gain awareness of where you may need to create limits and nourish yourself properly, rather than overextending yourself. Our new group could also be a good it if you identify with this post. Contact us when you’re ready! 

Authored by: Anna Zapata, LPC