SLOWING down can be a very hard thing to do.

In our society it's very common for people to ignore fatigue.

We just have another coffee, an energy drink or something sugary to push through.

Besides we have so many things to do and so very little time, right?

However, fatigue is our body's way of telling us to slow down, that something isn't quite right, that we need to take some time out to look after ourselves.

When we push through, it doesn't address the problem, it just puts a temporary fix on it.

This can mean that over time we are left feeling drained, overwhelmed, lost, frustrated or sick.

I'm telling you right now that it doesn't have to be this way.

When we take care of ourselves, the people in our lives get the best of us, instead of what's left of us.

This applies to you as well. You deserve to be the best version of yourself.

Taking 10 minutes (or more if you have it) out of your day to slow down, breathe, check in with yourself or do something you really enjoy is not going to end the world.

In fact it will probably make things easier.

You will be more productive because you will be refreshed, clear, calm and happy.

Here are five signs you need to slow down and my tips to help you work through them in a positive way.

You feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster ride

You feel happy one moment and sad the next.
You're impatient and getting angry more than usual.
You have an underlying feeling that something is wrong.
This is your body's way of getting your attention.
It's asking you to take some time out for yourself.
MY TIPS: Let the unimportant stuff wait until tomorrow and use that time to do something for you.
For example, rest and read a book, do something that helps you relax, listen to a beautiful meditation, get an early night's sleep.

Your brain is ticking over at 100km an hour

A busy mind can be extremely draining and can leave us feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
MY TIPS: Write down every thought that is swimming through your head.
Pick out what the most important thing is to do.
Do it and think of nothing else until you have finished it.
Then move on to the next thing.

You're worrying

Worrying is wasted energy, especially when it is about something that is completely out of our control.
MY TIP: Find a useful way to distract yourself.
Is there something productive you can do to help with the problem?
For example, write a letter to someone you want to have a conversation with, even if you never send it.
Or go for a walk and get some fresh air and sunshine.

You can't fall asleep at night … or wake up in the morning

You can't fall asleep because you are too busy worrying, stressing or thinking and you can't wake up in the morning because you are exhausted.
MY TIPS: Write down all your thoughts before you go to bed.
Physically get them out of your head so you can stop going over them.
Drink a nice cup of tea before bed time, turn off all electronic devices and as you lie in bed focus on your breathing and relaxing your muscles one by one.
Try to get to bed at a reasonable hour so you can get in your seven to eight hours of sleep.

You are always doing everything for everyone else

There seems to be time for everyone but you.
MY TIPS: Remember that you are just as important as everyone else.
You need to feel fulfilled and happy in your life, so looking after others is energising rather than draining.
Chat to a loved one or friend and see if you can schedule in an afternoon for yourself.
Use this time to do something that only you want to do and enjoy it!