8 Signs You Need A Vacay STAT

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Feeling stressed? It might be time to GTFO of the office and get on to a beach.

1. You have an unusual lack of patience

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Well, maybe you're never really patient, but if you find yourself freaking out quicker than usual, it might be time to hit the breaks. You don't want to end up in a screaming match with Becky from HR because she left her phone volume on (how dare she) and the whole office can hear every time she gets a text. If you're reaching your "boiling point" too fast at work and at home, it's definitely time to chill out.

2. You're not feeling creative

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Have you been working on the same project for two weeks and haven't made any progress? You're most likely experiencing "writer's block" and the dark, gray winter sky is not giving you any kind of inspiration. There's a reason they say to take a break and come back to it. In this case, take a break far, far away. On a beach perhaps?

3. You feel depressed

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Your winter blues might be something else known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Yes, there is literally is a disorder called SAD, which is a type of depression related to the change in seasons. It usually begins in the fall and continues through the winter, sucking the motivation right out of you and making you feel tired and irritable. It's more common than you think, especially during those months after the holidays and right before spring. There's nothing like a getaway to remind you that warmer weather is coming, giving you something to look forward to. (Note: If you're experiencing these symptoms year round, consult a physician to determine if you have depression.)

4. You're having a hard time sleeping

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Sometimes a symptom of SAD, having trouble sleeping is kind of the worst. Not only is it frustrating, but according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a lack of sleep prevents your brain from functioning properly, can increase your risk of chronic health problems and affect the way you interact with others. There's nothing like passing out in a big hotel bed after a day of exploring a new place!

5. You have body pain

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Does your back hurt? Are you getting more headaches than usual? Subconsciously clenching your jaw? These are all side effects of stress and signs that you need to give your body and mind a rest. Working under chronic stress can severely decrease your performance and more importantly, lead to a multitude of health issues. Don't forget to book a massage while you're away!

6. You hate everyone and everything

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You especially hate Instagram and Facebook because you see pictures of people doing things that are more fun that what you're doing. But don't worry, a lot of those people are just TBT-ing to their beach vacations so they can post a picture of themselves half-naked. Be thankful you are not one of those people.

7. You feel disconnected

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Ironically, social media can make you feel disconnected and contribute to that feeling of depression. Maybe you find yourself wanting stay in every weekend or avoiding friends and family. While there is nothing wrong with staying in on a Friday night or avoiding your overbearing mother, just remember isolation is what caused Eleven to break into another dimension in Stranger Things and let in the Demogorgon which destroyed the town and her friends. If you're going to be alone, at least be alone on a beach while surrounded by other people!

8. Your stomach is all out of whack.

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Are you having stomach issues every time you eat? Bloating, nausea, and heartburn can be signs of a stressed gut. The digestive system is controlled by the enteric nervous system, just like the brain is controlled by the central nervous system. Harvard Medical school states, "When a person becomes stressed enough to trigger the fight-or-flight response, for example, digestion slows or even stops so that the body can divert all its internal energy to facing a perceived threat." The publication also states that this stress/gut relationship is "bidirectional: stress can trigger and worsen gastrointestinal pain and other symptoms, and vice versa." Nothing like a piƱa colada to calm that IBS!

So, if you're feeling some or all of these feelings, take our advice:

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