Has your canary stopped singing?

I’m sure you've heard the expression, “The canary in the coal mine” but perhaps you’re like me and never really knew what it meant. I discovered the origin this week and it’s the perfect visual for the “I AM” step of building resilience.

Miners historically used canaries as a warning system to detect dangerous gases, particularly carbon monoxide, in underground mines. This practice was prevalent in coal mines and began in the late 19th century.

The canaries were placed in small cages equipped with perches inside the mine. These cages were positioned in various locations within the mine, especially in areas where there was a potential for the release of dangerous gases.

As miners worked underground, the canaries in the cages would act as early warning systems. If there were any dangerous gases present, the canaries would show signs of distress or illness before the gases reached levels that could harm the miners.

When the canaries exhibited signs of distress or died, it served as a clear signal to the miners that dangerous gases were present and that immediate action was needed. Miners would then evacuate the area or the mine to avoid exposure to the toxic gases. (Note, this practice has since been discontinued in favor of technology. Save the canaries!)

Becoming attuned to our early warning indicators or ‘red flags’ is one of the best ways to build resilience. The problem is we often don’t want to see what’s right in front of us.

While these flags vary from by individual and even from one situation to the next, in general we should consider paying attention to:

• Changes in energy levels or excessive fatigue

• Sleep disruptions

• Changes to normal eating patterns (over or under eating)

• Physical pain, often in the back, neck, shoulders, headaches or gastrointestinal issues

• Lack of patience or tolerance for day-to-day setbacks

• Withdrawal from activities or relationships we usually enjoy

• Inability to focus

• Increase in destructive habits (alcohol, substances, spending, gambling, screen time, etc.)

Just like the canary serves to warn of a potential for a much more serious threat, so should our early warning signs.

Earlier this year, I went through a very difficult time at work. Being a natural ‘fixer’, I kept telling myself I would power through it.

I experienced physical symptoms in the form of laryngitis (a post for another time on the physical manifestation of not speaking up!), lack of sleep, several colds, a kidney infection and finally, a temporary paralysis from my back giving out.

My body finally gave me the signal that I couldn’t grit my way through it any longer, I had to stop and deal with the situation.

Looking back, I wish I had paid more attention to the early indicators. I definitely had a hard time focusing, I ruminated for hours about the situation, became grumpy and consumed, not enjoying any of the usual things in my life.

Could I have changed the situation earlier, preventing a complete burnout? Most definitely.

I vow to never avoid my red flags again.

Are you willing to look at yours? 

Depending on the area of life you’re working on, your flag might be physical but it could also be:

• A credit card statement with a number you never wanted to see

• Distance between you and someone you care about

• A longing to do something different in your career

• Feedback from a loved one

• Declining grades in your studies

• Missed deadlines or half-assed work (you know you know)

You’re invited to write down some early warning signs you should pay attention to now, or even look back to a previous setback and, like me, explore what you missed.

Just as you’d pay attention to the warning light on the dashboard of your car, so, too will you be able to prevent a major crisis when you have the courage to tune in.

Let me know how you’re doing. I’ll be here listening for my own canary.