Most of us have been stressed due to something at least once in our lives. The active and fast-paced manner of Wikipedia can leave some of us in metaphorical "pits", where we have so much stuff to do and respond to that it overwhelms us and we have no way to get out. When Wikipedians start feeling this way, it's important to take a break.

1. Getting into arguments with other editors over small things.
   • Getting into arguments with others on talk pages and other parts of the project is a sign that you might be overwhelmed and are being outwardly aggressive, which is not the formal or proper way to act.
2. Rage quitting.
   • Rage quitting is a clear indicator that a break might be needed. When Wikipedians get so stressed out that they "retire" over an issue for a day, maybe two, it is a sign that maybe we need to actually have a mental break for a few days, even a few weeks if needed. Wikipedia doesn't have a deadline and constantly quitting can make others lose trust in you.
3. The "in a corner" feeling.
   • When you feel like you have so much work to do such as writing drafts or improving articles that we feel like we have a constant overload of things to do, it might be best to set the work down for a little while and go enjoy things outside of Wikipedia. Wikipedia shouldn't be a stressful experience for those who do things properly and when it gets that way it's a sign that we may need to step away for a bit. If you promised someone that you'd do something, such as review a GAN, talk with them and tell them that you have too much going on and need mental break. This doesn't excuse breaking every promise you make, however.

1. When you are actively being talked about on an admins' noticeboard.
   • While taking a break is always a good thing when you aren't caught up in a behavioral issue, if you are the center of a disussion at an admins' noticeboard, it's important to stay active if possible. While being talked about at admin noticeboards can make us feel stressed, it's important to address behavioral issues instead of stepping away from them.