Overstrain

To exert oneself too much, often resulting in physical or mental fatigue, injury, or damage. It signifies pushing beyond one's limits, exceeding capacity, and potentially causing adverse consequences. This can apply to physical activities, such as exercise or manual labor, but also to mental or emotional endeavors, such as excessive studying, working long hours, or dealing with prolonged stress. The outcome of overstraining often involves the body or mind signaling distress, indicating a need for rest and recovery to prevent long-term harm. It highlights a lack of balance and self-awareness regarding personal limitations. It can involve muscles, tendons, or even the brain, which may be damaged as a result of overstrain.

Overstrain meaning with examples

• After pushing himself relentlessly to finish the project, the athlete felt a sharp pain and later realised he had **overstrained** his hamstring, sidelining him for weeks. This resulted in a failure to meet the deadline and placed more workload on his team.
• The constant pressure at her job and the need to meet all the deadlines was leading to overstrain; she began experiencing headaches and insomnia, which her therapist recommended she reduce her work hours and stress.
• Trying to learn every programming language available would be a massive and impossible endeavor, leading to an overstrain in mental processes and potentially result in burn out. She was encouraged to pace her learning and to be realistic.
• The weightlifter's attempt to lift an unprecedented weight led to overstrain of his back muscles. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the significance of practicing proper technique and pacing exercises to prevent injuries.
• She has **overstrained** herself with studying for all her final exams, which caused her to fall behind in other classes. Her counselor advised her to adopt a more balanced study schedule to get back on track and prioritize her wellbeing.