How To Spot The Signs Of Burnout And Prevent It In The Future

Most of us have heard the term “burnout”. Feeling “burnt out” often refers to feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with everyday tasks. It can be caused by a variety of mental and physical factors – but if left unaddressed, burnout can have a serious impact on our overall well-being, disrupting our quality of life. 

So, if you’ve been feeling demotivated recently, run-down, or fatigued – chances are that you’ve burnt yourself out. Don’t ever mistake “tiredness” for being burnt out – they are two different things. We all have days when we feel less “on form” – but if this starts to spiral downhill, resulting in increased stress and exhaustion, it’s time to take a step back. 

Here are our top signs to look out for when it comes to spotting burnout, so you can prevent it in the future, and live stress-free. 

You’ve Lost Interest In What Makes You Happy 

If you’re a fitness fanatic and the thought of a workout is making you want to crawl back into bed, then you’re burnt out. Or, if you usually thrive in your job and you’re starting to become cynical at work, then this is a tell-tale sign that you need a break. 

If the things that usually make you happy are no longer exciting you, then you’re burning yourself out. Pay attention to who you’re with and what you’re doing when you’re at your happiest - if you’re suddenly unable to get joy from these things, then you’re suffering from a classic case of chronic exhaustion. 

Reduced Performance 

If you’ve noticed that you’re under-performing at work, or you’re struggling to concentrate or think creatively – there is a problem. Only you know how you normally operate when you’re at your best, and if your performance is slipping, it’s usually because of burnout. 

Physical Symptoms 

Sometimes, when we’re feeling low, these negative emotions can manifest into physical health issues. Whether it be headaches, stomach aches, or just feeling generally run-down – pay attention to your physical symptoms if you’ve been struggling mentally. The two go hand in hand, and you can’t be physically healthy if you don’t have a healthy mind first. 

Mood Swings 

Now, we all have mood swings – particularly during that time of the month. However, if you find yourself randomly snapping at people, for no reason, that even makes you wonder why you’re being such a b*tch – it’s time to address the situation. 

Hormones are always going to go up and down, and this will depend on what’s going on in our lives at the time. But, if you’re feeling extremely emotional, out of control, or even depressed – you need to take some time out to understand why you’re feeling this way. 

While these are the main signs to look out for when dealing with burnout – that’s not to say that this is a permanent condition. Once you have spotted the relevant signs, all you need to do is respect your mind and body by practicing self-care. 

Avoid being a perfectionist, live each day as it comes, and take the time to manage and understand your stress-levels. These are all steps you can take to kick-start your self-care journey and nourish your well-being. 

Remember, if you’re not feeling yourself - talk to a friend, voice your concerns to a professional, and know that there is always help available. You got this.