Many professionals struggle with burnout at some point in their careers. I myself have experienced the exhaustion, cynicism and reduced productivity that comes with burnout at my job. For months, I had been feeling increasingly exhausted, unmotivated and disconnected at my job. I used to love what I did but suddenly it just felt draining. I had this sense that I was swimming against a current and barely able to keep my head above water.

I started feeling serious dread and anxiety about work and would hit the snooze button multiple times each morning. I would even sit in my car before going inside and struggle to go in. I was even getting sick more often. And on weekends, I had no energy to do the things I enjoyed.  

It took me a while to realize I was experiencing burnout. The constant stress and high demands at work had seriously worn me down over time. But once I named it for what it was, I knew I needed to make some changes.

Burnout develops gradually as the demands of work become excessive and overwhelming. It results from prolonged stress that is not adequately relieved or managed. Left untreated, burnout can worsen and significantly impact both an individual’s personal and work life. It can even lead to serious health conditions over time.

Here are 15 Common Signs of Burnout:

1. Emotional and physical exhaustion

2. Feeling drained of energy 

3. Loss of motivation and interest at work 

4. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

5. Increased irritability or anger  

6. Trouble sleeping or insomnia

7. Changes in appetite or weight 

8. Frequent headaches or stomach problems

9. Increased use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes

10. Withdrawing from friends, family and activities you enjoy 

11. Feeling cynical or negative about work 

12. Lower performance or reduced productivity

13. Increased accidents or mistakes

14. Getting sick more often 

15. Feeling overwhelmed and like you can’t catch up

These are just some of the potential signs to watch out for. Some people may experience only a few, while others have many symptoms of burnout. The key is to pay attention to changes in how you think, feel and behave that interfere with your wellbeing and work performance. 

The more signs you notice, the more likely it is that burnout is taking a toll. But the good news is that making changes and adjustments can help you recover, regain energy and motivation, and reclaim your sanity and joy at work.

Tips for Dealing with Burnout

Once I recognized these symptoms in myself, I knew I had to make changes to recover from burnout. Some strategies that helped me include:

• Taking regular short breaks during the day when possible

• Setting boundaries and limiting tasks to essential work only

• Reconnecting with friends and family for support   

• Practicing mindfulness meditation   

• Exercising regularly 

• Speaking to my supervisor about reducing responsibilities and being honest about my feelings

In summary, for those experiencing burnout, the first step is acknowledging the signs and prioritizing your mental health. From there, making simple adjustments at work and home can provide much needed relief. With consistency, these changes can help you gradually recover and build resilience against future burnout.

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of burnout, don’t hesitate to seek support. Remember – you’re not alone, and there is hope for recovery through awareness, openness and taking action. Let me know what you thought about this post and subscribe to my page for more health and wellness-related posts!

Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642