Signs of Burnout
Burnout occurs when you feel emotionally and physically exhausted. It is often caused by stress and builds up over a period of time. It is important to recognise the signs that you may be on the road to or already facing burnout.
Easily annoyed
If you find that everything seems to be going wrong or you seem to be getting easily annoyed then this may be one of the first signs of burnout. This may lead to angry outbursts in your professional and personal life. Take a few deep breaths and analyse how you are feeling. Take a quick break and walk away if possible. Chances are your work will suffer if you find yourself in this state and at this time it would be better for you to go away and come back to it rather than keep going.
Pessimism
When you are feeling burnt out you will see everything in a negative light and instead of finding a silver lining you will focus on all the difficulties. This glass-half-empty outlook will begin to impact you mentally as your negative self-talk will begin to take over. A ten to twenty minute nap or rest can often serve as a cure to this attitude or at the very least leave you feeling a lot better when you wake up. Listen to your body and you will find yourself in a much better headspace after you have taken care of it.
Lack of focus
Lack of focus is one of the easier signs to spot when facing burnout. A lack of concentration can result from feelings of exhaustion. This will lead to a decrease in productivity and a poorer performance overall. It is important to know when to clock out and clear your head. In this situation it is a very good idea to weigh out your option is it better to keep going or take a break and come back rejuvenated, ready to tackle whatever comes your way?
Loss of motivation
If you are experiencing a loss of motivation, it may be a sign of burnout. You begin to lose interest in the things that you usually enjoy. This may stem from feeling overwhelmed and as a result you may begin to shut others out. However, watch that this does not leave you isolated from friends and family. Take a break now and look after yourself rather than letting these feelings take over. If you do not, this will take a huge toll on your mental and even physical health. Remember to look after yourself.
Exhaustion
Exhaustion is a common sign of burnout. If you feel emotionally and physically drained you may be experiencing symptoms of burnout. Sometimes you can be exhausted and you may find it hard to get some quality sleep. In this case it is advisable just to relax and rest. Maybe put some music on or try some yoga or meditation. Developing a bedtime routine and taking a screen break can help those struggling to go to sleep as a result of burnout.
If you find yourself facing burnout it can be helpful to reach out and talk to someone close to you. Opening up to others will help you to overcome burnout. Make sure to look after yourself and relax. You deserve it.