Are you exhausted? Stressed? Or burned out? There is a thin line between stress and burnout that makes it difficult to tell when you are burning out. Let's show you some tell-tale signs of burnout to be mindful of.
We've all been here repeatedly - more times than we would like to admit. As adults, we must bottle it all up and keep forging ahead. You wake up every morning, fight to accomplish all your tasks and repeat the next day. It is called working hard. It puts food on the table and a roof over your head. It is the adult way of life.
But how long can you continue like this before your body breaks down? Have you considered the impact of 'hard working' on your physical and mental health? What is your stress level? When do you take a break? Sooner than later, you will realise that your body cannot take it anymore. You will notice your productivity level steadily declining. You will need help to focus on tasks. You will be so exhausted you cannot mentally or physically continue the cycle of hustle. This is burnout. This is a bad place to be. Burnout is bad for your overall health - mentally and physically. That is why it is important to notice these signs of burnout and stop it before it is too late.
Feeling on edge
Once you start feeling more on edge than usual, it is time to check yourself for burnout. You are easily irritated. You no longer can tolerate people. You have had enough of it all and want to scream. Well, there it is. You are burning out.
Feeling insomnia
It is funny how insomnia is a sign of burnout when this is the time you need sleep more than ever. Because you've put your body through a lot, it becomes difficult to function properly. You are so stressed, but you cannot sleep.
Feeling less productive
As a hard-working person, you give your blood and sweat to everything you do. You keep pushing yourself to do even more. Late nights working, long hours in the office, bringing work home, no time to eat, no time for anything else but work. Well, you eventually get to a point where you cannot do anything at all. You keep putting in the same effort (and even more) but get nothing out. It isn't easy to focus. You feel like a failure. Your brain cannot work anymore. That's burnout!
Feeling emotional fatigue
This is a dangerous burnout phase, and you are quickly approaching depression. Besides feeling tired of work, you will find yourself emotionally exhausted. Nothing makes sense anymore. You no longer care about anything. Not even food, sports, looking good, or anything that used to excite you. You are just numb.
Feeling anti-social
Another sign of burnout is feeling lonely or all alone in the world. Even though you still have friends and family, you suddenly feel like it's just you. You don't want anyone around. You want to be by yourself - not for self-care.
Feeling sick
Constantly feeling sick is a cry for help. Constant pain is your body's way of telling you it is approaching its breaking point. Don't just numb the pain with painkillers. Listen to that stubborn migraine and muscle pain. It is time to take a break!
Feeling depressed
Depression is the final straw that will break the camel's back. Everything you have been feeling all boils down to this dangerous point - depression. Don't push yourself so hard that you fall into depression. Learn to take breaks. Be nice to yourself.
Burnout presents itself in many ways. You can easily tell the signs of burnout if you are attentive enough. It is okay to work hard but learn to take breaks. Give your body time to recuperate. Give your mind the time it needs for a reset. Give your brain the rest it deserves. Stop burnout before it stops you.
© Healthy Life Side