Burnout usually occurs to individuals who are overwhelmed by their jobs, personal life and different responsibilities. If you feel like you are always under a lot of stress and experiencing exhaustion, it is likely that you are experiencing burnout.

10 ways to tell if you are burning out

1. You feel a constant state of exhaustion

If you are always tired, it can be a sign that you are experiencing burnout. You may feel like you are not getting enough sleep, even if you have had eight hours of it.

Consistent fatigue can be debilitating and affect your productivity and overall health.

2. You have trouble sleeping or experience bad dreams

Individuals who are experiencing burnout may either have trouble sleeping or have nightmares when they do sleep. It can be hard to calm your mind and get good quality sleep when you are always worried and stressed about work.

3. Your work feels like it is never-ending

If you feel like you are always working and never getting a break, it may be a sign of burnout. The constant stress and workload can leave you feeling like you can never catch up.

4. You no longer find joy in the things you normally enjoy

Individuals who are experiencing burnout may feel disinterested in activities they once enjoyed doing. They may feel like they do not have time for these activities or that they are no longer fulfilling.

5. You feel depleted and unproductive at work

When you are experiencing burnout, it can become very difficult to focus and be productive at work.

You may feel like you are always busy but not accomplishing anything or feel like your work is not getting the recognition it deserves from colleagues or management.

6. You experience physical symptoms like headaches or body aches

Burnout can also manifest itself physically. You may experience frequent headaches or body aches, which can be a sign of stress and anxiety.

7. You start distancing yourself from colleagues and friends

If you are feeling burnt out, it can become hard for you to connect with your friends and colleagues. You may start distancing yourself from them or feel like you do not have the emotional energy to engage with them.

8. You have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks

Burnout can impact your cognitive functions. You may find it difficult to concentrate and complete tasks, and may also experience memory problems.

9. Your mood is low

Individuals who are experiencing burnout may feel irritable, overwhelmed, and stressed. Burnout can also lead to depression, which can negatively impact an individual’s overall mood.

10. You feel like you cannot take a break

A common symptom of burnout is feeling like you cannot take a break. You may feel like you always need to be doing something, even when you know you need to rest.

This can make it difficult to enjoy time with friends and family or participate in hobbies and activities outside of work.

How to prevent burnout

If you are experiencing burnout, it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Some ways to prevent burnout include:.

1. Practice good self-care

Take time for yourself to do activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. This can include things like meditation, exercise, and reading.

2. Set boundaries

It is important to set boundaries around work and personal life. Set specific times for when you will engage with work and stick to them. Let others know when you are not available to avoid being always on call.

3. Prioritize your workload

Avoid overworking yourself by prioritizing tasks. Complete those tasks that are most critical first, allowing yourself to take a break once you have completed them.

4. Take time off work

It is important to take time off work when you need it. If you are feeling burnt out, take a vacation or a mental health day to recharge your battery and come back to work feeling refreshed and productive.

5. Get support from others

It can be helpful to talk to friends, family, or a counsellor to have someone to support you and listen to your concerns.

Reach out to colleagues or managers about your workload to see if there are any changes that can be made to help you manage the stress.

Conclusion

Experiencing burnout can be a difficult and stressful time. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place, or manage it if you are already experiencing it.

Always prioritize self-care, set boundaries and take time off when needed to ensure you are always at your best.