What are the signs of burnout, and how can you address it?

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout and Addressing It

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can affect your productivity, well-being, and relationships. Below are the main signs of burnout and how to effectively address them.

1. Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion is one of the most common signs of burnout. It occurs when you feel drained and emotionally overwhelmed.

• Constant Fatigue: You feel tired even after resting.
• Lack of Motivation: You struggle to find enthusiasm for tasks you once enjoyed.
• Increased Irritability: Small inconveniences trigger frustration or anger.
• Feeling Detached: You feel disconnected from work or personal relationships.

2. Decreased Performance

Burnout can lead to a noticeable decline in your ability to perform effectively at work or in daily life.

• Difficulty Concentrating: You find it hard to focus or complete tasks.
• Procrastination: Tasks are delayed or ignored due to lack of energy.
• Low Productivity: You get less done despite working longer hours.
• Increased Mistakes: You make more errors in tasks you used to manage easily.

3. Physical Symptoms

Burnout also affects your physical health, leading to a range of symptoms.

1. Sleep Problems: You have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you sleep too much.
2. Headaches: Frequent headaches or muscle tension may occur.
3. Digestive Issues: Stress-related stomach issues such as nausea or indigestion.
4. Weakened Immune System: You get sick more frequently due to lowered immunity.