The Top Ten Signs of Burnout

Recognising the signs of burnout early is critical to help stop the condition progressing. However, the symptoms are wide and varied and because they can build up over time they can be hard to spot. As I discovered, its not always easy to recognise you are on the burnout train until you are literally crashing into the station.

In this blog post, I explore ten clear signs that you may be experiencing burnout. Maybe you recognise some of these signs in yourself or maybe its a friend or loved one. Either way, early recognition can help you take proactive steps toward recovery.

1. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is one of the most common signs of burnout. Unlike ordinary tiredness, this fatigue lingers and makes you feel drained, even after a holiday or a long rest. This state of exhaustion can result in brain fog, reduced productivity and creativity, decreased enjoyment and make everyday tasks, even those that you once found easy, feel like running a marathon.

If you find yourself needing additional hours of sleep and still waking up feeling tired, or you still feel exhausted after taking time off, it may be time to stop and take notice.

2. Lack of Enthusiasm

When you are passionate about your work, it becomes enjoyable. However, burnout often leads to a significant decline in enthusiasm, even for tasks you once enjoyed. You may notice that projects and responsibilities that once inspired you now feel like burdens.

This shift in engagement can negatively affect your productivity and creativity. For instance, if you previously found your work energised you but now you

can't seem to bring yourself to engage in even the basics, consider evaluating what’s causing this change.

3. Increased Irritability

Burnout can heighten emotional sensitivity, making you more irritable. Small inconveniences suddenly feel overwhelming, and your tolerance for frustration is greatly diminished.

If you catch yourself snapping at friends, family or work colleagues for trivial matters, it could be a sign of burnout creeping in.

4. Difficulty Concentrating

One of the telling signs of burnout is the struggle to concentrate. You may find it hard to focus on tasks, leading to forgetfulness or develop a tendency to become easily distracted.

For example, if you used to complete tasks quickly but now feel overwhelmed by simple decisions, it might signal that burnout is affecting your cognitive abilities.

5. Feeling Overwhelmed

When daily tasks start to feel like they are piling up, it’s time to take note. Feeling overwhelmed can lead to excessive anxiety, making it difficult to move forward with even basic responsibilities.

When tasks you previously managed easily start feeling insurmountable, recognise this as a warning and take action to mitigate the stress.

6. Neglecting Responsibilities

As burnout takes hold, you may start to neglect responsibilities you once took pride in. Procrastination, missed deadlines, and avoiding essential projects can negatively impact your work and home life.

For example, if you find yourself skipping important meetings or tasks, it might indicate that burnout has led to challenges in managing your time and energy.

7. Changes in Sleep Patterns

Burnout often disrupts sleep patterns, either causing insomnia or leading to excessive sleeping. For some, racing thoughts make it hard to fall asleep, or maybe you will be awake for long periods in the night, while others might sleep longer but feel unrefreshed.

If you notice a significant change in your sleep patterns, it may be time to try to understand why.

8. Negative Outlook on Life

An increased tendency to view life negatively is another common sign of burnout. Feelings of hopelessness or questioning the value of your efforts is common. If you are struggling to see the value in tasks you once took pride in or find your internal dialogue is more negative than usual, this could be a sign that you are at risk of burnout.

9. Physical Symptoms

Burnout does not only affect your mind; it can also trigger physical symptoms. Headaches, gastrointestinal issues, changes to your menstrual cycle and changes in appetite are just a few potential examples.

Listening to your body is vital. If you notice consistent physical discomfort, it may be a signal to prioritise your mental health. Ignoring these signs could lead to more serious health issues over time.

10. Social Withdrawal

Finally, burnout often results in social withdrawal. You may not feel like spending time with friends or family and might begin to isolate yourself from social situations.

This tendency can lead to loneliness and exacerbate existing feelings of stress.

Taking Action to Combat Burnout

Understanding the signs of burnout is an important part of maintaining your mental health. If you recognise several signs in yourself, it may be time to reach out for help. Remember you don't need to experience all these signs to be at risk of burnout.