Balancing work, relationships, and personal well-being can be a challenge, and sometimes, we push ourselves too hard. This can lead to a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion known as burnout.
Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for taking proactive steps towards self-care and preventing further escalation.
Here are the common signs of burnout by WedMD:
- Persistent Physical and Emotional Exhaustion:Burnout often manifests as an overwhelming sense of fatigue, both physically and emotionally. You may feel drained, even after a full night’s sleep. Tasks that used to be routine now seem insurmountable, and your energy levels plummet.
- Decreased Performance and Productivity:If you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or complete tasks that were once manageable, it could be a sign of burnout. Productivity tends to decline as burnout takes its toll on your cognitive functions.
- Lack of Motivation and Engagement:Loss of interest towards work or activities you once enjoyed can be a sign of burnout. You may find it hard to muster enthusiasm, and even the things you used to love feel like a burden.
- Sleep Can Be ChallengingWhile certain studies suggest a correlation between difficulty falling and staying asleep with burnout, there is some inconsistency in findings. It’s important not to dismiss sleep issues lightly. Insufficient sleep can elevate the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
- Isolation and Withdrawal:Social withdrawal is a common response to burnout. You might start avoiding social interactions, even with close friends and family, preferring solitude as a way to cope with your exhaustion.
- You Find Yourself Easily IrritatedWhen the pressures of your job become overwhelming or if you notice irritability towards colleagues, clients, or customers, burnout may be the underlying cause. Moreover, if this irritation escalates to outright anger, it’s a clear indicator that your job might be taking a toll on you.
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