5 common signs to detect burnout

In today's fast-paced environment, burnout can significantly hinder a fulfilling life. On average, one-third of people are burnt out at work.

Burnout, like any other health issue, must be taken as a severe sign of concern from our bodies. It is nature telling us to take a break and rest. But more often than not, due to numerous reasons, a person in a burnout state fails to identify the symptoms.

Know what burnout is

A state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion from long periods of stress is termed burnout. It can be mental, emotional, physical or all of these.

Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands can significantly hinder one's life. As the stress continues, the person begins to lose interest that once motivated them to take on a particular role in the first place.

Learning about the signs of burnout is the first step towards healing. Here are the significant symptoms of burnout.

1. Exhaustion

"You can feel better again."
Feeling physically and emotionally depleted is one of the common signs of burnout. Physical signs may include headaches, stomachaches, and appetite or sleeping changes. You may also suffer from mental exhaustion if you've recently struggled with long-term stress, focusing on tasks, or lack interest in activities you typically enjoy.

2. Irritability

"Getting to the root is the key."
People suffering from burnout may frequently lash out at their friends, co-workers, and family members. This can lead to even more distress when loved ones are upset with you.

Coping with everyday stressors like preparing for a work presentation, driving through traffic, and tending to household tasks may become overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned.

3. Isolation

"A little help goes a long way."
People suffering from burnout tend to feel overwhelmed. As a result, they may stop socialising and confiding in friends, family members, and co-workers. This forms a vicious cycle where loneliness brings in more distress and devoids the person from socialising even more. Reaching out for help here becomes critical.

4. Escape fantasies

"Do not let it guide you."
Burnout often leads to dissatisfaction with the never-ending demands of their jobs and personal lives. Such distress may cause the person to fantasise about abandoning their current lives. In extreme cases, they may also turn to drugs, alcohol, or food to numb their emotional pain.

5. Frequent illnesses

"A sad soul can be as bad as a disease."
Burnout, like any other long-term stress, weakens your immune system by decreasing the white blood cells in your body that usually help fight off infection. More extended periods of stress make one more prone to colds, flu, and insomnia. It can also lead to mental concerns like anxiety and depression.

Conclusion
Healing starts when one starts to look for the above signs. This is when it helps tremendously in detecting burnout early on. There are a lot of options you can adopt to kickstart your healing journey.

However, If you are experiencing two or more of the above symptoms, please get in touch with us for external help. Seeking help from a medical professional makes all the difference. Lastly, love yourself enough to bring the necessary changes for a fulfilling life.