Burning out can damage one’s mental health, affect their job and relationships, so you want to avoid it at all costs. And if you’re constantly busy, it can be hard to tell if you’re about to burn out. On top of that, figuring out whether you’re actually burning out or are just stressed is a completely different issue that people need to learn to differentiate.
So, we’ve compiled this guide with 7 definite signs that you’re about to burn out so you can catch yourself before it happens. That way, you can take a break, unwind, and take your mind off work for a little bit so you can relax.
But, before we take a look at the different signs, let’s take a quick look at what burning out even means.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a serious and very common condition. Many adults in their professional careers experience this.
Burnout is basically an extended period of mental and physical exhaustion where people feel unmotivated, depressed, cynical, and grow a certain hatred for their job. This also results in a decline in job performance and can even affect your personal and professional relationships.
Typically, burnout is caused by extended chronic stress. If you tend to overwork yourself, are constantly under serious pressure, and feel a lot of stress in your work, there’s a chance that you can burn yourself out.
Luckily, burnout can be treated. But if you don’t do it properly and right away, it can lead to devastating consequences. That’s why it’s important to understand the symptoms and take action to reduce your stress right away Find out more about the 7 biggest tell-tale signs that you’re about to burn out..
How Can I Tell That I’m Burning Out?
Job burnout can manifest itself in many different ways. On top of that, different people may burn out in their own ways as well, which is why it’s crucial to pay close attention to yourself and how you feel when under constant stress.
With that said, here are some of the most common symptoms of burning out that you should check for if you're starting to feel down at work.
Feeling Exhausted All the Time
Constant exhaustion is a common symptom of people that are burning out. If you’re constantly working, taking on new tasks, and thinking about work, you may think that it’s natural for you to feel exhausted. But if you feel very tired after a long rest and feel completely spent, there’s a chance that you may be burning out. This can be mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion as well.
Lacking Motivation
Another tell-tale sign that someone is burning out is if they lack motivation. Usually, people feel motivated to accomplish tasks even if they have tough tasks ahead or have to do a lot of things that day. However, if you feel like you don’t have the same motivation that you used to have, you could be burning out and need to pay close attention to yourself.
Slipping Performance
Another sign that people are burning out is if their work performance starts slipping. If you notice that you feel the same exhaustion and stress but notice that you didn’t accomplish as much in a certain time period, you could be burning out. If you’re a manager or employer and notice a sudden dip in an employee’s performance, they may burn out and go through a tough time. Burnout tends to happen over a long period of time, so make sure to pay attention to your work performance over a couple of months to get a clearer view of things.
Not Taking Care of Yourself
If you aren’t taking care of yourself like you usually do, this could also be a sign that you’re burning out. Remember, self-care is essential, which is why so many people have it ingrained in their daily lives. And if you find yourself skipping out on your self-care routine more often than usual, this could be a sign you’re burning out.
Constantly Thinking About Work
We all want to make sure we do a good job regardless of our occupation. However, this doesn’t mean that work has to occupy your mind 24/7. If you feel like all you think about nowadays is your job and the work you do, it may be time for you to take a break and forget about all of that. Remember, you have a life separate from your work that you have to nurture and enjoy just as much as your life at work.
You Feel Useless
Another sign that a person is burning out is that they start feeling useless. Usually, jobs give us a purpose in life. However, if you feel like the job you’re doing is for nothing or even the acts of kindness you do for others don’t matter, you could be burning out, and it’s about time for you to see a professional.
You Start to Hate Your Job
One serious symptom of burnout is a person starting to hate their job. Granted, there are tons of people right now who are dissatisfied with their job, but there are also a lot of people who love what they do. If you used to enjoy your job and the tasks you do but now feel like it isn’t the same, this is a serious sign that you could be burning out.
We always recommend that people get into a job that they really love and enjoy so it won’t feel like work. However, no matter how much you love your job, overworking yourself can be painful and heavy. So, if you’re starting to hate a job you used to love, we recommend taking a break to relax and detach yourself for a bit to prevent burning out.
