I’ve been there; that feeling of being utterly drained, mentally and physically. It’s called burnout, and it’s more common than you might think.

Burnout isn’t just being tired after a long day. It’s a chronic state of stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion. It’s waking up every day feeling overwhelmed, even before the day has started.

In this article, I’ll share eight telltale signs that you may be experiencing burnout. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tired days; they’re signs that you need to take a step back and take care of yourself.

So, let’s dive in, and hopefully, we can help you spot the signs before you hit the wall.

1) You’re constantly tired

We all have those days when we feel like we could sleep for a week straight. But if you’re finding yourself feeling that way every day, it could be a sign of burnout.

When we’re burnt out, no amount of sleep seems to help. We wake up feeling just as tired as we did when we went to bed. It’s a kind of exhaustion that seeps into your bones and doesn’t let go.

It’s not just physical tiredness either. Burnout can also cause emotional exhaustion. You might feel empty, devoid of any enthusiasm or motivation.

So if you’re constantly feeling tired, no matter how much rest you get, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on. Because this isn’t just about being tired – it’s about being burnt out.

2) Everything feels overwhelming

I remember a time when I was working on a major project at work. It was high stakes, high pressure, and I was the one responsible for it. I started off enthusiastic and driven, but over time, everything began to feel like too much.

The emails in my inbox felt like an insurmountable mountain. The smallest tasks felt like running a marathon. Everything felt so overwhelming that even deciding what to have for lunch seemed like an impossible task.

I would sit at my desk, staring at my computer screen, feeling paralyzed by the sheer amount of work I had to do. It was like I was drowning in a sea of tasks and responsibilities, with no land in sight.

That’s when I realized it wasn’t just stress – it was burnout. When everything feels overwhelming, even the smallest things, it’s a sign that you’re not just tired or stressed out. You’re burnt out.

3) Your productivity has plummeted

When we’re burnt out, it can feel like we’re moving through molasses. Tasks that used to take us an hour suddenly take us all day. We find ourselves staring at the same page or project for hours, unable to make any progress.

This isn’t just a feeling. Studies have shown that burnout can actually decrease our productivity by up to 40%. That’s nearly half of our potential output, gone because of this chronic state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.

If you’re finding that your productivity has plummeted, and you’re struggling to complete tasks that used to be easy for you, it might be a sign of burnout. It’s not just about working harder or pushing through – it’s about recognizing the signs and taking action to address the root cause.

4) You’re feeling detached

Burnout can often make us feel disconnected from the world around us. We might find ourselves withdrawing from our friends, family, and colleagues. We might stop participating in activities we used to enjoy.

This sense of detachment isn’t just about being introverted or needing some alone time. It’s about losing touch with the people and things that used to bring us joy. It’s about feeling like you’re on the outside looking in, even when you’re surrounded by people.

If you’re finding yourself pulling away from your normal social activities, feeling detached and isolated, it could be a sign of burnout. It’s a sign that it’s time to take a step back and focus on self-care, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

5) You’ve lost your passion

We all have things we love, things we’re passionate about. It might be your job, a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or even just reading a good book. But when you’re burnt out, those passions can start to fade.

You might find yourself losing interest in things you used to love. That project at work that used to excite you now feels like a chore. That hobby you used to pour hours into now feels like a waste of time.

Losing your passion is one of the heart-breaking signs of burnout. It’s not just about losing interest or feeling bored. It’s about losing a part of who you are, a part of what makes you, you.

If you’re finding that your passions no longer bring you joy, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing burnout. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and take care of yourself. Your passions will wait for you while you heal.

6) You’re constantly irritable

I’ve always prided myself on being patient and understanding. But there was a period when I was constantly on edge, snapping at loved ones for the smallest things. The slightest inconvenience would set me off, and I couldn’t understand why.

I would feel guilty afterward, wondering why I was acting this way. It wasn’t until I realized I was burnt out that it all made sense. I wasn’t just irritable – I was exhausted.

Being constantly irritable or short-tempered can be a sign of burnout. It’s not about being a bad person or having a short fuse. It’s about being so worn down that you have no energy left to deal with even the smallest stressors.

If you’re finding yourself constantly irritable, it might be time to take a step back and look after your wellbeing. It’s not just about managing your temper – it’s about addressing the root cause of your irritability.

7) You’re struggling to concentrate

When you’re burnt out, even the simplest tasks can feel like a monumental challenge. You might find yourself reading the same sentence over and over again, unable to grasp its meaning. Or perhaps you’re forgetting important dates or struggling to remember what you were just working on.

This isn’t just about being forgetful or distracted. It’s a symptom of burnout. Your brain is so overwhelmed with stress and exhaustion that it’s struggling to perform basic functions.

If you’re having trouble concentrating or remembering things, it could be a sign of burnout. It’s not just about needing to focus more – it’s about recognizing that your brain needs a break.

8) You’re neglecting your health

Burnout affects more than just your mood and energy levels. It can also have serious implications for your physical health. You might find yourself skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, or ignoring symptoms of illness because you’re just too tired or stressed to deal with them.

This isn’t just about being busy or prioritizing other things. It’s a major red flag. When we’re burnt out, we often neglect the very thing that needs the most care – our health.

If you’re neglecting your health because you’re too stressed or tired to care for yourself, it’s more than a sign of burnout. It’s a wake-up call. Your body and mind are telling you in no uncertain terms that something needs to change.

The cure: Self-care

The complexity and demands of modern life make it all too easy to fall into the trap of burnout. But the signs are there, if we’re willing to acknowledge them.

Burnout isn’t just about being tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. It’s a profound state of exhaustion that affects every aspect of our lives – our work, our relationships, our health, and even our sense of self.

The key to combating burnout lies not in pushing harder or working longer hours. It’s in self-care. It’s in recognizing the signs and taking action to care for our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s taking time for relaxation, pursuing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or seeking professional help, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not selfish to prioritize your wellbeing. It’s necessary.

As Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

So as you reflect on these signs of burnout, remember that self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about preserving your energy, your health, and ultimately, your life.