Life can be tough, I get it. We’ve all had those days where it feels like we’re swimming against the tide. But what if it’s more than just a rough patch? What if you’re dealing with the sneaky, energy-draining monster known as burnout?

Burnout is a tricky beast. It creeps up on you, disguised as everyday stress, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop of exhaustion and cynicism.

But here’s the thing: burnout gives off warning signals. There are symptoms that can alert you to its presence. And I’m here to help you spot them.

In this article, I’ll share the nine symptoms of burnout that you might be missing. Here’s to understanding better and combating burnout effectively. Let’s dive in!

1) You’re always tired

Here’s the deal. Everyone gets tired, right? We all have those days when we stumble out of bed, struggle through our to-do list and then collapse back into bed at the end of the day.

But if you’re constantly tired, if every day is a battle against exhaustion, then that’s a red flag. This isn’t your standard “I stayed up too late watching Netflix” tiredness.

This is burnout.

Burnout fatigue lingers. It’s pervasive. It’s an exhaustion that seeps into every aspect of your life – physical, emotional, and mental.

And here’s the kicker: even a good night’s sleep or a vacation won’t cure it. Why? Because burnout isn’t just about being physically worn out. It’s also about being emotionally and mentally drained.

So if you’re always feeling worn out, regardless of how much rest you get, you might be dealing with burnout.

2) You’re losing motivation

Once upon a time, I loved my job. I’d wake up raring to go, eager to tackle the day’s challenges. I was passionate, driven and full of energy. But then something changed.

I started to dread going into work. The projects that used to excite me now felt like chores. And I began to wonder why I was doing it all in the first place.

Sound familiar?

Losing motivation is a classic symptom of burnout. It’s not just about feeling a little bored or uninterested. It’s about losing sight of why you’re doing what you’re doing and struggling to find the energy or enthusiasm to keep going.

The things you once loved now feel tedious and draining. And it’s not just at work – this lack of motivation can creep into other areas of your life too.

So if you’re feeling unmotivated and uninspired, it might be time to ask yourself if burnout is to blame.

3) You’re feeling more cynical than usual

Ever catch yourself rolling your eyes more often or scoffing at ideas that would have once excited you? That’s cynicism creeping in, and it’s a common symptom of burnout.

Cynicism is a defense mechanism, a way of distancing ourselves from situations or people that we find challenging or uncomfortable. When we’re burnt out, we often start to see the worst in everything, focusing on the negatives rather than the positives.

According to a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, cynicism is one of the three main components of burnout, alongside exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy. So if you’ve noticed that your glass-half-full perspective has shifted towards glass-all-empty, burnout might be knocking at your door.

4) Your productivity is dwindling

When burnout strikes, it’s not uncommon to see a drop in productivity. Even the simplest tasks can start to feel like climbing Mount Everest.

You might find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, struggling to focus on the task at hand. Or perhaps you’re finding it hard to get started on tasks, constantly pushing them to the next day.

And it’s not just about work. Burnout can affect your productivity in all areas of your life, from maintaining your home to keeping up with social commitments.

This decrease in productivity is often accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and a sense of failure. If you’re noticing these signs, it could be an indication that burnout is taking a toll on you.

5) You’re feeling detached and disconnected

Burnout has a sneaky way of making you feel detached from the world around you. It’s like there’s an invisible barrier between you and everything else.

You might notice that you’re not as engaged in your work or personal life as you used to be. Conversations with colleagues, friends, and family might feel forced. And activities you once enjoyed now seem like a chore.

This sense of disconnection can also manifest as isolation. You might avoid social interactions or withdraw from your usual activities, preferring to be alone.

Feeling detached and disconnected doesn’t just make you feel lonely; it can also exacerbate the other symptoms of burnout. So if you’re feeling distant from your life, it’s time to pay attention.

6) You’re neglecting your own needs

When was the last time you did something just for you? Not for work, not for family or friends, but just for you?

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put ourselves last. We focus on meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities and caring for others, often at the expense of our own wellbeing.

This neglect of self-care is a common symptom of burnout. You might skip meals, ignore your body’s need for rest, or abandon activities that bring you joy.

The truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Ignoring our own needs might seem like a necessary sacrifice in the short term, but it’s a surefire way to burnout in the long run.

So if you’re consistently putting yourself last, it’s time to pause and reassess. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary.

7) You’re struggling with sleep

There was a time when I could fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. But then, I noticed a change. I’d lie awake for hours, unable to switch off my racing thoughts. Or I’d wake up in the middle of the night, my mind immediately latching onto worries and to-do lists.

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of burnout. It’s like your brain just can’t switch off, even when you’re exhausted.

And it’s not just about struggling to fall asleep. You might find that your sleep isn’t restful, leaving you feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.

So if your nights are filled with tossing and turning, or if you’re waking up feeling as tired as when you went to bed, it could be a sign of burnout.

8) You’re experiencing physical symptoms

Burnout isn’t just a mental or emotional condition – it can manifest physically too. You might notice frequent headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems.

Or maybe you’re getting sick more often. Burnout can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses.

These physical symptoms are your body’s way of waving a red flag, saying “Hey, something’s not right here!”

So don’t ignore these signs. If you’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms alongside other signs of burnout, it’s time to take note and take action.

9) You’re feeling unfulfilled

At the end of the day, burnout often boils down to a deep sense of unfulfillment. It’s a feeling that despite all your efforts, what you’re doing just doesn’t feel meaningful or rewarding.

You might find yourself questioning your career, your life choices, even your purpose. And these aren’t easy questions to face.

Remember, fulfillment isn’t about achieving monumental successes or checking off a list of goals. It’s about finding meaning and satisfaction in what you do every day.

So if you’re feeling unfulfilled and questioning the value of your work or life, it might be time to step back and evaluate. Because everyone deserves to find fulfillment in their lives. You included.

The heart of the matter: Self-compassion

When peeling back the layers of burnout, one recurring theme seems to emerge – a lack of self-compassion. We push ourselves to the brink, neglect our needs, and brush off our symptoms, all in the name of productivity and success.

But here’s a nugget of wisdom from psychologist and author Kristin Neff: “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.”

Perhaps it’s time we stopped being our own harshest critics and started being our own best friends. Maybe it’s time we gave ourselves permission to rest, to say no, to take care of our physical and emotional needs.

Burnout is not a badge of honor. It’s a sign that something needs to change. So if you’re recognizing these symptoms in your own life, remember that it’s okay to step back. It’s okay to ask for help.

And most importantly, it’s okay to be kind to yourself. Because at the end of the day, you’re more than your productivity, more than your achievements. You’re a human being worthy of compassion and care – especially from yourself.