4 Signs You’re Burnt Out and What to Do About It
Do you feel like you’re on autopilot? That you’re getting things done, but it’s all too much to take in sometimes, and you’re kind of just floating through life, almost zombie-like? Do you lack the energy to get through the day or feel like you’re always tired or sick?
You, like thousands of other adults in the U.S., could be experiencing what is known as ‘burnout.’
It’s probably a term you’ve heard before or are familiar with—but if you’re not sure whether it applies to you, look out for these signs that you may identify with:
1. You’re always tired and downright exhausted
Sleep either doesn’t come easily or when it does, it’s not restful. You always feel tired, fatigued, and low on energy, and doing more than the bare minimum can fill you with dread.
You feel exhausted without exerting yourself, and basic chores leave you feeling winded and tired. Fatigue like this isn’t normal unless you’re managing or recovering from a health condition and could be the result of burnout.
2. You don’t feel productive or useful
Feeling productive is a rewarding experience, but if that moment of gratification never arrives regardless of what you accomplish or do. This is a key sign of burnout and has a sort of chicken-and-egg effect: the lack of gratification and fulfillment can impact your productivity and vice versa. It could also manifest as disinterest in things you’d normally enjoy, be it hobbies, pastimes, or even your job.
If you’ve been struggling with feelings of worthlessness, cynicism, frustration with your job, and staying as productive as you’d like, you could be experiencing burnout.
3. You’re more cynical and irritable than usual
Maybe you weren’t Little Miss/Mister Sunshine before, but now you catch yourself feeling more snappy, irritable, confused, and cranky. Burnout can do that to the best of us, leaving you feeling more hostile and defensive while still remaining utterly cynical. It’s important to recognize that this is unusual and not a reflection of you and that negative emotions are like any other storm that must pass.
4. You’re falling sick a lot more than normal
Burnout is like your body running with its check-engine light on, and you ignoring it and moving forward. Your car will sputter, give trouble, but keep going. Eventually, though, the engine will stall and you’ll have to face facts.
If you’ve been falling sick a lot more, with no evident cause or reason, experiencing headaches, stomach troubles, and other unusual physical symptoms, it’s time to take a look inward.
You’re far from alone when it comes to feeling burnt out. Everyone hits that point, but it’s important that you step back and seek help.
Get in touch with us at Comprehensive Counselling Services for mental health evaluations and individual counseling Winder.
