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Running on Empty, Signs You May be Experiencing Burnout
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Running on Empty, Signs You May be Experiencing Burnout

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29 June 2022
Running on Empty, Signs You May be Experiencing Burnout

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Juggling work, family, personal and social obligations can be overwhelming to the point where you’re constantly feeling stressed and exhausted. You may be experiencing burnout – a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic stress.

Stress and burnout are both common experiences that can have a significant impact on our lives. But what exactly is the difference between these two states?

Burnout is a state of stress that has gone on for too long without relief. It can be characterised by feelings of hopelessness, cynicism and detachment and can be difficult to recover from.

Stress on the other hand, is a more general term that describes the feeling of being under pressure. We all experience stress at different times in our lives, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. Some amount of stress can help us to stay motivated and focused; too much stress, however, can lead to problems including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Burnout can occur in any number of settings, but it is particularly common among those who work in high-pressure environments. The symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person, but they often include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in productivity.

If you’re feeling burnt out, you may be experiencing some of the following signs:

1. You’re tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.

Lethargy and the inability to stay focused are two major signs of burnout. You may be finding it hard to go to sleep or have disrupted sleep. Thinking about the day’s thoughts or happenings may make you stay up, thinking of everything you need to do the next day and therefore making you anxious. Taking steps to create healthy sleeping habits will allow your body to heal and reduce the signs of burnout. 

2. You get sick more often than usual.

Increased stress can take a toll on physical health. It can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. It can also increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Reducing the effects of burnout is extremely important in maintaining high levels of health. 

3. You’re losing interest in things that you used to enjoy.

When you are burnt out, you may feel as if you don’t have the time to enjoy the things you once did. You may also begin to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can lead to disinterest in hobbies and things that were once enjoyed. With the burden of depression and anxiety, it is easy to think that hobbies and entertainment are no longer as big a priority.

To prevent burnout, it is important to manage stress levels and take some easy steps towards better health such as taking breaks during the day, setting realistic goals, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying connected with friends and family.

If you’re experiencing any signs typical of burnout, it’s important to take these steps to reduce stress levels and enhance self care – if left unchecked, burnout can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. An appropriate therapist can help you manage stress and develop healthy coping skills; with proper management, burnout does not have to be a permanent state.

By Sarah Panther

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