Have you ever felt like something is “off” with your physical and emotional state? Maybe you can’t quite put your finger on what it is, but you know that you’re not feeling your best, and those feelings seem to be getting stronger by the day.
If those feelings are accompanied by something like an overly demanding job or a ton of pressure and stress in your home life, you could be experiencing burnout.
It’s easy to assume the signs of burnout would be obvious. But, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, they can come slowly and subtly. Being able to notice them as quickly as possible can help you fight back and get the rest you deserve.
So, how can you unmask the subtle signs of burnout before they become overwhelming?
You Have a Negative Outlook on Life
It’s normal for people to feel down once in a while. Some days, you might be more irritable than others. But, if you’ve noticed that your irritability seems to be sticking around, it could be a sign of burnout.
You don’t just have to be irritable at work. If your general outlook on life has changed, consider it a red flag.
Your negative outlook could cause you to have a short temper. You might get annoyed by people who typically don’t bother you, or you might “snap” at loved ones without a real reason. Unfortunately, a negative outlook can also cause you to feel detached, which can make it easier for your negative feelings to grow.
Self-Care Becomes Less Important
A self-care routine is essential for everyone. It’s especially important when you’re dealing with a lot of stress.
But, when you’re struggling with burnout, it’s easy for that routine to take a back seat. Everyone has an “off” day once in a while where they wear sweatpants and eat junk food. But, if that seems to be happening more frequently, it could be a sign of burnout. You might not have the energy or motivation to take care of yourself the way you deserve.
Have you been staying as active as usual? What’s your diet like? Are you taking pride in the way you present yourself? If you aren’t taking care of these minor things because you’re too emotionally exhausted to “care,” think about what might be behind that exhaustion.
You’re Forgetting Things
Studies have shown that burnout can impact your cognitive functioning. Have you found yourself being more forgetful than usual? Maybe you’ve been accused of being “scatterbrained,” and maybe you’ve even gotten frustrated at yourself because of it.
Burnout is stressful. Becoming forgetful or absent-minded is a response to that stress. Your brain can only handle so much, and when stress starts to take over, your working memory can start to weaken.
Why Recognizing These Signs Is So Important
Being able to recognize the subtle signs of burnout early on can help to preserve your mental and emotional well-being. It might even help your physical health, since burnout can eventually lead to things like fatigue, aches and pains, and more.
If you don’t fight back against the effects of burnout early on, they can lead to more serious mental health conditions, including depression. For example, if you feel like your job is the culprit, you might eventually lose motivation entirely when it comes to staying in that position or doing daily tasks. You might become resentful, anxious, or even depressed outside of work.
If any of these subtle signs of burnout sound familiar, don’t hesitate to take action. Start prioritizing self-care. Get to the root of what’s causing these issues. Most importantly, reach out to someone who can help, and don’t be afraid to open up when it comes to your feelings and struggles.