5 signs that you’re experiencing burnout
Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
Burnout can be a real threat to workaholics – it can make you feel depressed, it can make your work suffer and it can turn you into a zombie. Here are five signs indicating that you’re probably experiencing burnout.
CONCENTRATION ISSUES
If you have trouble focusing on a screen or on printed reports you have concentration issues. If, when you look back at the words you’ve just typed, they seem to make little or no sense, this again is indicative of poor concentration. Obviously when you’re tired your concentration is likely to be off, but if you don’t feel tired and you still are unable to focus, this indicates brain fatigue and burnout..
HEALTH PROBLEMS
One of the easiest ways to identify burnout is simply by recording how often you become ill. If you find yourself regularly coming down with coughs, colds and other viral infections your immune system is compromised, a sure sign of burnout. If you suffer from heartburn or stomach cramps you most likely have a build-up of stomach acid which is caused by stress, which in turn is caused by burnout.
MOTIVATION ISSUES
Do you find yourself in the middle of a task and struggle to complete it? Are you finding all of your work boring and uninspiring? Many people think that a lack of motivation at work is due to disliking their job – but this isn’t necessarily the case. More likely this is due to burnout and, with rest and recuperation you’ll regain your zeal for work.
PERSONAL PROBLEMS
If you find that relationships with friends and family are strained, this may be a symptom of burnout. Obnoxious, indifferent and quick-tempered behaviour towards loved ones is a clear indicator of burnout and although you may not notice changes in your behaviour and attitude – those around you certainly will. If you’re mindful of how you’re acting, you’ll be able to identify when you’re probably suffering from burnout.
OVERINDULGING
If you find yourself having two beers in the evening, rather than one – or an extra helping of cherry pie, it may well be that you’re overindulging to combat the mental and physical burnout that you are suffering from. Overindulging can be dangerous and you can end up self-medicating the symptoms of your burnout with alcohol and sugar. When you reach for the fridge that bit too often consider whether you are compensating for something.
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