3 Sneaky Signs You Might Be Burnt Out (And What to Do About Them)
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to push ourselves to the limit. Due to the demands of our busy lives,, burnout has become a common concern. It can sneak up on even the most resilient among us, often disguising itself as everyday stress or exhaustion. While the classic signs of burnout—like chronic fatigue or irritability—are well-known, there are more subtle indicators that can easily be overlooked. Here are three sneaky signs you might be burnt out and what you can do to address them.
Feeling Detached or Disconnected
One of the most insidious signs of burnout is a growing sense of emotional detachment or disconnection. This isn't just about feeling "off" or distant from your work, family or friends, it’s a deeper disengagement from your passions and relationships. You might find yourself withdrawing from activities you once loved, avoiding social interactions, or feeling numb in situations where you used to be engaged.
Healing Tip: Seek support. You are not alone in this. Consider talking to a trainer therapist who can help you explore these feelings of disconnection, and find ways to re-engage with your live.
Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed by Small Tasks
When you’re burnt out, even seemingly minor tasks can feel monumental. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by routine responsibilities or struggling to complete simple tasks, it’s a sign that your mental resources are depleted. This can be particularly frustrating because these tasks may not have seemed challenging before - know that this is normal, and can be worked on and addressed.
Healing Tip: Celebrate your wins! We don’t take enough time to celebrate the things that we are doing well. Celebrate small victories everyday to build momentum and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Experiencing Frequent Mood Swings
Burnout can also manifest as unexpected and frequent mood swings. You might notice that you're more prone to sudden bursts of anger, sadness, or frustration. These emotional fluctuations can be confusing and exhausting, leaving you feeling out of control.
Healing Tip: Take a break. Go outside and breathe for 5 minutes a day. Or take a walk with your dog without your phone. Remember, needing a break isn’t a sign you’re failing; it’s just a sign you’re human. So, go ahead—take that nap, binge-watch that series, or just do nothing for a while. Your mind and body will thank you!
A great book about burnout that I often recommend to my clients is Burnout by Emily Nagowski - highly recommend this book!
Next Steps: Recognizing burnout is the first step to addressing it. If you notice these subtle signs in yourself, don’t wait until they escalate into more severe issues. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide you with the tools and perspective you need to regain balance and restore your sense of well-being. If you’re struggling with burnout or any related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your mental and emotional health are worth investing in.Our wonderful team of skilled therapists love to help people manage high levels of stress and burnout! Click here to find out more about our team!