Everybody has off days. 

Do you have times where you just feel out of touch with yourself, school, work, or your passions? 

This is normal. 

However, do you get the sense that these events are happening more than you like?

You may be experiencing burnout.

Burnouts are your body’s way of telling you it is exhausted emotionally, physically, and mentally.

It is usually caused by extreme and prolonged stress.

Once you go a long time without addressing this issue, it may spiral into more issues such as depression and low self-esteem.

Here are 7 signs that you’re burnt out.

Disclaimer: This is a disclaimer that this article/video is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional if you are struggling.

1. You’re procrastinating a lot.

Are you constantly putting off stuff that needs to be done?

One behavioral symptom of burnout is withdrawal from responsibilities.

The “laziness” you’re currently experiencing maybe your own way of shouting for help from pressure.

This continuous act of task aversion may also be because you’re afraid of failing tasks you’re supposed to complete (Solving Procrastination, n.d.).

It may help to talk to someone about the current pressure you’re feeling and taking some time off until you’re feeling better.

2. You’re isolating yourself from others.

Are you getting tired of socializing, hanging out with your friends, and meeting new people?

Do you frequently want time only for yourself?

Because of overall exhaustion, the act of seeing and talking to people may feel too tiring to think about.

You feel that you will only talk about work, life, responsibilities, and this will give you the pressure you’re trying to avoid.

Time alone is important, but emotional isolation is dangerous.

This disengagement might be a symptom of depression.

Talking to a therapist may prove to be a great help to your mental state.

Remember, help is always available.

3. You’re becoming very impatient.

Is everyone getting on your nerves?

Does every little thing, no matter how trivial, make you irritated?

This may be a sign of underlying stress and anxiety.

A lifestyle cause of burnout is working too much, without enough time for socializing or relaxing.

This onslaught of negative emotions may be a result of not having enough support from friends and loved ones.

Having a healthy social life outside of your work or school life is beneficial to your mental health and may reduce the chances of burning out.

4. You can’t sleep.

No matter how tired you are during the day, is going to sleep at night a struggle?

This study observed the association between insomnia and job strain.

They discovered that insomnia is strongly linked with burnout.

Lack of sleep may also bring higher chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

You need sleep.

Some home remedies for insomnia are sticking to a sleeping schedule, staying active, and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

You can read more about insomnia here.

Although insomnia is a common sleep disorder, it can really bring severe issues to your health.

A physical exam performed by a medical expert might help in diagnosis and treatment.

5. Your previous hobbies no longer excite you.

Back then, what did you do to have fun?

Do you still find joy in doing those activities?

If the answer is no, then this disinterest may stem from being emotionally drained.

Do you think the work you’re doing is overly demanding?

Are you being rewarded well for your efforts?

Continuous disinterest and lack of willingness to do anything is also another symptom of depression.

It may help to reach out to those who are close to you. Tell them about your troubles and spend time doing new things.

Try to limit talking to people who make you feel bad about yourself.

They can only worsen the situation.

Instead, you can find new friends and enjoy their eccentricities. 

Keep in mind that you are not alone in feeling burned out. A lot of people can relate to you, so don’t be afraid of opening up.

6. Your work or school performance is deteriorating.

This comes in many forms.

Are you frequently coming in late?

Are your number of absences starting to tally up?

Burnouts can be overwhelming, so you try almost anything to avoid your responsibilities.

At times like these, it may help to back to your reasons.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

In your ay, how are you helping those around you?

When was the last time you genuinely smiled?

Go back to your positive days, and surround yourself with the thoughts, people, and acts that make you happy.

You matter.

7. You turn to addictive habits for comfort (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.).

When hopelessness, fear, and many other negative emotions drown you, it may seem like self-medication is a helpful way out.

Self-medication is the use of alcohol, drugs, and other methods to manage a mental health issue.

What is often overlooked is the fact that this is only temporary.

A temporary solution to a permanent problem.

It may lead to addiction and increased health problems.

And yes, even food is a form of self-medication.

If you recognize yourself with this symptom, it might help to recognize your triggers, slowly changing your habits, and finding healthier ways to cope.

There are numerous ways to adopt better, sustainable habits.

Exercise, for one, is proven to boost your mood and promote calm feelings.

And of course, a visit to a therapist or a licensed medical professional can help in further treatment.

Remember that it is not a short process but a lifestyle change through baby steps.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Did you relate to this article?

Which part stuck out to you the most?

Please know the burnouts are treatable and you are never alone in dealing with this.

Each person has the right to recover and be better.

We hope this helped you.

Thank you for reading. Until next time!

READ MORE

• 7 Burnout Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
• 7 Signs You’re Dealing With A Burnout
• 6 Signs You’re Burnt Out, Not Lazy
• 5 Ways to Overcome Burnout

REFERENCES:

GoodTherapy. (2018, August 20). Isolation. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/isolation

LearnVest. (2021, June 30). 10 Signs You’re Burning Out — And What To Do About It. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/04/01/10-signs-youre-burning-out-and-what-to-do-about-it/?sh=4388750625b4

Mayo Clinic. (2016, October 15). Insomnia – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355173

Metlaine, A., Sauvet, F., Gomez-Merino, D., Elbaz, M., Delafosse, J., Leger, D., & Chennaoui, M. (2017, January 1). Association between insomnia symptoms, job strain and burnout syndrome: a cross-sectional survey of 1300 financial workers. BMJ Open. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/1/e012816

Roberts, C. (2019, October 10). 7 important signs you have burnout — and how to fix it. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/signs-you-have-burnout/

Smith, M., M. A., Segal, J., Ph. D., & Robinson, L. (2021, July 15). Burnout Prevention and Treatment. HelpGuide.Org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

Solving Procrastination. (n.d.). Why People Procrastinate: The Psychology and Causes of Procrastination. Retrieved September 12, 2021, from https://solvingprocrastination.com/why-people-procrastinate/

Soong, J. (2010, December 6). Depression Traps: Social Withdrawal, Rumination, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/depression-traps-and-pitfalls

WebMD. (n.d.). Signs You’re Burned Out. Retrieved September 12, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-signs-burnout