You’ve seen the word in the headlines of so many news publications: 🔥 BURNOUT 🔥

It sounds like a super scary disease or worse! A character flaw 😧. But what is it? And how do you know if you have it? 

Here are some common signs.

Chronic exhaustion or fatigue.

You’re just tired 😩. Tired in your bones. No amount of rest seems to rejuvenate you. Maybe you’ve developed poor sleeping habits, like going to bed too late (one more episode or one more TikTok!) and waking up too early (srsly who plans meetings so early in the day? 🤬). Perhaps your sleep is just shit because your mind is racing with to-dos and should-haves and generally obsessing about things you can’t change.

Cynicism.

Life sucks 😡. People are stupid. Getting another job is going to be just as bad or worse. The world is falling apart. What’s the point of trying something different, nothing is going to make this any better. Nothing is going to improve your circumstances. You hate your job. You hate your life. You can’t bring yourself to care about anything and feel completely numb or apathetic. If you could, you would run away from everything and everyone. 

Depression and/or anxiety.

You feel utterly useless. Listless. You feel very little joy 😞. You have nothing to look forward to. You don’t have time for hobbies or your hobbies feel daunting rather than restorative. You’ve lost perspective of priorities. Little things feel like REALLY BIG THINGS 🤯. It’s difficult to concentrate on things or focus on things you need to get done. The things you used to enjoy aren’t enjoyable or feel too far out of reach to access. Difficulty concentrating/focusing (you’re more susceptible to scrolling mindlessly through socials or news outlets). You tend to numb out on the regular with social apps, alcohol, drugs, video games, food. Sleep sucks here, too.

Unexplained and/or chronic health issues.

Headaches, stomach aches, digestive issues all are big players. Maybe you get sick frequently 🤢. You are constantly in pain. Some muscle or joint is out or pulled or angry. You get injured easily. You’ve been losing or gaining weight without explanation. Perhaps you’re feeling like hot garbage because all you have time for are quick, processed foods or fast food 🥵.

Compassion fatigue.

You’ve given and given and given and you have nothing left. You’re numb. You don’t care 🙄. You’re making more errors at work. You’re checking in less with friends and family because you have no more spoons to give. Maybe you’re hearing your family complain about never hearing from you 📞.

Does any of this sound like you? Hmu in the comments and let me know what is resonating.