5 Signs of Burnout and How to Tackle It

1. You’re constantly stressed and anxious
Burnout is often preceded by high levels of stress and anxiety. If your job is causing you to feel paralyzed by stress and anxiety, it may be too much for you to handle. Anxiety can be a natural response to pressure, but when it’s chronic, it can be detrimental to your health. One way to reduce your anxiety and stress levels is by prioritizing self-care. Simple activities like getting enough sleep, finding time for exercise, and eating a balanced diet can have a profound effect on your mental and physical well-being. If your job is causing you to feel constantly anxious, it might be time to reassess its importance in your life. Anxiety can be debilitating and make it hard to complete simple tasks. If your job is causing you to feel anxious, consider ways to reduce the amount of stress you’re under.

2. You have constant physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and back pain
If you’re experiencing frequent physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, back pain, or joint pain, it could be a sign that your job is stressing you out to the point of triggering physical symptoms. One way to combat these feelings is to take some time off to re-energize. If a break isn’t possible, consider reworking your schedule to create a more manageable routine. For example, if you have a big project due on Friday, consider taking it home with you so you can spend less time at the office and more time in a less stressful environment.

3. You don’t feel productive
If you aren’t feeling like you’re achieving anything at your job, it could be a sign that you’re headed towards a burnout state. Feeling like you’re not making a difference can be frustrating and depleting. If your job isn’t fulfilling you the way it once did, it might be time to consider switching to something more fitting to your interests. If you’re not sure how to go about making a change, or if you’re not sure what you want to do, consider taking an aptitude test that assesses your skills and interests to help hone in on a new direction.

4. You have trouble concentrating and remembering things
If you’re having trouble concentrating at work, it might be a sign that your job is too demanding. If you find yourself forgetting things, you might be feeling the effects of stress. One way to combat these feelings is to create a more relaxing space to work in. Invest in a few good stress-reducing tools and keep them within reach. This will help you to create a space that is conducive to clear thinking.

5. Your relationships with others are strained
If you find yourself having tense conversations with your coworkers, this could be a sign that your job is affecting your relationships with others. If you find yourself frequently at odds with your colleagues, it might be time for a change. One way to assess your situation is to talk to your manager. If you have healthy, productive conversations with your manager, it may be a sign that your problems are internal. Take stock of your schedule and look for ways to reduce the amount of time you spend at the office. This can help you to take a step back and minimize the amount of damage your tense work relationships might be causing.

Conclusion
If you notice that one or more of these symptoms is plaguing you, it might be a sign that you’re headed towards a burnout state. However, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent burnout from fully taking hold. If you feel like you’re headed towards a burnout state, take a step back and make some adjustments. This may include changing your schedule, finding a new way to approach your work, or switching to a different type of job altogether. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t worry. It is possible to reverse the effects of burnout and get back on track. All you need to do is identify the signs of burnout and take steps to reverse them.