Mental Exhaustion: 10 Signs You Might Be Burnt Out

Mental Exhaustion: 10 Signs You Might Be Burnt Out

We hear quite a lot about burnout in terms of work and study, but it can be challenging to spot the signs. It's not unusual to consider fatigue, self-doubt, and disinterest to be the norm in the workplace, but in reality, these feelings shouldn't be expected or tolerated.

There's no way to avoid stress and pressure entirely, but if it's becoming an overarching theme of your work life, it might be time to take a step back. When you're feeling mentally drained in one aspect of your life, it begins to seep into other areas.

Throughout this article, we've broken down some of the most commonly experienced signs of burnout that may indicate you're suffering from exhaustion.

Experiencing a Lack of Motivation

Did you once feel driven and inspired in your workplace but now feel the complete opposite? Losing motivation is one of the top indicators of burnout and may be among the first signs you notice.

Depending on your line of work, this can appear in various ways. Perhaps your productivity has dropped, you've run out of ideas that used to come so quickly, or you're struggling to find the will to finish a task. A lack of ambition is normal now and again but shouldn't be a regular feature in your work.

Doubting Yourself and Your Abilities

If you've faced a few setbacks in work or been on the receiving end of some criticism, it can be tough to pick yourself back up. For some, these situations can actually make them feel more determined than ever, but this can take a greater toll on someone feeling burnout.

Things don't come naturally to all of us, and even the most high-flying people on your staff are probably hit with feelings of doubt at times. However, frequently thinking that your skills and contributions are inadequate may suggest you've lost faith in your abilities.

Regularly Feeling Tired and Under the Weather

When your mind is drained, your body often follows suit. Physical and mental exhaustion go hand in hand, and feeling unproductive and indifferent at work doesn't exactly help boost your energy levels.

Not only does burnout make you tired, but it also makes you more susceptible to sickness. Stress can lead to insufficient sleep and poor food choices, weakening our immunity and making us more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.

Difficulty Sleeping

No matter how run-down you might feel, burnout sometimes makes it impossible to get a decent night's rest. Switching off after work is a challenge for many, but if the stresses of work are getting in the way of you and your sleep, you may be dealing with a more significant concern.

The problem with work-related insomnia is tricky, as it operates almost like a cycle. If you're up all night feeling anxious about work, you end up even more distressed the next day as the lack of sleep hinders your ability to perform.

Consistent Headaches

Headaches are a symptom of a whole host of issues, and burnout is one of them. To make matters more complicated, burnout itself and the other difficulties it causes may be responsible for your persistent head pain.

Individuals who work under a lot of pressure often have to contend with tension headaches, which can even develop into migraines. Moreover, if burnout starts impacting your sleep or diet, this also increases your risk of encountering frequent headaches.

Recurring Gastrointestinal Issues

Medical professionals have discussed the link between the brain and the gut for years now, and gastrointestinal issues sometimes seem to plague overly-stressed workers.

When we feel overwhelmed, our digestive system can take a hit, leading to a myriad of related problems. These can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and excessive gas.

Increased Irritability

If you feel overcome with pressure or worry, there's a good chance you'll start to become more irritable, agitated, and, in some cases, angry.

In some cases, the professional difficulties we face may not rear their heads in work but instead appear in our personal lives. For example, you might feel weary after a busy day in the office, and something happens at home that wouldn't ordinarily frustrate you, yet it sends you over the edge.

Struggling to Concentrate and Stay on Task

The paradoxical thing about work-related burnout is that the predicaments we find ourselves in because of our exhaustion lead to more hurdles. This is especially evident when it comes to concentrating, as we end up aggravated at our lack of output, making it even more arduous to stay on task.

Everyone gets distracted from time to time, but if you regularly notice you can't focus on your work, you could be burnt out.

Social Isolation and Detachment

Do your work-based woes make you want to avoid socializing and spend your time off alone instead? A lack of interest in connecting with others is a tell-tale sign of burnout, particularly when it accompanies other symptoms.

This sense of detachment can sometimes filter into various aspects of life. In addition to your apathy towards work, you might feel withdrawn from loved ones, your environment, and even your sense of self.

Finding Comfort in Substances

Whether it's alcohol, cigarettes, or anything else, it's no secret that people who are strained and feel burdened turn to different substances for relief.

Maybe you've noticed you're smoking more often or indulging in junk food most evenings; whatever it is, it's important to note what's causing you to look for solace. Feeling frazzled in the workplace and routinely reaching for alcohol could be more connected than you think.

Take Action Today and Bounce Back From Burnout

Burnout is something none of us want to endure, and yet it's become widespread nowadays. We live in a more productivity-centered world than ever, which can lead us to believe that feeling mentally exhausted from work is a part of life.

If you resonate with any of these signs, it's time to assess your situation and reach out for support both at home and in your place of work.