Exhaustion is not just easy to identify, and it is pretty impossible to ignore. Emotional exhaustion develops when you have exceeded your capacity for emotional stress. If you are constantly feeling anxious, worried, or depressed, then it is a matter of concern as it can be a warning sign of something wrong.
At this point, it’s very important to look after your mental health, so don’t take this warning lightly. Burnout can attack in any manner. When you are working for long hours, experiencing pressure or feeling hopeless in any profession, you may be at risk of burnout. Are you running down of energy? Are negative thoughts surrounding your mind? Are you easily irritated by small problems or with your colleagues?
Living and working in a state of burnout has become the standard in our society. Unfortunately, it is so common that most of us fail to recognize the warning signs. We barely even notice anything is wrong. Stress and exhaustion now become the part of our life. Unaware of the fact that we are making a serious mistake by ignoring the signs of burnout. If we are not able to recognize them, we can face severe consequences.
What Is Meant By Burned Out?
Burnout is a state of overwhelming exhaustion, which can be mental, physical, and emotional. The reasons can be many, including, lifestyle factors, work pressure, and certain traits. Burnout can be defined as unrelenting stress, that overpowers over a long period. When an individual is a burnout, his/her mind and body are so beaten down that simple daily functioning seems like a huge burden. Being burned out has a great impact on both mental and physical well being. In case the stress continues, it may lead to life-altering illness, sense of extreme failure, and depression. You will feel energy-less, and your body starts shutting down.
Look For Warning Signs of Burnout
We all are just dedicated to our work, honoring our work commitments, or being a good parent, or a friend. This cause burnout because we are not taking care of ourselves. It is important that we must be aware of the warning signs that signal burnout. Before one can treat or prevent burnout, it is important for everyone to use to recognize the signs so that we will know when it is the right time to take action. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Health issues- Burnout has a negative impact on the physical as well as mental health. Whether you are experiencing back pain, heart disease, depression, obesity, or you are just getting sick a lot; it is important to look at your work if it is playing any role in causing these health complications. You will automatically know when burnout is affecting your health and you will have to decide whether your approach to work is worth consequences.
- Fatigue- Fatigue is one of the earliest signs of burnout. You may begin to feel less energetic and constantly feel weak. Moreover, your fast-paced life causes you to sleep less which puts extra strain on your body.
- Constant worry- If you begin to feel anxious, depressed, or worried constantly, consider it a clear warning sign, something is going wrong. It is important to look after your mental health just like you take care of your physical health. So don’t ignore mental health issues because it can a warning sign as well. When you suffer from a burnout, the first thing that hits you is tension and worry. This tension later develops into depression and anxiety., which will become much harder to manage. According to a research study, constantly feeling low and stressed could also trigger mood swings and change in the behavior.
- Headaches and chest pains- Along with mental side effects, a burnout also causes you to suffer some physical side effects. Constant stress and anxiety may give rise to nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, chest pains, heart palpitations, and even fainting.
- Sudden detachment- You may feel detached from the things you love the most, like your family, friends, and job. This ultimately contributes to depression and a feeling of isolation. It is very important to control these feelings at the right time. Speak to your health care provider and take advice on how to manage stress.
