Most of us work 9-to-5 jobs, which means we're stuck at a desk or some work station for the majority of our time. That can take a real toll on our mental health. The harder we work, the more exhausted we are at the end of the day, and the cycle just keeps on repeating itself as the days turn over. At some point, you're bound to burnout. Here are the signs that you're being a little too overworked, and what you can do about it:
#1 You're no longer excited about work
Spending eight hours a day at your workplace probably wouldn't be so bad if you actually enjoy what you do. The problem is, taking on too much can turn you off from even the things you used to be excited about, and that can lead to issues like anxiety or depression. A lack of interest or enthusiasm is a huge sign of burnout. The projects that used to make you feel fulfilled now do not give you the same satisfaction. If you are struggling to get excited about work, it's important to talk to a mental health professional or seek out a related resource at your work.
#2 You no longer put in the effort
When you aren't excited about what you do, you stop putting in your best efforts. It can even lead to a negative and apathetic attitude. It's horrible because you know it's wrong to feel like you just don't care anymore, but oftentimes it's also something that you can't really control. Some experts believe that people who struggle with burnout are often those who have reputations as high achievers. When you spend all of your time and energy trying to go above and beyond, at some point, you're going to overwhelm yourself. If this ever happens to you, try dialing it back and take things one step at a time.
#3 You no longer deliver results
A huge indicator of burnout is poor performance. When you're burnt out, you just don't do things well or care enough to fix it. Little by little, errors start to slip through, and they become more and more noticeable by your peers and higher-ups. To add to the stress, they might even point out your mistakes to you and that can make you feel even worse about your current situation. In cases like this, it may be in your best interest to take a mental day off—some time to rest and regroup may be just what you need to come back strong.
#4 You no longer have the energy
Fatigue and feeling exhausted overall is a common sign of burnout. Most people think burnout only manifests mentally, but there can definitely be physical symptoms as well. If you find yourself wanting to take a nap every so often, or unable to eat your food when lunchtime comes around, you may need to do something to change your routine. Taking more frequent walks outside and making sure to get enough sleep every night are small changes you can make to improve your days in the workplace.
#5 You no longer feel physically well
This doesn't happen to everyone, but if you start to have physical ailments, such could be related to burnout. Look out for things like insomnia, chest pains, headaches, fevers, heart rate changes, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or gastrointestinal pain. If you have any of these and yet you haven't been dealing with any sort of medical condition, they could be caused by burnout. Talk to your physician if you ever come across these symptoms.
