Am I Burned Out?
Written By Reagan Fulks, Graduate Student Intern
Life can move at a fast pace and you may feel no matter how hard you try, there is always something left on the to-do list. Burnout has become a silent plague running rampant among the lives of countless people. But what exactly is burnout, and how can you identify the signs to stop the cycle of exhaustion?
What is burnout?
Burnout is more than just being tired after a long day. Burnout is the psychological weardown that commonly results in emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation, feelings of failure, and loneliness that will not simply go away after a good night's rest. There is not just one specific thing that can cause burnout, it can stem from many avenues of life such as work, school and personal relationships. You are not alone if you can identify with these symptoms, burnout affects countless people and this can help you identify and create change to help you feel recharged again.
Signs of Burnout
1. Physical Signs
Becoming ill more often than usual, always feeling tired even after a good night's rest, changes in appetite or sleep, frequent headaches and pain throughout the body.
2. Emotional Signs
Feeling helpless, trapped, defeated, and a lack of motivation are key signs of burnout. You may also notice you are more cynical, and feel detached from those around you.
3. Behavioral Signs
You may notice yourself taking your frustration out on others, skipping work/class, procrastinating, isolating yourself from others, and withdrawing from your responsibilities.
I think I am experiencing Burnout, what now?
1. Prioritize caring for yourself
Incorporate the things that refuel your tank. Creative hobbies, physical activities, spending time with friends, and religious experiences are common ways to incorporate care into each aspect of life.
2. Create boundaries
You may feel like you need to say yes to everything that is asked of you, it is okay to say NO. This does not make you lazy, it is creating balance.
3. Delegate and Prioritize
You may simply have too much on your plate for one person alone. Learning to ask for help when you need it can allow you the freedom to add “me time” to the to-do list of the day.
4. Take Breaks
Setting aside even five minutes to take a breath during the day may help you ground yourself, and in the long run get what needs to be done faster and at a higher quality than if you were to rush.
If not taken care of, burnout can become a serious barrier in your daily life and harshly impact your health and well-being. By recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to address the underlying causes, you can recover and prevent burnout from recurring. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back, reassess your situation, and prioritize your mental and physical health.
Restoring Hope Counseling has multiple Therapists on staff with some who are able to take insurance, and some who are interns and provisionally licensed staff, who can provide counseling at a discounted rate. They all provide in Person or Telehealth sessions. Visit our “Meet our Team” page or contact us for further information to help you find the person who is the best fit for you.
