Burn out is another one of those overused, but little understood terms. Many of us don’t take it seriously as an actual problem that requires our attention. Many of us don’t believe in its existence altogether. And many of us think of it as a modern day affliction. Perhaps the last is the most accurate description, given that these days, we glorify being busy, and despite the focus on self-care, many of us falter when it comes to looking after ourselves. Stress is a part and parcel of the busy lives we have crafted for ourselves, and when our stress levels hit the roof, we find ourselves in the throes of a burnout. But, burnout is not that sudden. It doesn’t creep up on us one day, out of the blue. Like most things in life, it develops slowly, and gives us warning signs. It becomes too severe to ignore anymore only when we don’t pay attention to the red flags along the way. The other thing, too, is that burnout is not always as simple as tiredness, or declining performance at work, or a low mood. On the contrary, you may even go through your daily tasks without feeling tired, but may show other signs, like…
1. Growing cynicism
Sometimes, when we are stressed by a situation that we don’t see a way out of, or deem necessary for our survival, we may displace that stress on to other things. Because of this, if you are beginning to feel overwhelmed at work, you might start becoming cynical about everything else in your life.
2. Feeling detached and lonely
Stress makes our thinking cloudy, and sucks us in and away from others. When we don’t pay attention to our inner selves, we also sever the connection we have with ourselves, which may make us feel lonely.
3. Falling sick too often
Everything from the common cold to cancer can be triggered by high stress that we do nothing to curb. If you find yourself getting aches and pains and other minor illnesses too often, it might be time to take stock of what’s happening for you emotionally.
4. Feeling more irritable
Perhaps you are feeling inadequate or insignificant at work, which may be causing you to be more irritable with your colleagues, friends and family. Or maybe you are simply too overwhelmed and overburdened, and tired of having to keep up appearances. But now, the front is falling apart.
5. Increasing anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common early symptoms of burnout. It may be low grade, like some sense of unease that quietly bubbles under the surface. You may find yourself worrying about things more, or just feeling a little tense almost all the time.
