Burnout's silent creep: Signs you're losing yourself
Burnout can creep up on you quietly but recognising the signs is the first step to taking control of your wellbeing and career.
Burnout is a sneaky thing. It doesn't always announce its arrival with a dramatic breakdown or a sudden decision to quit. Instead, it quietly seeps into your life, masquerading as tiredness, frustration or a nagging sense that you're just not yourself anymore.
According to a Deloitte survey, a staggering 77% of employees have experienced burnout at work, with nearly half saying it happens "sometimes" or "very often." Yet, many professionals miss the early warning signs, especially when the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred.
The signs of burnout are subtle, but they're there if you know what to look for. Physical and emotional exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest is one of the most common signs. You might notice persistent fatigue that doesn't lift after a good night's sleep or a relaxing weekend. When exhaustion becomes your default state and recovery periods no longer help you bounce back, that's a serious red flag.
Another sign is sleep disruption despite feeling tired. You might lie awake worrying about work tasks, wake up throughout the night or find yourself mentally drafting emails at 3 am. This sleep disruption creates a vicious cycle: poor sleep worsens your ability to handle stress, which in turn makes burnout symptoms more severe.
Increasing cynicism and detachment toward your job are also telltale signs of burnout. You might find yourself making more sarcastic comments about work than usual or withdrawing emotionally from your colleagues. This detachment is your mind's way of creating distance from a situation it perceives as harmful.
A reduced sense of accomplishment despite working harder is another paradoxical sign of burnout. You might be putting in longer hours but feeling less and less effective. Tasks that once took an hour now consume your entire afternoon. Projects that used to bring satisfaction now feel like endless slogs.
Some people might turn to creative side projects as an escape from the monotony of their job. While creative pursuits can be healthy, if you're pursuing them mainly because your job leaves you feeling empty or undervalued, that's a burnout warning sign.
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions is another cognitive symptom of burnout. You might find yourself staring at your computer screen, unable to start tasks, making simple mistakes or struggling to make basic decisions.
Finally, pay attention to physical symptoms that worsen on workdays. If you notice stomachaches, headaches or tension that consistently appear during the workweek and mysteriously improve over weekends or vacations, that's a sign that your body is recognising burnout before your conscious mind does.
The good news is that burnout is a gradual process that can be reversed if you catch it early enough. Taking action when you notice these signs doesn't mean you're weak or incapable. In fact, addressing burnout head-on demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-awareness, qualities that ultimately make you more effective in your career, not less.
Here's what you can do, according to GQ:
- Set stronger boundaries,
- Seek support from a mental health professional,
- Make the difficult decision to change jobs.
Acknowledging burnout is the first step toward reclaiming your wellbeing
https://www.ecr.co.za/lifestyle/family/8-tips-help-you-better-manage-your-mental-health/
and rediscovering meaning in your work. Don't ignore the signs. Take control of your wellbeing and career before it's too late.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media:
Image courtesy of iStock
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!