Signs of Burnout

Burnout isn't just being tired. It's a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. The World Health Organization officially recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon.

Physical Signs

• Chronic fatigue that sleep doesn't fix
• Frequent illness—lowered immunity
• Headaches and muscle tension
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Feeling physically drained

Emotional Signs

• Sense of failure and self-doubt
• Feeling helpless and trapped
• Detachment and isolation
• Loss of motivation
• Increasingly cynical outlook
• Decreased satisfaction

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawing from responsibilities
• Isolating from others
• Procrastinating more than usual
• Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope
• Taking frustrations out on others
• Skipping work or coming in late

Recovering from Burnout

Recovery requires more than a vacation. According to Harvard Business Review, sustainable recovery involves reevaluating priorities, setting boundaries, building support systems, and often making structural changes to work and life.