With summer coming to an end, we are about to dive head first back into routines, homework, school commitments, extra curricular activities, and before we know it, holiday season.
This two part blog series will teach you about what burnout is, and how to spot it in yourself, and how to support someone you love if they are struggling.
So what is it? Burnout is a work related type stress that is caused by overworking yourself for a long period of time. This might mean actual work, family commitments, or overall busy schedules. Overwhelm or overload is one of the first warning signs that you may be trending towards burnout.
Here Are the 5 Warning Signs You Need To Look For:
1. Extreme Exhaustion
Not the kind of exhaustion you feel after a good workout or a long trip, but the kind that lingers even after a full night sleep.
You likely wake up feeling tired, and struggle to find the energy to accomplish small tasks.
Burnout related exhaustion often feels heavy and debilitating.
2. You're Turning Cynical
Often the first and subtle signal of burnout is the loss of interest or joy in things you used to use as self-care.
As Dr. Gabor Mate says, "There is no such thing as compassion fatigue, only fatigue from the lack of compassion we show ourselves".
3. Wandering Mind
Are you struggling to stay on task? Are you struggling to be focused or present? Perhaps you've even begun to question, do I have ADHD?
The wandering mind, or brain fog is a common symptom of burnout.
4. Overwhelm
Just like we said at the beginning, overwhelm or overload is a common warning sign. If you're feeling like you're barely keeping your head above the water, it's time to do less. That's right, the only cure for burnout is to slow down, or even stop for a while.
5. Grouch-a-saurus
Yup, you read that right. Are you grouchy? Irritability is a sign that you are not emotionally regulating properly, because you're overloaded! Anger, short fuse, and lack of patience... all signs point to burnout!
Sound like you? Burnout can be hard to navigate alone, especially when you feel like slowing down will just make everything around you crumble. I hear you, adding something else to your plate that is already overflowing, yeah right!
Just remember, that the longer you exist in this pattern of dysfunction, the harder it will be to find your way back to normal.
When you're ready, we're here to support you.
