The 4 signs of burnout and how to prevent burnout

Right now I am in a very busy time of my life.

I feel like I am back in my consulting days.

Waking up early to get on the train to the city. Working on my new Startup Understanding Zoe every day as part of the Techstars Tech Central Sydney Accelerator Incubator. Then also supporting my private clients within the Essential Shift container.

Am I burning out? Nope. Not even close. Why?

Because I listen to my intuition. I listen to what I need. Most days I am in bed at 8 pm. I have my bath when I get home. I nourish myself. I say no when it is a bit too much. I delegate what I don't need to be doing. When my body has asked me to slow down, I listen. I don't push. I am also very intentional with my time when I am working and aim to be as productive as I can. And because I have a strategy, a plan, I knew what needed to be done a few weeks ago in anticipation of this hectic time in my life.

I have burnt out before and promised myself it wouldn't happen again.

Burnout can happen in all parts of your life. The 4 signs of burnout might be present, but you also might not notice them.

Signs of burnout

If you’re unsure of suffering from burn out I’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of symptoms that you can use as a guide. Keep an open heart and an inquisitive mind as I share about those signs:

• Exhaustion. Feeling physically and emotionally depleted. Physical symptoms may include headaches, stomachaches, and change of appetite or disrupted sleep, insomnia.
• Disengaged. Being unmotivated to engage in activities that you usually love. Being willing to stop socialising and confiding in loved ones and others.
• Irritability. Feeling resentful. Burnout can cause people to lose their cool with loved ones and others. Coping with normal stressors like preparing for a work meeting, driving kids to school, and tending to household tasks also may start to feel insurmountable, especially when things don’t go as planned.
• Frequent illnesses. Burnout, like other long-term stress, can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, the flu, and insomnia. Burnout can also lead to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.

The 3 simple strategies to prevent burnout

Stress may be unavoidable, but burnout is preventable. Following these steps may help you toward stress from getting the best of you:

• REST & white space - Plan time in your day, in your week, in your month, in the season. When you take time away from your work, you accelerate your productivity. REST as a recovery workaholic, I know how rest can feel that you’re lazy but resting is the most powerful thing you can do.
• Eat a balanced diet and eat mindfully. Eating healthy is soooo important for your well being.
• Bring joy and rituals everyday in your life - Embracing some self-care practices, connecting with your divine feminine. Taking time to be rather than do.

Being exposed to continual stress can cause us to burnout. Feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and isolating from friends and family members can be some of the signs. However, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting a good night’s sleep may prevent this stressed state.

Burnout can be avoided by making self-care part of your daily routine. Even if you’re working long hours, studying for exams, or taking care of young children, remember to sprinkle some joy into each day. Be gentle and compassionate with yourself.

Try going for a walk, talking to a friend, or watching an enjoyable program on television. Small self-care gestures like these can stop stress from turning into something more serious, like burnout.