How to Spot Burnout: The Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Alright, ladies, at the time of writing this blog we’re exploring wellness together and highlighting how important it is to drive your business forwards and give it (and you) the boost needed!

So, I promised that we’d start with looking at helping you to understand and recognise the warning signs of burnout. As ambitious business owners, we often push ourselves to the limit, giving countless hours to work and forgetting about the stuff we love!

But it's essential to know when to hit the brakes and prioritise our well-being. Here, I'll dive into the topic of burnout and uncover the signs and symptoms that should raise a red flag. By staying vigilant and taking action, we can prevent burnout from derailing our success and preserve our mental and physical health. Let's get started!

????Persistent exhaustion: Feeling drained!?

Let's talk about one of the most glaring signs of burnout - persistent exhaustion that goes beyond the “normal” fatigue we all experience. If you find yourself constantly feeling drained, both physically and emotionally, even after what feels like a good night's sleep, it's time to take notice. Chronic fatigue is a major indicator that burnout may be knocking at your door.

????Declining motivation: Loss of drive, passion or excitement!?

Ladies, there's nothing more disheartening than feeling like the fire in your belly has fizzled out. Burnout can sap your motivation and passion for your business, leaving you feeling uninspired and detached and drained. Tasks that once brought you joy may now feel like hell on earth. If you're experiencing a significant decline in your drive, it could be burnout!?

???? Decreased productivity: Struggling to stay on track

You’re a go-getter, I get it! But even the most determined of us can feel their productivity plummet when burnout creeps in. If you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate, stay focused, or complete tasks, it's time to acknowledge the impact of burnout on your productivity. Recognising this early can save you from a major productivity slump.? Trust me I’ve been there!?

???? Emotional exhaustion: Feeling emotionally drained

You know how it is when you find yourself crying at something that the ‘old you’ wouldn’t have even noticed! Let's get real about the emotional toll of burnout. Emotional exhaustion hits hard, leaving you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Mood swings, irritability, and a general sense of detachment may become all too familiar. That’s why you need to recognise that your emotional well-being matters and take steps to replenish it.

???? Physical symptoms: Listen to your body's signals

Your body has a way of speaking to you and it's important to listen.? This is what has brought this wellness focus around for me!

Burnout can manifest in various physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, and even weakened immunity. Don't ignore these signals - prioritise your physical health to combat burnout effectively.

???? Disturbed sleep patterns

You all know the importance of a good night's sleep, this is my absolute nemesis so I can promise you that as you’re rolling your eyes at this billy basic advice I’m right there with you.? BUT, burnout can disrupt your sleep patterns, making it challenging to find restorative rest. Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings throughout the night, or waking up feeling unrested are all common signs. And then those disturbed nights bring you closer to burnout! I know it’s an awful cycle but if you notice a change in your sleep patterns then do something sooner rather than later.?

???? ♀????? ♀? Withdrawal and isolation

Ladies, we're in this together, and isolation is not the answer. Yet burnout can make us crave solitude, causing us to withdraw from social interactions.? This is another one that really raised the alarm bells for me. I've never wanted to be alone but the last year or so I’ve found myself backing out of things I’d usually love to do! This is a scary one! Building a support network and meaningful connections is vital for combating burnout.?

???? Loss of interest/lack of enjoyment in activities

The most significant indicator of burnout is a loss of interest in activities that used to bring you joy. Hobbies, social events, and even personal projects may no longer hold the same appeal. If you find yourself constantly disinterested or unable to engage fully in activities outside of work, it's time to take a step back and have a look at what’s happening for you.?

???? No self-care: Putting yourself last

And the main one here, the one that again feels like a never ending loop! Ladies, self-care is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to combating burnout. But burnout can lead to neglecting your own well-being as you prioritise everything and everyone else. This is another of my stumbling blocks so this focus and my Instagram posts will be there to help you along and discuss what I’m doing to help myself, I invite you to steal my tips, as always!

Ok, so we’re in this together and now that we've discussed the signs and symptoms of burnout, it's time to take action. Recognising these warning signs is the first step! Set yourself some boundaries and start by organising your thoughts and offloading some of the workload!?

My free planner will help, it might be just the thing that helps you start to put yourself first and kick start your wellness journey.

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