Do you feel unmotivated in certain areas of your life, like work or school? This could be an indication of physical or emotional exhaustion, otherwise known as signs of burnout.
According to the American Psychological Association, “Three in five people typically experience work related stress.”
Burnouts tend to happen over time and the signs can often be missed.
Here are three signs of burnout that may indicate it’s time to take a break:
Lack of Motivation or Interest
With increased demand in our daily responsibilities, we can sometimes find it hard to stay motivated. It could be a struggle to complete tasks when you’re not motivated. Losing interest is normal and may indicate something has to change.
Feeling Overworked
Being overworked is one of the quickest ways one can feel burnt out. It’s hard to be productive when you’re constantly overextended. People sometimes struggle with self-care and functionality with the demands of a current position. Finding a work-life balance is important. If you’re feeling overworked, then it may be time to switch things up to give yourself space and time to rejuvenate.
Constant Deviation from Routines
Another indication that something is wrong is when you regularly stray from your daily routine. Paying attention to the changes in your daily routine helps you better determine what’s going on. Fatigue, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, disorientation, isolation, and depression can all be indicative of stress. Monitoring these changes helps identify why and how long you’ve been feeling this way. Physical symptoms may manifest quicker than emotional symptoms. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you, as this could be indicative of a bigger problem.
It’s important to understand that everyone’s working style is different. We have to learn what works for us and what doesn’t. Pushing through could sometimes have negative impacts on a person physically, emotionally, or mentally.
Here are some steps that could help alleviate work-related stress:
Social Support
Surrounding ourselves with people that support us aids our overall well-being. If you’re feeling tired or exhausted, take a break, talk to friends or colleagues that might be going through similar experiences. Offer yourself a healthy distraction from present situations.
Self-Care
Once you prioritize your care, you’ll see an improvement in your work. With the demands of work and personal life, making time for oneself can be difficult. However it’s important to take the time to prioritize your own well-being.
When you notice you’ve been overworked, then it might be time to find new meanings outside of work. Go out, exercise, develop a new hobby, and explore new avenues that make you happy.
It Might be Time to Quit
If you feel you need more support, advocate for yourself by asking for help in your current position. It’s important that your working environment contributes to your success and that you recognize when it is hindering your well-being.
There are instances where we feel we have done everything, and we are still not feeling motivated. This may be an indication that it’s time to step away. Change can be scary, but sometimes it forces us to consider other paths in life and prioritize ourselves.
Again, it’s important to remember that signs of burnout may not always be obvious.
Remember that your care ultimately contributes to your productivity and not all paths are right for us. Don’t ignore the signs. Reach out to people. Talk to friends or a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the happenings of your life.
