The Silent Struggle: Recognising the Early Signs of Burnout

burnout doesn't always look like this

Have you been waking up feeling exhausted, even after a full night's sleep?

Did you find yourself reaching for that extra glass of wine last night or

snapping at your children or partner recently?

Are you struggling with brain fog, making it hard to focus on simple tasks?

These subtle signs might be pointing towards a quiet and creeping burnout. It's not always about being overwhelmed with an endless to do list ; sometimes, it's about the lingering feeling that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface.

You might still be showing up and ticking all the boxes, but inside, you’re running on empty. Emotional flatness, increased reactivity, or feeling numb. These are all signs your nervous system may be overloaded. Burnout sneaks up on us when we’ve been pushing through stress without taking the necessary time for recovery and nourishment for looking after yourself.

Although we're gradually shifting away from a culture that glorifies constant productivity, and moving towards valuing balance over constant busyness. The word 'busy' still dominates our conversations. We often hear it in response to questions like, "How was your weekend?" or "How was your day?" With 'busy' being the common descriptor.

Burnout can fester beneath the surface. Often by the time it becomes apparent, many of us have been enduring this internally in silence for months, sometimes years.

The path to healing isn’t solely about rest, although that’s essential. It’s about tuning into your own early warning signs, creating space for activities that genuinely give you joy, and being honest about your capacity. Often we don't identify the burnout until we have a physical ailment such as headaches or muscle tension, but there are many more subtle signs.

Subtle signs that burnout might be near

1. Fatigue: Feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest.

2. Irritability: Easily annoyed or frustrated by minor issues.

3. Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

5. Emotional Detachment: Feeling disconnected from your emotions or others.

6. Decreased Productivity: Struggling to complete tasks you once managed easily.

7. Loss of Motivation: Lack of enthusiasm for tasks or activities you used to enjoy.

8. Avoidance: Finding yourself avoiding responsibilities or social interactions.

   
   

It isn’t necessarily about doing less forever. It’s about carving out space to feel what the body needs.

At home ideas to help prevent burnout

1. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits on your commitments to prevent overwhelming yourself.

   
   

2. Prioritise Self-Care: Dedicate time each day to activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise a hobby even a bath.

   
   

3. Be Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the benefits you receive from meditating. Meditate, even just 10 minutes but do it.

   
   

4. Create a Balanced Routine: Schedule regular downtime alongside your work responsibilities to create a healthy work-life balance.

   
   

5. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or me for support.

   
   

Reclaiming your well-being doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities; it means integrating them with care for yourself.

I’d love to hear how you’re bringing these principles into your life. Feel free to share your journey or thoughts with me!