Are You Experiencing Burnout? Key Things to Look Out For
Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or just “off” lately? You might be dealing with burnout—a kind of deep tiredness that hits your mind, body, and emotions after too much stress, especially from work. It’s not just a bad day; it’s like your energy is drained, and you might feel stuck or negative about things you used to enjoy. Research, like a 2022 study in the Journal of International Medical Research, shows burnout comes from ongoing stress that’s hard to shake, and it can lead to bigger issues like anxiety. Here’s what to watch for to see if burnout is affecting you and what might be causing it.
First, check if you’re feeling completely worn out, even after sleeping or taking a break. You might drag yourself through the day, struggle to focus, or dread your job. A 2024 Frontiers in Psychology study says heavy workloads or long hours can wear you down fast. Another sign is feeling negative or disconnected—like you don’t care about your work anymore or it feels pointless. The Harvard Business Review links this to not feeling valued or doing tasks that don’t match what you believe in. You might also notice you’re not doing your best work, making more mistakes, or feeling “blah,” which Gallup’s research ties to a lack of support or appreciation from your workplace.
Burnout often comes from specific things in your job or life. If you feel like you have no say over your tasks or schedule, it can make things worse. Bad relationships with coworkers or a boss who doesn’t support you can add stress. Feeling unfairly treated, like missing out on promotions, or working somewhere that doesn’t feel right for you can also spark burnout. Being a perfectionist or struggling to balance work and home life can make you more likely to burn out. If any of this sounds familiar, try setting small boundaries, talking to someone you trust, or reaching out to a professional to help you feel like yourself again.
Marianne Love
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Aspire Health & Psychology
