Did you know that burnout is a very real thing and can affect anyone in any profession? Burnout occurs when you’ve been working too hard for too long, and your body and mind have had enough. If you’re starting to experience some signs below, it might be time for you to take a break:
1. You’re always tired and can’t concentrate
If you’re constantly exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, it might be due to one too many all-nighters at the office. But if you get enough sleep and still feel exhausted all day, that’s another sign of burnout. Either way, this isn’t good for your health and happiness one bit.
Another sign that you’re at your limit is not being able to concentrate. Do you find your mind wandering and daydreaming about vacations, cocktails on the beach, or that book you haven’t had time for? If so, it might indicate that work has become too much for you and you need a mental health day.
2. Your body is sick all the time
When you’re stressed from work, the last thing you want to do is get sick. This is because you’re worried that a day spent in bed will set you back even further at work. If this sounds familiar, it might be an indication of burnout and that your mind and body need a break.
However, if your allergies are being triggered more often lately, you might be experiencing the effects of stress. So, do yourself a favor — take a day off to get your hayfever and allergy treatment to get rid of the symptoms. The faster your immune system is working, the better.
3. You’re irritable and short-tempered
If you’re irritable and angry easily, it’s probably because you’re exhausted. You might even find yourself snapping inappropriately at colleagues or family members without any regard for the consequences. If this sounds like you, it’s a sign to get some time off to recharge and get your temper back under control.
However, if you’re irritable because you’re hungry, this is not a sign of burnout! You should always be sure to take care of your body by eating regularly and ensuring you’ve got the right balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbs, and water.
4. You’re not enjoying your work anymore
If you’ve grown to despise the thought of going to work, you might want to take a step back and consider whether you need a mental health day. Working feels like a chore, and you don’t enjoy the people you work with anymore. Or maybe you’re frustrated with your job because you’ve got passion but no way to express it.
And if this sounds like you, now might be the perfect time to start planning for a new job. But don’t feel like you have to jump into another job right away. If you can take some time off, that’s even better because you can save up some money while recharging your batteries without the pressure.
5. You’re having trouble sleeping
Stress can cause insomnia, so if you’re not sleeping well at night, it might be because you’ve got too much on your mind. If you’re tossing and turning, it could be because you need a mental health day. But if you get enough sleep and still feel exhausted during the day, that’s another sign of burnout.
Either way, this isn’t good for your health and happiness one bit. So, you might want to ask yourself if you’re getting enough sleep and de-stress the night before, such as with yoga. Through yoga, you’ll learn that it’s OK to play hooky from work once in a while, and you might be surprised by how much better you feel after a day of relaxation.
6. You feel like you’re in a rut, and there’s no way out
Finally, if your anxiety levels are high and the pressure feels unbearable, it might be time for a mental health day. If you can’t figure out how to get yourself out of the rut, you might need professional help because it might be a sign of depression.
If this sounds like you, it’s best to seek the advice of someone with expertise in this area. There are many therapists out there who can help you work through your struggles and find a way out of the rut you’re in.
There are many warning signs that you’re experiencing burnout. If you’ve got a mental health day coming up, take advantage of it and recharge your batteries. Then come back refreshed and recharged so you can take on the world! But don’t put too much pressure on yourself to feel better after one day; just give yourself enough time to rejuvenate, and you’ll be good as new in no time.
