Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress—especially from work, caregiving, or high-pressure environments. It’s more than just feeling tired; burnout can make you feel drained, detached, and unable to cope.
๐ฅ Key Signs of Burnout:
1. Emotional Exhaustion
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Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or emotionally drained
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Constant fatigue—even after rest
2. Depersonalization or Detachment
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Feeling numb or cynical
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Losing motivation or interest in things you used to care about
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Becoming distant from coworkers, loved ones, or responsibilities
3. Reduced Performance
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Decreased productivity or focus
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Making more mistakes
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Struggling with decision-making or creativity
⚠️ Common Causes:
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High workload or unrealistic expectations
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Lack of control or support at work/home
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Long hours with little rest or recognition
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Emotional strain (e.g., caregiving, customer service, or helping professions)
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Perfectionism or people-pleasing
๐ง Burnout vs. Stress:
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Stress = too much, but you still believe things will get better
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Burnout = not enough—you feel empty, beyond caring, or hopeless
๐ ️ How to Recover from Burnout:
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Set boundaries: Say no, delegate, take breaks
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Rest: Prioritize real rest, not just screen time
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Seek support: Talk to friends, a therapist, or a supervisor
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Reevaluate goals: What can be adjusted or let go?
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Rebuild routines: Include sleep, nutrition, movement, and joy
Burnout is a signal—not a weakness.
It’s your body and mind telling you something needs to change.