1. Exhaustion

Burnout tiredness goes way beyond bleary eyes and a night of broken sleep. Instead, it penetrates your bones and makes simple everyday tasks feel insurmountable. You might notice weariness on waking up, feeling worn out after work and needing more time to prepare and recover from leisure activities.

2. Detachment from purpose and interests

Feeling burnt out goes hand in hand with detachment from purpose and interests. Sufferers might feel aimless in their professional and personal lives and indifferent to the hobbies that once gave them joy. It’s one of the cruellest signs of burnout because essential self-care practices become obsolete.

3. Increased self-doubt

Those dealing with burnout often report increased self-doubt, usually brought on by workplace stress. Individuals may feel consistently under pressure to perform and criticised by their managers and colleagues. Bullying and micromanaging also cement feelings of poor self-esteem.

Over time, these dysfunctional office dynamics translate to feelings of inadequacy in other areas of life, such as personal relationships.

4. Insomnia and sleep disturbances

We’ve all been there – tossing and turning in the middle of the night, reliving our worst fears and feeling anxious about the day ahead. However, feeling burnt out exacerbates insomnia, robbing sufferers of the sleep they so desperately need to feel better.

One study of 1300 employees found that people with burnout had a higher risk of sleep disorders, including trouble falling asleep, lack of restorative sleep and early awakenings.

5. Vulnerability to illnesses

If you pick up every bug under the sun, you might be dealing with burnout. It significantly impacts immune function, making us more susceptible to colds, flus and tummy aches. Research indicates that feeling burnt out can even increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart failure.

Ask for help and build a support network

The only thing worse than dealing with burnout is having to do it alone, which is why building a reliable support network is essential. Alongside sharing your struggles with sympathetic friends, family and colleagues, enlist a professional to guide you through the healing process.

Our fully trained wellness coaches will help you identify the root causes of your stress and offer practical solutions for enhanced emotional, physical and spiritual health. Thanks to their compassionate guidance, you’ll develop positive coping mechanisms when you’re feeling burnt out.

Take a long holiday

According to Glassdoor, only 60% of employees use their annual holiday allowance, even though it’s an effective antidote to burnout. We recommend taking full advantage of your entitlement to book a relaxing residential health retreat.

There are several packages to choose from, including the Mind Body Restorer. Here, you’ll step away from life’s endless to-dos into an oasis of calm. A typical day includes plant-based meals peppered with yoga, meditation and Nordic walks. You’ll also benefit from indulgent treatments, including reflexology and massage.

Exercise for stress relief

We understand that exercise is the last thing you want to do when feeling burnt out. However, just a few minutes every day will elevate your mood and release feel-good endorphins. It’s a much healthier alternative to sugary treats and glasses of wine! We’re not suggesting you run a marathon – try these gentle exercises for stress relief instead.

Prioritise good sleep hygiene

As mentioned, sleep disturbances and burnout are inextricably linked. The more anxious you are, the harder it is to sleep and the worse you’ll ultimately feel – it’s a vicious cycle. Thankfully, we’re experts in improving sleep hygiene. Start by limiting your caffeine intake, avoiding heavy evening meals and reducing the amount of blue light in your bedroom.