3 Ways to Notice a Burnout Before it Gets the Better of You

#3 Exhaustion is a constant battle

I am currently in a mental clinic to get my well-being back on track. Normally, I am the one who leads clients in stress management as a well-being coach. I am taking some time off for my health, and sometimes it is the best thing you can do for yourself before burnout happens, as then it might be too late.

I have helped people on the brink of burnouts with their handle of stress and emotions, so I wanted to share three ways to notice burnout before it gets the better of you because:

“Burnout is nature’s way of telling you, you’ve been going through the motions your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administrating stimulants to an exhausted nervous system.” ― Sam Keen, Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man

What is Burnout?

Research shows that burnout is when we have given all that we can, but still, something is missing. According to Psychology Today, burnout “undermines our energy, attitude, and confidence”.

I have noticed this in past clients before they are too busy to do things they want to do and make excuses according to their jobs. You can tell they know something is missing, and they are fully aware of it but cannot do anything about it because there is no time or extra effort for the things that fulfill their soul.

Something interesting I came across when researching was the age of people who suffer from burnouts doesn't have to be older necessarily. Like me, in a mental clinic at the age of twenty-six, it is common to suffer from your first burn out when in your twenties:

“Most millenials who start jobs by age twenty one reach their first burnout when they are about twenty six to twenty seven years old. Their second burnout is between age twenty nine and thirty years. This is usually the time when most people reach out for help and almost believe in its legitimacy since they now feel that a decade of work has taken a toll on them.” ― Sonali Gupta, Anxiety : Overcome It and Live without Fear

There are exactly three signs of burnout you can notice before it happens, and we will take a look at them in more detail now.

3 Ways to Notice a Burnout Before it Gets the Better of You

1. Disillusionment

“A state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life, or relationship that failed to produce the expected reward.” — Herbert J.Freudenberger

Disillusionment may come in many forms. It may come through anxiety or procrastination. Disillusionment is when you are disappointed in someone or something for being less good than one believes. In this case, you may be beating yourself up for not being good enough at something even though you feel you are giving your all.

I had a client like this. He gave his all in everything he did, but he still didn't feel he was doing well enough. What even is good enough? We measure ourselves and can be hard on ourselves when it comes to being hard on our expectations of ourselves.

2. No Presence of the Soul

“Burnout is defined as “the index of the dislocation between what people are and what they have to do. It represents an erosion in values, dignity, spirit and will — an erosion of the human soul. It is a malady that spreads gradually and continuously over time, putting people into a downward spiral…” — Anonymous

What does it mean to have no presence of the soul? Well, it gets to the point where you can ignore your heart such that your work and your meaning fail. There is a disconnection between what you are and what you do. In our modern world, it is straightforward to be defined by what you do these days. As capitalism rises, and so does the rat race, we are defined by our jobs and not by who we truly are.

When it gets to this point of not knowing who you are other than your job that is battling with your energy, stop, reconsider, stay still. Being burnt out won't let you do this, but do it before it catches you. Where there is a way, there is a will (I know it is the other way round but it works this way too, hehe). When speaking to one of my clients about their soul purpose, I asked them:

“What makes you wake up in the morning?”

You see, obviously, it is your job or kid that may wake you up in the morning, but what is the passion or the adrenaline that can rush through your blood? For example, for me, it is writing. I write now every morning out of routine and ritual because it makes me feel alive. What can wake you up in the morning? That might be running, baking, making a cup of tea, drawing — something outside the constant buzz and burnout of daily life. Think about it and write it down so your soul can spark up again.

3. Exhaustion is a Constant Battle

“Those who truly love their work have the tendency to get sick and tired of resting, and very quickly.” ― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Last but not least, exhaustion rises with burnout lurking. According to skillroads.com, a constant feeling of never-ending work causes burnout. This feeling will cause tiredness because your to-do list will never end, and you may feel as if there is nothing more you can do. Remember: you are not a robot! We are only human and can only do so much before burning out. Consider your well-being and get back to you. Take a nap, take a run, cook something, chat with someone — there are many ways to resolve exhaustion with the people you love around you — don't forget them!

In conclusion

Three ways to notice burnout before it gets the better of you include:

• Noticing how exhausted you feel- mentally, physically, emotionally.
• Noticing the underlying feeling of your soul being pushed down
• Disillusionment

I hope this helps you notice how you may be feeling and how you want to feel about dealing.

Before you go

Thanks for being here.❤

I help people go from a human doing to a human being. Receive my free, uplifting weekly newsletter every Thursday to brighten your day with my best blog posts to help you live a fulfilled life, plus free meditation and yoga classes, exclusive coaching course, and book offers! Get access here.