10 Signs You’re Emotionally Burned Out & What To Do About It

When you’re working hard and trying your best, it’s easy to experience burnout.

Burnout is a result of the pressure we put on ourselves to get everything done and achieve as much as we can, and it can creep up on you when you’re least expecting it. In fact, the more driven you are to be perfect, the faster you might find yourself slipping into a state of mental and emotional exhaustion that can be hard to shake. The first step towards good mental health is recognizing the symptoms of burnout, so take a look below and see if any of these apply to you.

1. You’re Getting More Cynical Each Day.


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Some amount of skepticism is understandable, but if you’re suddenly cynical about everything you hear, it might be a result of a negative attitude shining through the surface.

Practice optimism just as you would any other healthy practice. Try to train yourself to look at the bright side, even when things seem bleak.

2. You’re Irritable & Snap At Anything.


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We all have those days when every little thing gets on our last nerve, but if those days are happening more and more frequently, you might be getting burned out.

Next time you find yourself getting upset, try to take a mental step back and practice deep breathing until your heart rate calms down. Reminds yourself that “this too shall pass.”

3. You Just Can’t Get Motivated.


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Sure, we all like to have lazy days where we can wallow in our pajamas and watch Netflix for hours, but if you suddenly can’t get out of bed for things you used to enjoy, you might be heading towards burnout territory.

If your malais lasts for more than a day or t wo, talking to a trusted friend or therapist might help you find your spark again.

4. You’ve Got Tummy Troubles.


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You know how people say they had a “gut reaction?” They’re absolutely right! The gut always shows you how you truly feel. You might find yourself with an upset stomach or diarrhea and not even realize you had been stressed out.

Always listen to what your gut is trying to tell you!

5. You Can’t Get a Good Night’s Rest


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Insomnia is a big red flag when it comes to depression. There are many reasons why you might be tossing and turning at night, but the most common is a feeling that you can’t “switch off your brain.”

The worst thing you can do when you have insomnia is pick up your mobile device and start scrolling! To combat sleepless nights, maintain the same sleep/wake schedule every day, and practice “winding down” at least an hour before hitting the hay. You can try a cup of soothing tea, meditation, or just listening to some calming music to tell your brain it’s time to relax.

6. You’re Increasingly Forgetful.


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If your mind feels like a sieve lately, you’re not alone! With everything the average person has going on, from child-rearing to working the 9-to-5, it’s all too easy to become forgetful. Yet if you find you’re forgetting everything, you’re probably overly stressed out.

Practice mindfulness to combat those forgetful spells. Simply focusing on what you’re doing, and with whom, has proven efficacy.

7. You Cry Over Everything.


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When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the tiniest problems can set you on edge and bring on the tears. Add in hormonal fluctuations, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a crying session!

The good news is that a good cry is incredibly cathartic, and might be just what you need to ease the tension in your mind. So let it all out!

8. You Become Isolated.


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If you find yourself saying, “I don’t care” about things that used to interest you, you might have hit your emotional limit. It’s important to stay engaged — it’s your life; you’re not a passenger.

Try reconnecting with your friends and family and see if you feel better. If your emotional detachment persists, you might need to speak with a doctor.

9. You Feel Anxious All The Time.


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It’s natural to feel anxious once in a while, especially when you’re dealing with deadlines or other stressful situations. But if you find yourself having panic attacks or feeling anxious every day, it’s time to make some changes.

Yoga has proven to be very effective in managing anxiety, as has meditation and talk therapy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because being anxious all the time is not healthy for body or mind.

10. You Get Worked Up Over Every Little Thing.


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If you used to be the calm, cool, and collected type, but suddenly you’re flying off the handle over every tiny thing that goes wrong, you’ve probably hit your emotional and mental limit.

Time to take a huge step back and remember what’s truly important. Most of the time, we worry needlessly over things that haven’t even happened yet. We would all be happier if we remembered not to “borrow worry.”

Above all, if you start to feel mentally overwhelmed and can’t change these feelings on your own, never be afraid to seek help from your friends, family, or healthcare provider. Having a healthy mind is the first step in overall good health!

Please share these signs to help others recognize the symptoms of burnout!

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