Burnout symptoms: recognise the signs
Burnout usually does not arrive overnight. It starts with small signals that keep showing up: in your body, in your head and in what you do at work. Here are the most common symptoms to look out for.
Three areas where burnout shows up
Everyone experiences stress differently. Yet when burnout is building, you usually see a mix of three kinds of signals: physical complaints, changes in concentration and mood, and behaviour at work that is different from normal. Read through them and notice what has been showing up more often over the past few weeks.
Body
- Trouble falling asleep, waking at night, or waking unrefreshed
- Persistent tension headaches, neck or shoulder pain
- Stomach and digestion complaints without another cause
- Heart racing, tight chest or shallow breathing
- Getting ill more often, or taking longer to recover
- Ongoing fatigue that a weekend does not clear
Mind
- Difficulty concentrating or finishing a task
- Forgetfulness and more small mistakes than usual
- Constant worrying, or replaying work in the evening
- Irritability, short fuse, or feeling emotionally flat
- A sense of dread on Sunday evening
- Feeling cynical or distant about work you used to care about
Behaviour and work
- Working longer hours but getting less done
- Skipping breaks, lunch, exercise or social contact
- Drinking, smoking or snacking more to take the edge off
- Avoiding calls, meetings or colleagues
- Short absences that are hard to explain
- Putting off decisions you would normally make quickly
From signals to action
One or two signals do not necessarily mean burnout. But if complaints last longer than two to four weeks, are getting worse, or are starting to affect your work, it is time to look at what is happening in your job — and to consider getting help.
- You cannot recharge after a day off or a weekend
- Your sleep has been disrupted over a longer period
- You feel cynical or detached from work that used to give you energy
- Physical complaints continue without a clear medical cause
- Work takes visibly more effort while your performance drops
This page is for information only and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, speak to your GP or occupational health doctor.
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