40 - 3 Secret Signs of Burnout

Do you ever feel like something’s off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Many of us brush aside the subtle alarms our bodies set off when burnout is looming on the horizon. We tend to focus on physical exhaustion or stress, but burnout can sneak up on us too.

Today, I want to share three secret signs of burnout that often fly under the radar and what you can do about them. If you allow them to linger, you could seriously impact your life, health, relationships, job, and much more.

Before we take a look at three signs, let’s take a look at the differences between stress and burnout:

Stress:

• Nature: Short-term, related to specific demands.

• Feeling: Overwhelmed yet hopeful.

• Symptoms: Anxiety, exhaustion, headaches.

Burnout:

• Nature: Long-term exhaustion from prolonged stress.

• Feeling: Emotionally drained, detached, unmotivated.

• Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, cynicism, reduced performance.

Let us now take a look at three secret signs of burnout in detail:

1. Cognitive Fog

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, unable to make a simple decision or recall what you were just doing? This fog isn’t just a momentary lapse - it's your brain waving a tiny red flag. It's struggling from the relentless demand you have placed on it. To clear the mist, try stepping away for short, regular breaks and give your mind some time to reset with activities that stimulate a different part of your brain, something creative like drawing or baking.

2. Physical Symptoms

Maybe you've been noticing more headaches lately, or those mysterious aches and pains that seem to appear out of nowhere. Or perhaps your stomach seems to have turned into a stress barometer. These physical symptoms can be your body’s quiet way of telling you it's overwhelmed. Listen to it. Prioritise sleep, hydrate with water (not caffeine or alcohol), and incorporate gentle movement such as walking to help ease these tensions

3. Reduced Self-Care

Have you started skipping your regular workout or maybe you are indulging in quick, unhealthy meals more often? If your favourite hobbies or relaxation rituals are gathering dust, it might be a clue your energy reserves are dwindling. Start small—reintroduce a 5-minute daily activity that brings you joy or peace. It’s astonishing what these small affirmative actions can do for restoring your energy and mood.

This is me, what do I do?!

Whilst there are some things you can help to reduce the symptoms short term, such as taking small breaks, there is often an underlying cause that is much bigger. Reflect if there is something in your life that is causing you to feel this way. Consider if you need to make a more permanent change in your life.

The Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on a lot of people, me included. Keeping a business going through the challenges the economy and industry faced was tough, and then sprinkle a divorce on top and I faced the symptoms of burnout.  I was ready for a change and whilst it provided more short-term stress for a short period, I was able to break free from the burnout.

Recognising the signs is key. By catching them early, you can prevent burnout from taking hold by taking action to change your life for the positive. Whether it is a new job or partner, you owe it to yourself to be kind.

Your body and mind will give you signs, just pause a little to listen.

Always with love,
Elsa x