Burnout is that state you get to when you are so stressed and exhausted that you are no longer able to function. At it’s extreme level, you won’t even be able to work at all. You could argue that high performers and perfectionists are more at risk than most. Why? Because they power through and ignore signals that show they are at risk. The problem is that the more you power through, the more at risk you become until you shut down completely. Like your body has had enough and decides that if you are going to ignore its needs, it will just stop working so you can’t ignore it any more.
So, what are the warning signs? Everybody is different but the following are a few:
- You veer between high energy and deep fatigue. A sign that your adrenals are keeping you going but when you stop, you really stop
- You are more irritable than usual
- You suffer from brain fog
- Problems seem bigger
- You are suffering from palpitations
- You feel tearful
- You are more sensitive to noise
- Your memory isn’t as good as it usually is
- Your sense of humour has gone
- Your mind races at night
- You have difficulty sleeping
- A reliance on caffeine or other stimulants to keep going
- You withdraw into yourself
- You suffer from IBS symptoms
- Your motivation is low
- You consistently ignore your own needs
Of course, each of these may be symptoms of something else too, so it is always worth getting checked out.
In the meantime, here are 5 tips to help you:
- Make sure you have a balance between being and doing
- Say no more often
- Set clear boundaries at work and at home
- Now is the time to take greater care of your health: eat well and exercise regularly really can help
- Practice mindfulness, meditation or self-hypnosis (all helpful in different ways – do feel free to call me if you want to know more)
It may be tempting to take sleeping tablets to help you sleep but these only increase the quantity of sleep, not the quality. In fact medications in general tend to deal with symptoms rather than causes. It’s always important to deal with these issues at cause so that they aren’t easily triggered in the future.
If you want an MOT, why not call to arrange one? I can be reached on 0845 130 0854. Alternatively, my new book Ultimate Energy (from tired to inspired) is out soon and, if you order before 29th December, you can get some bonuses: Affirmations mp3, Overcome Fatigue mp3 and Personal Insights: Performance and Productivity. To order, visit Amazon and then send your proof of order to me at tricia@pw-consulting.co.uk to enjoy your freebies.