You’re feeling a bit off and you’re not sure what’s going on. Maybe you are coming down with a cold. Maybe you are feeling the beginning of COVID. ICK! Or maybe you are just tired. Either way, if it’s been lingering for a while and it’s starting to affect your day-to-day, you might want to consider digging a bit deeper. Since you landed here on this page, I’m guessing that you are curious if you are headed toward burnout. The good news is, you are in the right place!
So, let’s dive right into the facts. What exactly is burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
Physical and Emotional Exhaustion - fatigue that comes from doing too much, for too long. We see this most in the “helping” professions: caregivers, teachers, medical workers, etc.
Depersonalization and Cynicism - the feeling of alienation. A loss of empathy and compassion.
Decreased sense of accomplishment and performance- feeling of nothing you do matters.
In 1974, Herbert Fruedenberger was the first psychologist to put a name to this set of symptoms. Yes, that was 46 years ago! I don’t know if you’ve heard much about it until in our recent past that included the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic. This article could go on for a very long time because this isn’t just a “WORK TOO MUCH = BURNOUT” type of thing. There is more to the equation and much of it has to do with our nervous system and also societal pressures to achieve. This is why high achievers, AKA a badass female entrepreneur like yourself, might be reading up on this issue right now. If you are also a mom, you definitely need to read on. Remember the “caregiver” part of the above symptoms? That’s you!
So what does burnout feel like? Honestly, it doesn’t feel good. What you are feeling in burnout is a stress response. When your system is taxed, it breaks down. When you are in prolonged times of stress, your body will rely heavily on bodily mechanisms to help buffer that stress. For example, your adrenal glands which secrete the hormone cortisol. The point is, this runs deep. It’s not just, “I don’t feel well,” it’s a systemic breakdown of your health. This is why it’s important to check in with your body and also take note of how you are operating in the world. Are you burning the candle at both ends? Or, are you diligently listening to your bodily cues on the regular?
Here is a thorough list of symptoms to look out for. This will give you an idea of burnout can look and feel. These symptoms usually arrive in phases, which I will address in a later article.
Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
1. Chronic fatigue
2. Insomnia
3. Forgetfulness/impaired concentration and attention
4. Physical symptoms
5. Increased illness
6. Loss of appetite
7. Anxiety
8. Depression
9. Anger
Cynicism and Detachment
1. Loss of enjoyment
2. Pessimism
3. Isolation
4. Detachment
Ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment
1. Feelings of apathy and hopelessness
2. Increased irritability
3. Lack of productivity and poor performance
If you are nodding yes to multiple symptoms, I encourage you to take a hard look at how you are operating on a day-to-day basis. Where can you relieve pressure in your life? What are the stressors that are at the forefront of your mind? What one thing can you take off your plate? How might you be able to create space for yourself to rest?
I’d love to hear your answers in the comments.