The initial impression others get of you is that you have it all together, yet deep inside, your body and brain are screaming for help.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling overworked. It is the outcome of prolonged and excessive emotional, physical, and mental stress. Burnout is frequently linked to one’s job and occurs when you are overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to keep up with life’s never-ending demands.

As a result, everything in life seems so pointless. You are constantly putting off tasks until the last minute. Nothing matters because you are always tired. Burnout is one of the biggest issues that we need to tackle head-on because, when left ignored, it can quickly spiral into mental and physical health issues.

The question is, are you burned out or just lazy, and how do you manage burnout and see the signs before it is too late?

 5 Warning Signs of Burnout

Sign 1:

You are experiencing mental and physical exhaustion that does not go away after a goodnight sleep.

Sign 2:

You are on autopilot mode and just going through the motions for your bare-minimum needs.

Sign 3:

You used to be self-motivated, but lately you have become unfocused and easily distracted.

Sign 4:

You do not feel excited to do the things that would usually excite you.

Sign 5:

You become moody, irritable and withdrawn.

Dangers of Burnout

Burnout leads to changes in metabolism and increases inflammation. It can cause you to gain weight more easily. Burnout can also affect your sleep and immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flu.

The good news is that you do not have to take an expensive vacation, or quit your job unless you absolutely despise it.

Here are three effective methods to overcome burnout.

Step 1: Optimize your morning routines

Each morning, plan your day, set your top priorities, and identify any causes of burnout, such as mental stress, physical tiredness, poor gut health, and excessive caffeine consumption.

Step 2: Engage your nervous system

Take a cold shower. When you take a cold shower, your muscles will tense at first, then relax as you acclimate. This will help you feel alert yet calm, and it has lasting benefits throughout the course of the day.

Step 3: Put a plan in place

The biggest mistake that people make while managing or recovering from burnout is attempting numerous things randomly rather than developing a comprehensive plan that provides them with the support that they need. Establishing a solid routine for your day is the first and most important step.