Most people think that burnout is just extreme tiredness or maybe something that will just disappear if you keep ignoring it long enough.
The truth is,
Though,
That burnout and exhaustion are two entirely different states of human behavior.
When you are tired,
A solid weekend of rest,
A holiday or a few early nights can actually help to reset your nervous system.
You may wake up feeling a little bit more like yourself because you have rested.
Burnout,
On the other hand,
Doesn't care how much rest or sleep you have.
And that's because burnout is a deep chronic nervous system depletion that's often overlooked.
You fulfillment in your work now perhaps brings you dread and complete pessimism.
Another sign that can go completely overlooked is that burnout is often the persistent feeling that you no longer have a choice in your life.
You start viewing your calendar,
Your commitments,
Your relationships,
Or even your entire lifestyle as a series of heavy demands that you are forced to endure,
Rather than you actually being an active participant in the life that you choose.
And lastly,
But certainly not least,
Because burnout is a complex situation.
You may notice hyper-isolation starts to become your new normal.
You may start actively dreading messages from friends,
Avoiding phone calls,
Or pulling away from your entire support system because the mere thought of holding a conversation feels like an overwhelming demand.
You may find you retreat into your quiet shell because your system literally cannot process any other person's energy or expectations.
Recognizing these signs means that the filter is already starting to slip.
Please don't look away from it.
This conversation into an ongoing series on my profile to provide you with grounded clinical insights and most importantly practical behavioral strategies.
So join me in the next session where we will map out the practical steps you need to take to meaningfully address your burnout.
