Burned Out? Here's How to Tell

Have you noticed yourself feeling tired all the time or lacking that motivation you used to have? Are you becoming more stressed causing your productivity at work to suffer? These might be signs from you're body telling you you're burned out. This can wreak havoc on your daily life, interrupting your health, happiness, work and even your relationships.

If left untreated, burn out can lead to mental health conditions such as depression. To avoid becoming burned out, check out some of the signs and symptoms and take this short quiz from Mind Tools to catch potential problems and fix them early.

Getty Images/iStockphoto/ demaerre
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ demaerre
1
EXHAUSTION
This is one of the most common and clear signs of being burned out. Whether it is physical like headaches and migraines, emotional such as feeling drained and tired, or mentally exhausted, this is your body telling you that you are burned out.
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ KrisCole
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ KrisCole
2
LACK OF MOTIVATION
Missing that motivation you used to have to get up and get to work? No longer feeling enthusiastic about anything? Lack of motivation can be another contributing sign of being burned out.
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Getty Stock / ThinkStock
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Getty Stock / ThinkStock
3
NEGATIVITY AND FRUSTRATION
Lately, have you been noticing you're being less positive toward most things? Finding yourself becoming frustrated with simple tasks? When you notice yourself acting like this more than usual, this might be another sign from your body saying you're burned out.
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ arinahabich
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ arinahabich
4
LACK OF SELF-CARE
Sometimes, suffering from burn out can lead to unhealthy decisions. This can include drinking too much, indulging in junk food, not eating enough or not getting enough sleep.