The overlooked signs of burnout

Chronic indecisiveness: Many blame a lack of focus, but burnout impairs cognitive function. Burnout shrinks the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making. Research indicates that even small choices begin to feel overwhelming as time passes.
Emotional numbness at work: People mistake it for "just a bad day," but it’s a key burnout marker. 52% of employees report feeling emotionally detached due to chronic stress, according to a Gallup, 2023 survey. Track moments when you feel indifferent to wins or failures; this signals emotional exhaustion.
Increased cynicism (Not just 'bad attitude'): Often dismissed as negativity, but it’s a burnout red flag. Cynicism is a psychological shield when passion depletes. It’s not laziness, it’s self-preservation.
Physical symptoms (headaches, digestive issues): A lot of the time, we blame diet or sleep, not stress. Chronic stress raises cortisol, linked to IBS, migraines, and insomnia.
Procrastination on easy tasks: Seen as poor time management, but burnout saps motivation. Procrastination spikes by 40% in burnout sufferers.
Social withdrawal (even remotely): Misread as introversion, but isolation worsens burnout. It has been found that remote workers are more likely to hide burnout by 32%, according to "The American Psychological Association" (2023).
Hyperfocus on perfection: Praised as "high standards", but it’s unsustainable. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Burnout isn’t about effort, it’s about recovery.

Why are these signs often missed?

The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, accelerated by the rise of remote work and digital connectivity, has made it harder to distinguish when work stress ends and personal time begins.

The "keep going" mentality and cultural expectation of resilience are common in many workplaces, and no surprise that many suffer in silence or are unaware that their actions threaten their wellbeing.

Moreover, limited access to mental health resources and stigma around discussing mental wellbeing contribute to the invisibility of burnout.

#self-care

Burnout: Recognise the Signs Before They Sabotage Your Career