Signs You're Burning Out | 6 Warning Signs of Burnout

I’m not sure when it began. The insomnia, poor eating habits, and foggy brain—symptoms of the clear-cut workaholic that I swore did not define me. Maybe it was around the time my apartment started looking like a tornado ripped through its path and I convinced myself it expressed my creative side. Or perhaps when I purchased the last few books in my Goodreads library, all bookmarked barely through the first chapters. The timeline perfectly aligns as somehow that’s when my once organized life apparently took a shift into chaos.

The signs of burning out were all there, but somehow I still missed the trajectory I took from being a suitable, put-together boss, to a rundown insomniac that’s kind of a hot mess. I’m a single, working woman, so I don’t blame myself for going off course. It’s easy to move through the motions of the day-to-day without realizing that I’ve passed by some of the most important check points. I became so narrowly focused on my goals, that I forgot the journey and started burning out. Coming to the realization that I am the victim of complete burnout is the first step in resolving these symptoms. But my body caught onto this long before my brain registered what was happening, and it’s been trying to tell me all along.

signs you’re burning out

Below are some ways you could be running yourself into exhaustion mode like I did without even realizing it. Grab a paper and a pen, or make mental notes if any of these resonate with your own experiences. And even if you can’t relate to any of them, this could be the self check-in that you needed.

You’re more forgetful these days

When it came to your daily tasks, you were a wizard at remembering what needed to be done. These days, however, you forgot to feed the dog on multiple occasions, repeatedly misplaced your car keys, oftentimes couldn’t remember if you responded to an email, AND you forgot to make the reservation for your monthly brunch with your girlfriends (insert hand to forehead emoji).

You find yourself making mistakes

Even little mistakes can signal that you’re headed towards one major disaster—at least if they are constantly disrupting your day. You’re by no means perfect, but everyday tasks that you once praised that you could perform in your sleep are now getting overlooked, which could indicate trouble is on the horizon.

For instance, messing up a project at work that you’ve completed dozens of times before without a misstep is not only unlike you, but a little concerning. Or when you faulted a recipe by using the wrong ingredients (salt instead of sugar, ew!) not only ruined your meal but it could be a result of burnout.

You’re unconventionally clumsy

I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt on this one. We are all kind of clumsy human beings (just ask any employee at the dry cleaners). But when we are stressed, our clumsiness level turns up a notch demonstrating less than ideal mishaps. Exhibit A: You spilled coffee all over yourself this morning (twice!); Exhibit B: You tripped over the curb on the sidewalk while frantically searching for your phone buried at the bottom of your purse. Oy…

You’re skipping things that bring you joy

The best parts of your days were always FaceTimes with your mom and your particularly long showers letting the hot water pour on your back for 15 minutes before lathering up. But lately, you’re repeatedly blowing off your mom (not okay!) and your soothing morning showers turned into you brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and shaving all at once.

You’re having trouble resting

You dream of the Sleeping Beauty you used to be where as soon as your head hit the pillow you fell into a deep slumber for the next 10 hours. Unfortunately, you’ve struggled to maintain this habit while your mind has been inundated with everything you have to do the next day. Even relaxing and watching a movie has you reaching for your laptop halfway through, feeling guilty to take any time to yourself.

You’re slacking on your self-care

If you’re sacrificing anything, don’t let it be your self-care routine. You need to take care of yourself—body and mind, in order to give your best effort into your other tasks. If you can’t remember the last time you gave yourself a proper pedicure, or if your water intake has been way less than the recommended eight glasses a day, you may be slacking on your self-care.

Did you answer yes to any of these signs you’re burning out? If so, it’s time to prioritize yourself, and I’m right there with you. It’s not selfish to focus on ourselves, it’s essential to our well-being.