When we’re burned out, we often describe it as a feeling of fatigue and a shortage of curiosity in the things that generally bring us joy. I was experiencing burnout, but I didn’t recognize that’s what it was for quite some time. I tried to ignore the symptoms, but they began to impact my mental health negatively. Unfortunately, I was too tired to acknowledge it.
Initially, I was driven and enthusiastic about my interests, hobbies, and education. But ultimately, my desire to graduate was overshadowed by my burnout and overall fatigue.
If you’re feeling burned out, it’s likely also affecting your work. It’s essential to recognize the signs and take steps to address them.
The thing about burnout is that it often comes with cynicism and harmful sentiments about oneself.
I felt like nothing mattered anymore. I was disappointed with everything, and the stress from school and trying to establish myself as a writer became too much. I’ve lost faith in my abilities, especially as the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree in my chosen major. The entire experience has been exhausting, and I’m now feeling a general sense of dismay. And it’s hard to cope with.
I’ve also found it hard to get enough rest when dealing with burnout. In fact, I began to rely heavily on melatonin to get a good night’s rest.
Research shows that getting less than six hours of sleep each night is a significant risk factor for burnout. Sleep deprivation can also harm your work performance and productivity. So, it can either trigger your burnout or make it worse.
Insufficient sleep can have life-threatening consequences, particularly for someone like me who already struggles with depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep can exacerbate everyday stress and make prioritizing important tasks and needs harder. Conversely, getting enough sleep can boost memory and cognitive function, making it incredibly important.
When experiencing burnout, I tend to spend a lot of time worrying, as I’m sure many of you are reading this. As I write this, my mind is racing with worries and concerns. Overthinking can be challenging to manage, leading to missed opportunities. Thankfully, technology, whiteboards, notebooks, and supportive people can help keep me on track. So, it’s important to remember that there are always ways to help manage this type of stress and overthinking.
Feeling burned out can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Recognizing and addressing the symptoms and causes can help you recover and prevent future burnout. What’s more, accepting that burnout happens sometimes can catalyze positive change, leading you toward a more sustainable, fulfilling career and healthier life.
Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on Unsplash
