We all have stressful days at work. However, if you wake up most mornings already dreading the day ahead, or you feel like you’re just going through the motions, you might be dealing with burnout.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. Instead, it means you’ve been carrying too much for too long, and your mind and body are asking for a reset.
What Exactly Is Burnout?
Burnout is what happens when chronic stress at work gradually piles up over time. It’s not just “being tired.” Rather, it’s a deeper sense of exhaustion that can affect your mood, motivation, and even your physical health.
In fact, researchers describe burnout in three ways:
- Emotional exhaustion – You feel drained, like your energy tank is empty.
- Mental distance or cynicism – You start feeling disconnected from your job or even resentful.
- Reduced effectiveness – Tasks that used to feel easy now feel overwhelming.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Burnout is incredibly common, especially in high-pressure roles.
Signs You Might Be Burned Out
Burnout can look different for everyone. For example, here are some common signs:
- You’re exhausted no matter how much you sleep
- You’ve lost interest in work you once enjoyed
- You feel anxious or down most days
- Headaches, stomach issues, or other stress-related symptoms
- You’re eating more (or less) than usual
- You feel resentful or hopeless about work
- Motivation? Gone. Self-doubt? Sky-high.
If you’re nodding along, this might be your sign to pause and check in with yourself.
Why Does Burnout Happen? 6 Common Drivers
Dr. Christina Maslach, a leading burnout researcher, found six factors that often lead to burnout. Understanding these drivers can help you figure out what’s really going on:
- Workload – Too much to do, not enough time or support
- Lack of control – Feeling powerless over decisions that affect your job
- Not enough recognition – Working hard but feeling invisible
- Toxic workplace dynamics – Conflict, bullying, or feeling emotionally unsafe
- Unfair treatment – When things feel biased or unjust, cynicism grows
- Values mismatch – If your work doesn’t align with what matters to you, it’s draining
How to Check Your Burnout Level
Curious where you stand? The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is a well-known tool for assessing burnout:
Maslach Burnout Inventory PDF
What Can You Do About It?
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. On the contrary, there are steps you can take to start feeling better:
- Pause and reflect – Which symptoms do you notice? Which drivers feel most relevant?
- Set boundaries – Protect your time and energy where you can
- Reach out – Talk to a therapist or someone you trust
- Reconnect with meaning – What matters most to you? How can you bring more of that into your life?
Self-Reflection
- Which signs of burnout feel familiar to you?
- What’s one small change you could make this week to feel more supported?
Final Thoughts
Burnout can feel overwhelming, but it’s not permanent—and you don’t have to face it alone. By noticing the signs early and understanding what’s driving your stress, you can start making small, meaningful changes that restore your energy and sense of balance.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, reaching out for support can make all the difference. I offer online therapy sessions designed to help you manage stress, reconnect with your values, and feel more grounded.
Useful Links
- Burnout Recovery: 11 Strategies to Help You Reset
- How to Measure Burnout Accurately and Ethically
- How to Recover from Burnout
Free Virtual Consultation
Therapy can be a safe space to work on having a more mindful approach our inner experience. If this post resonated, and you find that cognitive distortions are affecting your well-being feel free to reach out to schedule a FREE consultation.
