Whilst juggling career, family and personal life, women face a risk of burnout. While the classic signs of burnout such as exhaustion and lack of motivation are well-documented, there are several subtle symptoms are often overlooked. Recognizing these lesser-known signs is crucial for women to prioritize their mental and physical health.
1. Changes in Eating Habits:
Stress and burnout can disrupt your eating patterns in various ways. Some individuals may experience a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss, while others may turn to food for comfort and exhibit emotional eating habits. Have you had a significant change in eating habits from before? Pay attention to any significant changes in your relationship with food as it could indicate underlying burnout.
2. Neglecting Self-Care:
Burnout can lead to neglecting one’s own needs or personal time- for example— Skipping meals, doing less exercise/ forgoing exercise, or sacrificing personal time. It is improtant to recognise the importance of setting boundaries, and setting time aside for self care.
3. Difficulty Concentrating:
Burnout can make it challenging for one to focus, retain information, or make important decisions. If you have been experiencing these symptoms lately, it may be a sign that you are facing burnout.
4. Perfectionism and Self-Criticism:
Some of us may hold ourselves to high standards both in the personal and professional realm, and burnout can exacerbate these tendencies. This then leads to a cycle of unrealistic expectations and harsh self-judgment which is unhelpful!
5. Increased Cynicism Towards Work and Life:
While cynicism is a well-known symptom of burnout, it may be dismissed as a normal reaction to stress. However, if you find yourself consistently feeling detached, cynical towards your work, relationships, or life in general, it could be a warning sign of burnout that needs to be addressed.
In summary, it is essential to recognize the subtler signs of burnout; so that we are able to effectively manage burnout at an earlier stage.
