Burnout is the modern term we use to describe physical and emotional exhaustion.

We all get overworked and tired every so often, but burnout is more than just tiredness. Burnout is worse, and it occurs when stress reaches chronic proportions and has a detrimental effect on other areas of your life. 

Among the signs of burnout are chronic exhaustion, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, poor self-care such as a poor diet and lack of exercise. Worse, you are likely to experience repeated periods of emotional distress, such as anxiety, low mood, or outbursts of anger. 

Other tell-tale signs include feelings of being disconnected from and arguing with people around you. You may also find yourself procrastinating over even the smallest tasks because they now feel overwhelming.

Failing to prioritise self-care — and that includes getting enough sleep, exercise and a healthy diet is sooner or later going to lead to sleep deprivation… despite your own physical and emotional exhaustion.

If you notice your performance at work going downhill, even though you feel you‘re working harder than ever, you may also start feeling disconnected from the people you are close to and struggle to get along with them as well as you normally do. You might even find yourself arguing with your partner or your friends. 

Eventually, physical and emotional exhaustion will lead to constant tiredness and unable to sleep at night.