Spinning too many plates? Signs you're heading towards burnout

Burnout rarely arrives all at once. More often, it creeps up while we're busy spinning plates on any body part we can possibly spin them on (metaphorically speaking, of course), loaded with responsibilities, caring for others, meeting expectations, and trying to keep life running smoothly at home, at work, or both.

When we're so caught up in "the busy", it's easy to miss the warning signs or simply ignore them until we're running on empty and our body finally puts its foot down and says, "Enough is enough!"

Why burnout can be difficult to recognise

One of the reasons burnout can be so difficult to recognise is that many of us have become caught up in a culture where being busy is often seen as a sign of success, productivity, and making the most of life. We've become so accustomed to pushing through that we barely notice the toll it's taking on our well-being.

Of course, for some people, busyness isn't a choice. Life can become overwhelming when caring for a sick loved one, navigating a relationship breakdown, coping with bereavement, managing financial pressures, or facing other major life events. Sometimes it's not just one thing; it's a double or even triple whammy of challenges facing you all at once.

We tell ourselves that things will settle down next week, after the project deadline has been met, once we've found a different job, when the divorce is settled, when the school holidays are over, or when life becomes a little less demanding. And the whens go on and on. Before we know it, exhaustion has become our norm.

What you might notice if you're heading towards burnout

Everyone experiences the lead-up to burnout differently, but here are some common signs to look out for:

Every day feels exhausting

No matter how much sleep you get, you still wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed.

You no longer feel fully present

You feel disconnected from yourself, as though you're physically present but mentally and emotionally absent (a bit ghost-like). You go through the motions of daily life, but you don't really feel engaged in it.

You're crying more often than usual

You find yourself crying because you're overwhelmed and exhausted, often in private where nobody else sees, or unexpectedly in public places where no one knows you. Sometimes it can feel as though the smallest thing tips you over the edge.

Your patience is wearing thin

You find yourself feeling irritable, impatient, or emotionally drained more often than usual. Things that you once wouldn't even blink at now seem to frustrate or overwhelm you, and your tolerance for everyday stresses has slid down the scale; it might even be hovering close to zero.

Even simple decisions feel overwhelming

You struggle to concentrate, stay focused, or make simple decisions. Tasks that would normally feel manageable suddenly seem much harder than they should.

Your eating habits start to change

Your eating habits change, and you might rely more on grab-and-go foods because you don't have the energy or time to plan or prepare healthy meals. You may find yourself reaching for quick comfort foods simply because they're easy.

Even fun things feel like a chore

By the weekend, you're so drained that all you want to do is stay at home and do nothing. Even activities you would normally enjoy can start to feel like just another thing on the to-do list.

You're pulling away from friends and family

You begin to withdraw from friends and family and avoid social situations. Not because you don't care about people, but because you simply don't have the energy to engage.

You're struggling to stay on top of everyday tasks

Household chores start to pile up, and your home feels harder to keep on top of.

You can't seem to catch your breath

You feel as though you're constantly running just to keep up, with no opportunity to slow down or catch your breath. Life can start to feel like an endless treadmill that won't slow down.

You may recognise just one or two of these signs, or perhaps several. What's important is paying attention to what your mind and body are trying to tell you. They’re often the whispers and sometimes shouts telling you that you've been carrying too much for too long without enough opportunity to replenish your energy.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself

It may be time to pause and take stock of how you're really doing. Ask yourself what you need right now, rather than what everyone else needs from you. It may be that you need additional help, or simply permission to slow down for a while.

Burnout rarely happens overnight. By paying attention to those early warning signs, you can take steps to protect your well-being. Seeking appropriate support can help you gain clarity, address the sources of stress, and begin moving towards a healthier, more sustainable way of living.