Recognising Burnout: Early Signs and How Coaching Can Help you.

Burnout is a serious issue that can affect anyone, especially in a toxic work environment. Recognising burnout in ourselves or our people is an essential skill for senior leaders, and this blog offers helpful hints and tips.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, where we are available almost 24/7/365, burnout is a word you hear more and more often, and I have personally experienced it. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple responsibilities can affect anyone’s mental and physical well-being.

Sadly, many people are labelled inappropriately when they raise their hands and say enough is enough. Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of resilience; it’s a natural response to prolonged stress and indicates it’s time to prioritise your well-being.

Recognising the early signs of burnout is crucial in preventing it from escalating into a more severe problem, and understanding how coaching can provide support during these challenging times can be a game-changer in maintaining your health, productivity and personal relationships.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day, nor is it being a bit stressed at work. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Burnout can impact every aspect of your life, decreasing job satisfaction and performance, as well as your relationships and overall well-being. If left unchecked, it can result in severe health issues, including depression and anxiety. It can also impact your libido and your relationships, leading to a horrid and vicious circle where you don’t feel safe or valued at work or home.

Spotting the First Signs of Burnout

Recognising the early warning signs of burnout is the first step in addressing it before it spirals out of control. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

1. Persistent Fatigue: One of the earliest signs of burnout is feeling constantly drained, even after a whole night’s sleep. If you wake up tired or exhausted by mid-day, it might be more than regular tiredness.

2. Increased Irritability: Burnout can make you more irritable or short-tempered than usual. You might get annoyed over small things or struggle to maintain patience with colleagues, friends, or family.

3. Difficulty Concentrating: If you’re having trouble focusing on tasks, forgetting things quickly, or struggling to make decisions, it could be an early sign of burnout. This cognitive overload results from your brain being overworked and underrested.

4. Loss of Motivation: A decline in motivation and enthusiasm for work is a classic sign of burnout. If tasks that used to excite you now feel like a burden, or if you’re struggling to find purpose in your work, it’s time to take notice.

5. Detachment and Isolation: Burnout can lead to feelings of detachment, causing you to withdraw from social interactions or feel disconnected from your work and colleagues. This isolation can further exacerbate feelings of burnout.

6. Low Libido: When you're burned out, your body is constantly stressed, which can lead to hormonal imbalances. This can result in a reduced libido as your body prioritises survival over sexual desire. Stress and exhaustion can also diminish your energy and motivation, affecting your interest in intimacy.

7. Personal Relationships: Burnout can strain relationships by making you more irritable, less communicative, and less emotionally available. The exhaustion and frustration from burnout can lead to conflicts or distance from loved ones, as you may struggle to find the emotional bandwidth to maintain connections.

8. Physical Symptoms: Burnout often manifests physically. Watch for symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, muscle pain, or frequent illness, as stress can weaken your immune system.

My burnout came in the form of a debilitating jaw injury called TMJD, which developed due to me clenching my jaw severely in my sleep. The pain was excruciating; I struggled to eat. I completely missed all the signs and believed that being resilient in a challenging situation was my strength – oh, how wrong I was.

How Coaching Can Help Combat Burnout

When you recognise the early signs of burnout, it’s essential to take action to address it. One practical approach is through coaching. Here’s how I can help:

1. Providing a Safe Space: I offer a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can express your concerns and feelings. This alone can be a huge relief when dealing with burnout, as it allows you to release built-up stress.

2. Identifying the Root Causes: Through listening, questioning and exercises, I will help you dig deeper to identify the underlying causes of your burnout. Whether it’s workload, lack of support, or unrealistic expectations, understanding the root of the problem is key to finding solutions.

3. Developing Coping Strategies: I will work with you to create personalised strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout. This might include time management techniques, boundary setting, or relaxation practices that fit your lifestyle.

4. Encouraging Work-Life Balance: Burnout often results from an imbalance between work and personal life. I can help you establish and maintain a healthier balance, ensuring you have time for rest, hobbies, and relationships.

5. Building Resilience: Coaching focuses on building your resilience so that you can better handle stress and prevent burnout in the future. You’ll develop the tools and mindset needed to navigate challenges more easily through coaching.

6. Goal Setting and Accountability: I will help you set realistic, achievable goals and hold you accountable for following through. This structured approach can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and ensure steady progress towards recovery.

Working with you and understanding what you are going through, I will help you address immediate concerns and fears. I will also help you develop the skills and strategies you need to maintain long-term well-being and productivity. Remember, it’s not just about surviving work; it’s about thriving in your career and life.