Are you experiencing burnout or do you need a nap?
When I think about the term “burnout,” I imagine an annoying person that comes to visit for a few days, then decides to stay, move-in and ruin my life. All without ever being invited.
People may feel burnout in different ways and levels of severity. One attribute that is commonly noted, is that burnout slowly creeps through your system before it officially takes up residence and takes over. It becomes the roommate your brain and body never asked for and is difficult to evict.
“I Don’t Wanna” Becomes “I Can’t”
I remember my niece as a toddler hitting her I Don’t Wanna Stage. She didn’t wanna leave the toy store. She didn’t wanna eat her vegetables. She didn’t wanna brush her teeth. On and on and on… These were things that were necessary for her to do, but – she didn’t wanna.
I remember my niece as a toddler hitting her I Don’t Wanna Stage. She didn’t wanna leave the toy store. She didn’t wanna eat her vegetables. She didn’t wanna brush her teeth. On and on and on… These were things that were necessary for her to do, but – she didn’t wanna.
We all know one of those kids, right? Let’s be honest: we have all been that kid AND have also been that adult. (I have definitely been that adult, complete with a foot stomp.)
I equate the “I don’t wanna” with being tired, even a lazy feeling. Sometimes it feels like a simmering temper-tantrum.
When the “I don’t wanna” becomes the “I can’t,” you may have reached burnout territory. You physically can’t get out of bed, make yourself go to work, or do that task that you have come to dread. No amount of pleading, begging, or money will summon up a hidden well of motivation and energy to push you to act. None.
Let me walk through that again: If you don’t “feel” like doing something or going somewhere, you are tired. If you physically cannot force your mind and body to work, that’s burnout.
Isn’t That Called Depression?
Yes and no. Symptoms of burnout and symptoms of depression are similar. You will even experience bouts of depression while fighting burnout. (I know, super-helpful.)
Here is the difference: Burnout is usually targeted towards work and is caused by chronic stress.
No Welcome Party For the New Roommate
As someone recovering from burnout, here is my “official” definition and description:
On a simple level, someone who is experiencing burnout may feel tired, uninspired, unmotivated, and/or “not in it to win it.” On a deeper level, burnout can feel like impending doom, dread, hatred, disdain, or literally physically unable to get work done. Your body is in a constant state of stress, anxiety, and experiencing “fight or flight” responses to nearly everything. All of these feelings are usually related to your business/job and the responsibility that goes along with it.
Burnout is living with you day in and day out. When it is in full-force, it affects every inch of your life: what you eat, what you wear, who you talk to and how, it swallows your creativity, and spits back out ideas that are unrecognizable to the Old You.
And, as if we aren’t having enough fun with this new roommate, burnout can have long-term affects on your memory and attention spans.
Trigger Warning
I always felt like I should walk around with a sign that said: Easily Triggered. No Control Over Emotions.
… Because it was true. I could go from zero to pissed off in less than 2 seconds. Sometimes over nothing. Some might consider my speed impressive, while I scared the crap out of others.
And, the crying – I remember thinking, “who the hell is this person?” Then my anxiety would kick in, praying no on saw me well up with tears or heard my voice catch.
You’re No Life of the Party
When you’re burned out, you’re more of a Betty Buzzkill. Nothing’s fun or pleasurable. Other signs of burnout can include:
- Absolutely miserable in your job
- Exhausted (all of the time, around the clock)
- Insomnia
- Nearly constant anxiety and “fight or flight” response
- Cynical
- Problems seem insurmountable, feeling of overwhelm
- Hard to find the energy to care
- Unhappy
- Detached from important relationships
- Feelings of helplessness
- Resentful
- Loss of appetite
But it’s not forever. I promise.
If you are experiencing burnout and/or depression, please consult a licensed, medical professional. The information contained within The Witty Entrepreneur blog and website is not a substitute for medical care.
