Reaching Your Wits’ End? 7 Signs of Burnout

Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Whether it stems from work, caregiving, or trying to juggle too many responsibilities at once, burnout can creep in slowly and silently. Many people ignore the early warning signs, brushing them off as “just being busy” or “a rough week,” but left unchecked, burnout can lead to serious health and emotional consequences.

Read on to explore the 7 key signs that you might be reaching your wits’ end—and what to do about it.

1. Chronic Exhaustion

The most common and telling sign of burnout is constant fatigue. It’s more than being tired after a late night; it’s a deep, lingering exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. You might wake up feeling just as drained as when you went to bed, struggling to find the energy to face the day. This type of fatigue affects both your body and your mind—making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.

What to do:

If you feel perpetually exhausted, it’s a signal to slow down. Prioritize rest, take breaks during the day, and examine your schedule to see where you can cut back.

2. Loss of Motivation

You used to be passionate and driven—now you feel indifferent or unmotivated. You might find yourself going through the motions at work or in your personal life, with little enthusiasm. Even activities you once enjoyed feel like a burden.

What to do:

Try reconnecting with what originally inspired you. Take time to reflect on your goals, and consider if you’re still aligned with them. It may also be time to reassess your environment or workload.

3. Irritability and Mood Swings

Are you snapping at loved ones over small things? Feeling emotionally reactive or on edge more than usual? Burnout often shortens your fuse. Constant stress wears down your patience and emotional resilience, leaving you prone to irritability, frustration, or even sudden mood swings.

What to do:

Take a step back and assess your emotional state. Consider practices like mindfulness, journaling, or talking to a therapist to help regulate your emotions and reduce reactivity.

4. Cognitive Fog and Forgetfulness

When burnout takes hold, your brain goes into overload. You might struggle with memory, concentration, or decision-making. Things you normally find simple—like responding to emails or planning your day—can become confusing or stressful.

What to do:

Cognitive fog is a sign that your brain needs a break. Reduce multitasking, take time off if possible, and engage in brain-friendly habits like hydration, adequate sleep, and limiting screen time.

5. Neglecting Self-Care

When you’re burnt out, your usual self-care habits often fall by the wayside. You might skip meals, avoid exercise, neglect personal hygiene, or rely heavily on junk food and caffeine to keep going. You stop doing the things that make you feel good or recharge your batteries.

What to do:

Reintroduce small self-care rituals into your day. Even five minutes of stretching, a short walk, or preparing a healthy meal can help reset your system and restore a sense of control.

6. Increased Cynicism and Disconnection

If you’re starting to feel detached from your work, your relationships, or even yourself, burnout may be to blame. A sense of emotional numbness or growing cynicism—especially in areas you once cared about deeply—can signal that you’ve reached emotional depletion.

What to do:

Connection is key. Reach out to a friend, colleague, or counselor and talk about what you’re feeling. Human connection can be a powerful antidote to the isolation burnout brings.

7. Physical Symptoms and Illness

Burnout doesn’t just affect your mental state—it shows up in your body too. You might experience headaches, stomach issues, muscle pain, frequent colds, or changes in appetite and sleep. Chronic stress weakens the immune system and puts strain on nearly every system in the body.

What to do:

Listen to your body. If you notice recurring physical symptoms, it’s time to take them seriously. See a healthcare provider if needed and adopt habits that support physical recovery, such as hydration, gentle movement, and rest.

Moving Forward: Recovering From Burnout

Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step toward recovery. The next step is creating space in your life to heal and recalibrate. Here are a few simple but effective ways to begin your burnout recovery:

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without guilt. Protect your time and energy.

Ask for Help: Whether it's delegating tasks or seeking professional support, you don't have to do everything alone.

Take Time Off: If possible, step away from work or stressors for a few days to reset.

Re-evaluate Priorities: Not everything needs to be urgent. Focus on what truly matters to you.

Practice Gratitude: Small moments of gratitude can shift your perspective and help rebuild positivity.

Treat Yourself: Having a simple luxury every week that brings relaxation and mental space can do you a world of good. Consider a session in the EESystem (book here) or an at-home treatment/product (shop here).

Last thoughts: Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds slowly, fueled by chronic stress and unchecked responsibilities. But by learning to recognize the signs early, you can take meaningful steps to prevent it from taking over your life. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or physically drained, listen to those signals. Your well-being matters, and you deserve the time, care, and space to restore it. Healing from burnout is not only possible—it’s essential for a balanced, fulfilling life.

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