Quick Answer:
The three core signs of burnout are exhaustion that rest doesn't fix, cynicism or detachment from work and life, and reduced performance. Other signs include dread, irritability, trouble concentrating, physical symptoms, and withdrawing from people. Burnout builds gradually from chronic, unrelieved stress.
The Core Signs
- Exhaustion — deep fatigue that sleep and time off don't fix.
- Cynicism / detachment — feeling numb, negative, or disconnected from things you used to care about.
- Reduced performance — struggling to concentrate, feeling ineffective, everything taking more effort.
Other Warning Signs
Dread about the day ahead, irritability, physical symptoms (headaches, gut issues, getting sick often), loss of motivation, and withdrawing from friends and family. Many people also can't switch off or enjoy their downtime.
Burnout vs Ordinary Stress
Stress is "too much" — you're over-engaged and wired. Burnout is "empty" — you're disengaged and drained. The key difference is recovery: with stress you still bounce back; with burnout, rest stops working. Not sure where you are? Take our Are You Close to Burnout? quiz.
What Helps
Rebuild real recovery and boundaries — and get support, because burnout rarely lifts on willpower alone. Online-Therapy.com offers CBT to rebuild coping and boundaries from $48/week. See can therapy help with burnout?
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