Burnout symptoms: How to recognize the warning signs in good time

Do you constantly feel exhausted, empty inside or simply "no longer yourself"? Maybe it's more than just stress. In this article, you will learn how to recognize burnout symptoms early on, what they mean and how you can free yourself from exhaustion mode.

What is burnout really? And why is it affecting more and more people?

Burnout describes a state of deep exhaustion on an emotional, mental and physical level. The causes are varied - excessive responsibility, lack of rest and internal pressure often play a role. If you would like to find out more about the causes, progression and scientific background, you can find all the information in the Main article on the topic of burnout.

In this article, we focus on recognizing burnout symptoms at an early stage - a crucial step to avoid falling into the exhaustion spiral.

The 12 most common burnout symptoms - and what they want to tell you

Burnout is not a sudden breakdown, but a gradual development. It often begins with seemingly harmless signs that are easily overlooked in hectic everyday life. This is precisely where the danger lies: the longer the warning signs are ignored, the more serious the condition can become.

Here are the most common warning signs you should look out for:

1. Chronic exhaustionYou are tired, no matter how much you sleep.
2. Inner VoidEverything seems pointless, even tasks you used to love.
3. Feelings of being overwhelmedEven the little things stress you out.
4. Concentration problems: Your focus wanes, thoughts spin.
5. Irritability & mood swings: You get annoyed quickly.
6. WithdrawalYou avoid social contacts and conversations.
7. Physical symptomsHeadaches, tension, sleep problems.
8. Pessimism & cynicism: You think nothing is any good anymore.
9. Declining performance: No results despite efforts.
10. Loss of joy & motivationEverything feels heavy.
11. Feelings of guilt & self-doubt: You blame yourself.
12. Escape into substitute actionsMore alcohol, food, TV or social media.

Do you recognize yourself in several points? Then it's time to take a look.

Burnout or just stress? The subtle difference

Stress goes away when the strain eases. Burnout remains.

Burnout is typically characterized by a feeling of permanent exhaustion that doesn't get better even after a weekend off or a vacation. You wake up in the morning and feel just as tired as you did the night before. Everything you used to find easy or enjoyable now seems like a huge hurdle.

While short-term stress can even spur you on and inspire you, burnout has the exact opposite effect: it gradually robs you of all energy, motivation and motivation. Joie de vivre. It's as if your inner fire is slowly going out without you consciously realizing it - until at some point nothing works anymore.

Take the free burnout test

Want to find out whether you are affected by burnout? Then use our Burnout test.

It provides you with an initial assessment of your stress level and shows you what you can do now.

What to do with burnout symptoms? First steps towards self-help

As soon as you notice the first symptoms of burnout, it's important not to wait any longer. This is because you have the best chance of taking countermeasures and regaining your balance, especially at the beginning. You don't have to turn your whole life upside down to do this - small but conscious steps are often enough to make a difference.

If you notice the first warning signs, you can do something immediately:

• Talk to trusted people - You don't have to go through it alone.
• Reduce obligationswhere possible.
• Create conscious breaks in everyday life, even if they are small.
• Exercise regularlypreferably in nature.
• Find an inspiring Morning Routinethat strengthens you.

And above all: take your exhaustion seriously. It is a sign from your body that you should not ignore.

Inspiration for your way out of burnout

The 12 typical burnout symptoms are more than just warning signs. They are your compass that shows you: things can't go on like this.

If you recognize yourself in this, the most important step is to pay attention to yourself - and take action. Our free burnout test helps you to understand how you really feel.

Recognize the signs. Take them seriously. And start your way out of exhaustion - towards more energyclarity and joie de vivre.