7 signs you're burning out and what to do about it

Physical, emotional and mental stress and exhaustion can contribute to a state experts call burnout. When this happens, it can cause an enormous amount of dissatisfaction and in severe cases even lead to depression and health problems. If you feel you might be at risk of burning out in your job, here are seven warning signs and some tips on how to overcome them and get back to enjoying your life again.

1. You are constantly tired

If you find yourself wanting to sleep in late every weekend, only to feel like having a nap a couple of hours later, or if you move through your work days in a state of tiredness that reaches all the way into your bones despite having a good night’s sleep, you might be burning out.

2. You are always grumpy

If your natural state these days seems to be generally negative and you find yourself snapping at co-workers or criticizing and complaining more than feels normal for you, it is a good indication that you need to take a step back.

3. You frequently make simple mistakes that you didn't before

The longer you've been doing your job, the more surprising it can be to find yourself suddenly making mistakes at tasks that you once took for granted. It is this lack of attention to detail and inability to concentrate that can clue you in to the fact that you are on your way to burning out.

4. You have the urge to run away

If every other minute you find yourself dreaming of ditching your life and running off to lay on a beach somewhere, you could be in danger of burn out. Likewise, you may simply be going out of your way to avoid certain aspects of your job or your life that make you feel exhausted just thinking about them.

5. You feel like you are stagnating

If you haven't been progressing in your job the way you had hoped and promotions you felt you deserved are going to co-workers who may not have worked as hard as you, it can contribute to a feeling of being 'stuck.'

6. You are doubting yourself too much

If you suddenly find yourself questioning every decision or move you make, wondering if it is the right thing to do, this lack of clarity can signals that you've lost sight of what really drives you.

7. You are getting sick more often

If your health has begun to suffer and you are prone to common ailments like colds and the flu, and you are suffering from headaches that don't seem to ever want to go away, you could be farther down the path of burn out than you initially thought.

If you have any combination of the above warning signs, you should consider taking steps to make some changes in your life. Try one or more of the following:

• Narrow down your to-do list. Burnout can come as a result of overloading your schedule and taking on too many responsibilities.

• Go on a vacation. Taking time off to lay on a beach or ski down a mountain is actually the most reasonable course of action, not an indication that you’re shirking your responsibilities. It’s not reasonable to spend all your life working. If you can't get away on a full vacation, consider a weekend retreat.

• Go out with friends. Treat yourself to an evening out with friends. Quality time over a beautiful dinner and a few drinks can be incredibly restorative.

Zoe Anderson works at StudySelect, Australia's leading education online resource. She’s keen on learning about new digital marketing strategies and startup industry news.