Three unexpected early warning signs you're suffering from burnout and need to take action

Suffering from exhaustion is part of modern life. Now an expert has given three signs to have on your radar of tiredness becoming a full-blown burnout

A expert in health has given the warning signs of burn-out which will tell you when you need to take urgent action.

Stress from work, long hours and financial pressures from the cost of living can leave us all feeling exhausted. World conflicts and returning to ‘normal’ after Covid restrictions were lifted have left many people feeling stressed out and anxious. But when does exhaustion become a full-blown burnout? Health experts say there are red flags and warning signs which people can you can look out for. Dr Megan Jones Bell, former chief science officer at Headspace, highlighted the three warning signs to be aware of.

1. Fatigue

She says the most immediate indicator of a burnout is a drop in energy levels during the day, so it's vital to know what our ‘normal’ energy levels are. Normal energy levels are a signal about health, frankly and people should ask themselves: "Am I feeling more tired?" Dr Jones Bell said she notices when she sighs a lot and speaks about how she is feeling tired or has more caffeinated drinks at a certain times She told Stylist: “There are lots of behavioural cues – it might be that you’re starting to sigh, it might be that you’re walking towards the coffee or tea more often, but it’s in our energy. Our energy is a very clear indicator of your mental and physical load.”

2. Sleep disturbance

This can be another indication that something is going on and could be a burnout red flag. If you are struggling to fall asleep or wake up and don’t feel well rested. Quality of sleep is important more than quantity, but having fewer sleep hours than normal can be a sign of burnout. Dr Bell added: “There is a direct relationship between daytime stress and difficulty falling asleep, and that’s actually why meditation and mindful practices can help people sleep better, because managing daytime stress is a huge opportunity in terms of improving your night-time experience.”

3. Feeling flat

Our bodies can be affected by burnout and lead to feeling low which is another key indicator. Dr Jones Bell said a low mood can begin by "feeling flat" and we can start to lose our enjoyment in things which would normally bring us pleasure. She added: "When I get like this I feel more inclined to isolate myself and not go out with friends even though that is something that is, in general, pleasurable for me." The health expert admitted she retreats into her shell, does fewer things, and spends more time at home asleep. Tell-tale signs she says are when you are not involved in being more involved in doing things. She added: “Look out for whether you’re engaged in more passive activities than active activities."