Burnout is the word for long term exhaustion and dissipating interest. It is usually an “overdraft” of your emotional cheque account and is rarely solved by simply taking a holiday.
Burnout is like a ticking clock: an accumulation of moderate to severe stress over a long period of time with potentially dire consequences on your health and well being, business and relationships.
Find out whether you’re toast by answering these 10 questions…
- I find myself feeling fatigued or tired at the end of the day.
- When I wake up after getting a good night’s sleep, I still feel tired or have a sense of dread in the pit of my stomach.
- I’m often a few minutes late, or arrive just on time for appointments.
- It’s been a while since I regularly exercised and I’m not in the same shape I used to be.
- It seems like each day I get further behind with my paperwork and attaining my goals.
- I’m more irritable and less understanding with people these days – and think they might be the real problem.
- I spend less time with my family and friends and often feel like I’m “just going through the motions.”
- I should be accomplishing more and be further ahead by now.
- I’m spending more time with television or using sex, drugs, food, alcohol or some other diversion to make me feel better about my situation.
- I’ve even given some thought to other things I could do besides my current line of work or current relationship.
Adapted from Bill Esteb, Patient Media, Inc.