You’re exhausted, frustrated, and can’t seem to focus anymore. You must be burned out.
Does this sound like you? If you’re constantly drained, snapping at small things, and struggling to stay on top of your tasks, these aren’t just normal work stressors—they’re major red flags. Burnout doesn’t hit all at once. It builds slowly, creeping into your everyday life until you’re overwhelmed and unable to function like you used to. Recently, I watched a TikTok video posted by our CEO, Edwin Ebreo, about the 9 signs of burnout at work, and it hit me hard. As I reflect on it, I realize just how common these signs are among employees, especially in the Philippines. In this article, I’ll break down those 9 signs and what you can do if you’re feeling the weight of burnout too.
9 Signs You’re Burned Out at Work
Feeling physically and emotionally drained
Every day feels like a struggle, and you’re just too tired—both mentally and physically—to keep going at the same pace.
Frustration or anger over small tasks
What used to be manageable now makes you feel on edge. Simple tasks suddenly feel overwhelming, and you find yourself getting frustrated or angry more often.
Struggling to focus
If your mind keeps wandering, your memory isn’t what it used to be, or you’re making mistakes more often, burnout could be a reason.
Procrastinating and feeling inefficient
You’re finding it hard to start or finish tasks, or maybe you’re just putting them off. Things that used to take an hour now take much longer.
Feeling emotionally distant from work
If you’ve stopped caring about your work or no longer feel connected to what you do, it could be a sign that you’re emotionally detaching because of burnout.
Developing a negative outlook
You might notice you’re feeling more negative toward your work, your colleagues, or even the entire organization. Nothing seems good enough anymore.
Recurring headaches, stomach issues, and stress
Your body is speaking to you—frequent headaches, stomach problems, and general stress are signs that something’s not right.
Needing more time off
If you’re constantly feeling the urge to take a break or call in sick just to escape the stress, you could be in burnout territory.
Difficulty falling asleep
Despite feeling tired all the time, you might find it hard to sleep because your mind won’t shut off.
Why is This Happening?
There are several reasons why employees end up feeling this way:
- High demands and expectations
- Role overload (too many responsibilities at once)
- Constant time pressure
- The complexity of decision-making
- Isolation, whether from colleagues or working remotely
- Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
When we don’t address burnout, we sometimes turn to bad habits:
- Working longer hours, thinking more effort will solve the problem
- Emotional eating or alcohol consumption
- Procrastination
- Detaching from personal relationships
How to Deal with Burnout in a Healthy Way
There’s no quick fix for burnout, but these steps can help you manage it and get back on track:
- Prioritize self-care: Take time to exercise, meditate, or try new experiences. Your well-being should come first.
- Set boundaries: Create a clear line between your work and personal time. Once your workday ends, step away from your tasks and recharge.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to talk to your colleagues, friends, or family about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to handle it alone.
- Time management and delegation: Learn to manage your time better and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks when possible.
- Explore other options: If the situation feels unmanageable, it may be time to consider other career paths or roles within the company or simply find an alternative routine that will help you to ease the feeling.
Mental health isn’t something we should think about only during certain months—it’s something we need to care for all year long. Work and life can get stressful, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so making our mental well-being a priority matters. Whether that means talking with a friend, setting boundaries, or taking a break when we need it, looking after ourselves is essential. Companies can help too, by offering support like counseling or other mental health resources. Let’s keep an eye out for each other and create a culture where caring for our minds is as natural as caring for our bodies.
About the Author
Kristine Andrade, a dynamic Sales Associate at ExeQserve Corporation, excels in team dynamics and interpersonal relationships. With a keen understanding of Filipino values, she leverages her unique perspective to enhance client relationships and achieve sales objectives. Kristine’s sharp insights and relentless dedication position her as a promising talent in the competitive sales industry.
