Burnout Signs & Prevention

What It Feels Like

Burnout may appear as:

• Physical: fatigue, frequent headaches, poor sleep, or illness due to low immunity
• Emotional: irritability, low mood, or feeling detached from work or colleagues
• Mental: difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or loss of creativity
• Behavioural: withdrawing, procrastinating, or loss of motivation to perform tasks

Everyday Tools & Practical Tips

Steps to reduce risk of burnout:

• Breaks: take regular pauses to reset energy and perspective
• Boundaries: create clear separation between work and personal life
• Self-care: prioritise sleep, balanced meals, and movement to restore energy
• Support: talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors about workload stress
• Organisation: use time-management tools to prevent overwhelm

Longer-Term Approaches

Sustaining prevention strategies:

• Reflection: check in with yourself regularly for signs of stress or depletion
• Lifestyle balance: ensure time for hobbies, relationships, and rest outside work
• Communication: clarify workload expectations with managers or teams
• Support: Wellbeing Solutions’ EAP offers confidential support for managing stress and building resilience
• Mindset: shift focus from perfectionism to realistic achievement and balance

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek guidance if:

• Exhaustion or low mood persists despite rest and self-care
• You struggle to meet daily responsibilities due to fatigue or stress
• Emotional detachment or hopelessness affects your outlook on work and life
• You need tailored strategies for recovery from burnout

Moving Forward

Burnout is preventable and manageable with awareness and balance. By recognising the signs early, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed, you can protect your wellbeing and thrive in your work environment.