Burnout can steal the joy from your life and make you feel like an empty shell of your former self. If you are feeling inexplicably exhausted, uninspired and questioning the value of the work you do, you may be suffering from burnout.

Recognizing burnout

Burnout is composed of multiple strands:

• Emotional exhaustion leaves you feeling overwhelmed, drained and unable to cope.
• Detachment and cynicism have you questioning the value of your (and others’) workplace contributions.
• Trouble focusing and a lack of motivation result in reduced workplace performance.

If you find yourself feeling irritated and annoyed at others, withdrawing from friends and activities you once enjoyed, feeling disillusioned about work, having trouble sleeping or suffering from other physical complaints, you may be experiencing burnout. Don’t try to sweep these feelings under the carpet or “power through.” If not addressed, burnout can lead to isolation, depression and other serious consequences.

Learning from burnout

Burnout is a serious message from your soul to your brain — it’s worth listening to and learning from.

As therapists advise, “Remember your why.” If work has become rote and routine, you may have been doing the same job for years and need to rethink ways to bring energy and new approaches to the work or you may have lost sight of your deeper sense of purpose. Why did you choose this career to begin with, what excited you about it and how does it align with your values?

Try approaching the challenge by writing down the things you love about your job or your general field of work. Revisit moments when you have felt good about your work. Next, strategize ways to cope with the stressors you can’t control. Write down the issues that bother you. You may find some of the solutions you’re seeking through this simple exercise.

Think deeply about whether there is a related job at your workplace you might prefer. Do you want to transition to a different role in your field or change fields? These are questions to take seriously. Don’t make an impulsive change. By taking the time to address the issues you encounter, you may find a solution you hadn’t anticipated.

Whatever job you do, it’s important to prioritize rest and recovery. Burnout can result from overwork and neglect of self-care. Focus on creating healthy boundaries, saying “no” where appropriate and paring down or eliminating nonessential tasks. Remember, you can bring the same habits of workaholism, poor diet and poor sleep hygiene to whatever job you do. Our bodies and minds need time to recharge.

Finding the joy

Spend a few minutes every day writing a gratitude journal. Appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life: a cup of coffee, a walk on a beautiful day, a phone call or time with a friend.

Work can be especially stressful for those who are new to their role. Don’t forget to speak up and ask for support and advice from your colleagues and friends! For newcomers and old-timers alike, building your network of support, both inside and outside the workplace, can bring huge benefits.

“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” — Banksy