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Burnout arises when individuals face prolonged stress. They feel frustrated, unmotivated, and unwilling to return to the work they previously enjoyed. Burnout can also affect personal life. It's a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by sustained or repeated stress, primarily originating from work, but can also stem from other areas like parenting, caregiving, or relationships.
The body can exhibit various signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue where daily activities feel overwhelming, and there's a lack of energy and alertness, along with persistent headaches, neck, shoulder, or back pain. Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested, are also common. Additionally, changes in appetite and digestive issues, such as loss of appetite or overeating, can occur as coping mechanisms.
Frequent digestive issues like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort can be signs of burnout. Increased susceptibility to illnesses like colds or infections may indicate a weakened immune system due to prolonged stress and fatigue. Avoiding work, social interactions, and isolating oneself are common during burnout. Procrastination and difficulty meeting deadlines, along with memory lapses and trouble completing tasks, are also typical symptoms.