Burnout can affect anybody at any time and may affect both the body and the brain. Burnout is also very common in healthcare workers and according to the 2022 NHS workforce survey, more than a third of healthcare workers reported feeling burned-out at work.

It is important to understand the causes of burnout and to look out for the symptoms that can be associated with it in order to catch it before it reaches its peak. That is why we have listed some of the common signs of burnout and ways you can deal with it.

Common signs of burnout

  • Feeling tired – A common symptom of burnout is feeling extremely tired and worn out both physically and mentally. Persistent tiredness is unlikely to be relieved by rest, leaving you feeling overwhelmed with low energy.
  • Low commitment to work – Burnout can lead to feeling less committed to work and little desire to perform how you usually would.
  • Battling self-doubt – The underlying belief of not being good enough can decrease your confidence in your work and you may find yourself debating your ability to do your job.
  • Turning cynical – Due to becoming burnt out, you may become cynical and your outlook on different situations may change whilst becoming distrustful of others.
  • Feeling defeated – You may start to feel like you aren’t achieving anything and that nothing is going right.
  • Reduced performance and productivity – You may find that you have become less productive in work and your personal life and are not performing at your top ability.
  • Physical symptoms – Common physical symptoms related to burnout are headaches and migraines, back pain, skin issues and general feeling of being run down.

How to deal with burnout

Reach out and socialise

Socialisation allows you to feel a sense of safety, security and belonging at a time where you are feeling low. Socialising helps to increase a hormone that lowers your anxiety levels and in turn makes you feel more confident in your ability to cope with stressors.

Prioritise self-care

Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. Ensuring you are well rested, eating the right food to fuel your body and taking care of your mental health.

Set boundaries
  • Set aside time each day to disconnect from your phone, computer and social media
  • Don’t overextend yourself, if you don’t have the time, say no and reschedule
  • Try to switch off from work when you are home and outside of your working hours

To ensure you can prioritise supporting your mental health, we have a variety of temporary roles available to suit round your needs, so take a look here to view our latest roles.

Or if you would rather, you can simply register your CV and we’ll be in touch to help you find the perfect job for you.