Five physical signs of burnout you might not be aware of

You’re likely already familiar with the mental signs of burnout.

You are aware of the typical symptoms, such as impatience, numbness, difficulty making decisions, complete overload, and other unpleasant symptoms.

What about the physical indications and symptoms, which frequently serve as early indicators that total burnout is imminent?

Many of us lack the necessary knowledge in this area, which can result in our failing to recognize our predicament until it is too late.

Private rehab center Delamere lists a few less well-known bodily indicators of impending burnout to assist us.

Headaches
Don’t just take some pills and think you’re good to go.

Chronic stress can frequently result in tension headaches, and if you continue to experience them, burnout may be to blame.

Difficulties with the stomach and digestion

Burnout can also have a detrimental effect on someone’s gut health since stress causes the body to produce more of certain hormones and neurotransmitters.

This may disrupt a person’s delicate bacterial balance, resulting in stomach problems as dyspepsia, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“Digestion can also be altered and sped up, exacerbating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or alternatively affected and slowed down, producing bloating, pain, and constipation.”

Gaining weight

Numerous factors, including long-term stress, can lead to weight increase.

One reason is that it’s more tougher to make healthy decisions when your mind is under a lot of stress. You might indulge in a comfort food binge or turn to high-fat, high-sugar foods in an effort to boost your energy levels. You’re less likely to work out because, after yet another exhausting day at work, who has the energy?

Stress also causes hormonal changes that can result in weight gain.

When you’re overworked and overburdened, the stress hormone cortisol floods your body, and as a result, your body is urged to accumulate fat cells, particularly around your midsection.

Sleep changes

unexpectedly unable to get asleep? Are you tossing and turning in the middle of the night? waking up much earlier than your alarm?

Or do you seem to be sleeping more than usual? No matter how much you relax, you’re still feeling exhausted. Attending meetings and dozing off right away?

Each of these might indicate burnout.

The Delamere team notes that “burnout and high levels of stress can trigger the autonomic nervous system to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that induce significant alterations to sleep habits and can frequently contribute to insomnia or exhaustion.” These hormones include cortisol and adrenaline.

Frequent colds and infections

The Delamere experts say: ‘Ever wondered why people’s bodies are often more susceptible to colds and viruses when they are feeling stressed and burnt out?

‘That is because stress suppresses the immune system making it easier to get sick and it harder for the body to fight off.

‘Stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes (the white blood cells that fight viruses) making the body more at risk of infections.

‘But alongside of this, constant stress also means the body adjusts to having excess cortisol, making the immune system less sensitive to it and unable to regulate an inflammatory response as easily.’