Burnout: 5 Symptoms You Mustn’t Ignore

As professional women, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats—executive, mother, partner, friend—and constantly juggling competing demands. While it might feel empowering at first, this lifestyle can quickly lead to burnout. Burnout is not just feeling tired after a long week; it’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. Recognising the symptoms early is key to avoiding a more severe burnout situation, and there are five key signs that should never be ignored.First, chronic fatigue is one of the most obvious signs. It’s different from the typical tiredness that comes with a busy workday. This is the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep or a weekend off. You wake up still feeling drained, and it feels impossible to get through the day without struggling. If this sounds familiar, you could be pushing your body and mind beyond their limits. It’s crucial to acknowledge this and consider what’s really draining your energy—whether it’s work, family responsibilities, or a combination of both.

The second symptom is increased irritability. We all have days when we feel a little on edge, but with burnout, this feeling becomes much more pervasive. You may find yourself snapping at colleagues, loved ones, or even yourself over things that wouldn’t normally cause such a reaction. This heightened irritability often masks deeper feelings of stress and frustration, which can further deteriorate your well-being if ignored. It’s a sign that something needs to change, and quickly, before those small irritations start impacting your relationships and your overall mental health.

Declining performance is another major indicator that burnout is setting in. You may notice that tasks that once felt easy now seem insurmountable. Deadlines become harder to meet, and the quality of your work may slip. You might feel like you’re putting in the effort but not getting the results you once did. This feeling can be incredibly demoralising, especially for high-achieving women who take pride in their work. But it’s a common symptom of burnout—when your mental and physical reserves are depleted, your ability to perform at your best diminishes. Recognising this early can help you take a step back and reassess your workload or seek help before it impacts your career.

Physical symptoms are another red flag. Burnout doesn’t just affect your mental state; it can manifest physically as well. You may experience persistent headaches, muscle tension, or even digestive issues. These physical ailments often go hand in hand with chronic stress and can indicate that your body is under strain. The longer you ignore these signs, the more severe they can become, leading to health problems that could have been avoided. It’s important to listen to your body and take these physical symptoms seriously.

Lastly, emotional withdrawal is something that many women experience when burnout is looming. You may start avoiding social interactions or feel disconnected from those around you. Whether it’s distancing yourself from friends, family, or colleagues, this isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and depression. It’s also a coping mechanism to try to conserve energy when everything feels overwhelming. But isolating yourself can further exacerbate burnout, so it’s important to reach out for support when you start to feel this way.

 Take the Burnout Quiz: https://c7b9bc05k59.typeform.com/to/sIiXEs8a

Burnout is a reality that far too many professional women face, and it’s something that disproportionately affects us. Studies show that nearly half of working women experience high daily stress levels, and that stress is often linked to the dual pressures of work and home life. These challenges are real, and the consequences of ignoring them can be significant. But by recognising the signs early and making changes before burnout takes hold, you can protect both your mental and physical health.

The first step is to set boundaries—both at work and in your personal life. It’s important to separate work time from personal time to ensure that neither one overtakes the other. Prioritising self-care is also essential. This doesn’t just mean going for a run or getting a massage (although that’s helpful too); it means actively engaging in activities that recharge you and make you feel whole. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply taking time to rest, self-care is a non-negotiable part of preventing burnout.

Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Talking to a friend, colleague, or even a mental health professional can help you process your stress and come up with solutions. Finally, delegate tasks—whether it’s at home or work, sharing the load can make a huge difference in your ability to cope. No one can do it all alone, and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Recognising the signs of burnout early and taking steps to address it can help you maintain a healthier, more balanced life. Your well-being matters, and it’s time to prioritise it.

Charlène is dedicated to empowering women to achieve peak performance while maintaining their health and well-being. Her mission is to prevent burnout and optimise performance, ensuring that success does not come at the expense of personal well-being. 

To learn more about Charlène Gisèle’s work, visit her official website and sign up for her weekly wellbeing newsletter at charlenegisele.com.

Written By Charlène Gisele, Burnout Advisor and Clinical Hypnotherapist